What is the Cycle of Addiction? Drug and alcohol addiction research has clearly demonstrated that the addicted brain is chemically and physiologically different from a normal brain. The idea of addiction being a neurological disorder is critical to understanding its development, and the recovery process. Eventually, from internal turmoil and conflict, or through outside interventions, a person will seek to stop the addiction cycle, and enter into a healthier lifestyle called recovery. It may take months, years, or decades before this process leads one onto the path of recovery. An addict or alcoholic may understand the cycle of addiction, but will remain unable to break the repetition of the cycle, until they develop the insight to seek help. For some, this may mean entry into a religious organization, self-help group, or simply developing a better way of life. However, the vast majority of addicted persons require outside help, such as that given by counselors, physicians, and addiction treatment centers. |