Have you ever tried something, want it all of the time, and can’t seem to quit?  You might suffer from a serious addiction.  What is an addiction anyway?  “Addiction is a chronic, but treatable, brain disorder. People who are addicted cannot control their need for alcohol or other drugs, even in the face of negative health, social or legal consequences. This lack of control is the result of alcohol- or drug-induced changes in the brain. Those changes, in turn, cause behavior changes.” (HBO | Addiction)

Addictions can start at anytime and with almost anything.  What are the different addictions that you can think of that come to mind first?  Addictions can range from alcohol and drugs to gambling, eating, shopping, sex, work, video games, Internet, pornography, ect.

An addiction can come in many forms and will take over and destroy the addicts’ life.  Statistically speaking, the cost of addiction is mind blowing.  Here are some statistics from www.AddictionsAndRecovery.org:

At least twice as many people die from alcoholism in the US every year as die from motor vehicle accidents.  Alcohol intoxication is associated with 40-50% of traffic fatalities, 25-35% of nonfatal motor vehicle injuries, and 64% of fires.  Alcohol is present in nearly 50% of homicides, either in the victim or the perpetrator. 

Alcohol intoxication is involved in 31% of fatal injuries, and 23% of completed suicides.

One study found that 86% of homicide offenders, 37% of assault offenders, and 57% of men and 27% of women involved in marital violence were drinking at the time of their offense. 

As you can see by the statistics above, these addictions can kill you and the people around you.  If you suffer from some form of addiction than you know that you must get help now.  Don’t wait any longer!  You don’t have to hide this addiction anymore.  Come on in and Get Help.  

Do you suffer from an addiction or know someone who does?  Check out the next blog that will feature a self-test questionnaire for Addiction.  Thanks for reading and please feel free to comment below!