Stress, Mindfulness,
Meditation and Resilience

Addiction, Drug Abuse and Recovery

Addiction is a medical condition characterised by habitual exposure to stimuli despite negative consequences. It is a disease of the mind's reward framework that develops over time as a result of constant exposure to addictive stimuli via transcriptional and epigenetic systems.

Addiction occurs when a man consumes a substance (e.g., liquor, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an action (e.g., betting, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but whose continued use/act becomes compulsive and interferes with traditional life activities such as work, relationships, or health. The concerned individual may be unaware that their behaviour is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others.

The DSM-IV-TR defines the types of compulsion seen with drug use, but it uses the terms substance abuse and substance dependency. The most common substance addictions are to alcohol, tobacco, opioids (such as heroin), cocaine, cannabis, and prescription drugs.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines recovery as "a progressive process by which people improve their well-being and health, live self-directed lives, including:

• I can address issues as they occur, without utilizing, and without getting worried.
• I have in any event one individual I can be totally legit with.
• I have individual limits and realize which issues are mine and which ones have a place with other individuals.
• I set aside the effort to reestablish my vitality — physical and enthusiastic — when I am worn out.