The science of the brain confirms that addiction is a disease, but it is also a symptom of something bigger than itself. Regardless of whether the addiction is to alcohol, drugs, shopping, sex, or any of a multitude of items and acts, the path to addiction is a long and winding road that too often leads to a destination of pain and devastation.

As life takes its twists and turns, not everyone gets lost along the way, but for many the road delivers them into the grip of an uncontrollable need (or powerful craving) that overrides their ability to “put on the brakes”. They start turning more and more to addictive actions out of habit, to cope, for relief from unpleasant feelings, or simply to forget.

But the comfort doesn’t last long. In fact, the problems that bring on the addictive behaviors only magnify through time until life spirals out of control.

It is unfortunate that so many people have to “hit rock bottom” before seeking help; have to lose so much before saying enough is enough.

Our society is fully open to, accepts and promotes physical therapy; working out to change a body from flabby to fit, or from broken to repaired. Yet when it comes to emotional and mental therapy, still we see the stigmas and embarrassment of seeking help to repair the ills that life has caused.

Addicted lives can be recovered. Even better yet, lives can be brought back to health before they completely break under the weight of addiction. It is called “recovery”.

What keeps people from seeking recovery? Oftentimes it is the fear of looking weak, or the fear of never again partaking of something they so enjoy. Pleasure is a potent draw. What would life be like without the gratification of the addiction? For the addicted, that can be a horrifying thought.

What many who are addicted don’t realize is that the addictive substance or act is not a life enhancer; it is a major detractor that strips them of the best life has to offer. It destroys family ties, friendships, ambition, careers, stability, self-respect, confidence, moral conviction, and lives. Addiction is a dark place to live and survive.

Yet, still, it is difficult for the addicted to imagine that life would be better if they moved to a state of recovery. There is no basis or concept in their lives to imagine gaining freedoms they’ve never felt before.

Because of the complex road that brings a person to the place of addiction, recovery is a process that takes time and special care. It is very personal in nature, requiring unique approaches to each person’s needs.

And while it is distinctive for every person, there are still commonalities in every case. Recovery requires total abstinence from the addictive act or substance. And one must dedicate themselves to the proper treatments and support programs (i.e. AA’s 12-step program) in order to make recovery a lifelong success.

As we continue reaching out to help people with addictions heal their lives, science and research continue to unravel the mystery of addictive cravings and the brain. Understandings continue to increase, and approaches to treatments continue to evolve.

To the mental health professional, freedom is what we live to provide. Recovery is the freedom we have to offer. After all, we do live in a land that treasures the very thought of freedom for all people.