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Addiction

It might surprise you, but addiction is classified as a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. As defined by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, addiction is “a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.” Addiction can have a profound effect on the person who lives with the condition, as well as everyone around them.

Addiction affects 20.2 million adults in the US, and almost half of people (7.9 million) who live with addiction also suffer from other mental illnesses. Those who struggle with addiction may be addicted to any number of substances, including alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, hallucinogens, and prescription drugs. Addiction can be difficult to treat because the addictive substances change brain chemistry, making it difficult for users to quit.

However, it is important to know that there are many effective and compassionate treatments that allow people who are addicted to drugs or alcohol  to live healthy and fulfilling lives. The most effective treatment usually combines more than one modality and may include hospitalization, outpatient programs, self-help groups, and individual therapy.

How to Do a Digital Detox From Your Phone
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Published on: 07 Jul 2025
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
  • 8 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW

How to Do a Digital Detox From Your Phone for Improved Well-Being

Published on: 07 Jul 2025
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
  • Written byFamous Erwin, LMHC, LPC
  • Jul 07, 2025
Clinically Reviewed by Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW
These days, our phones do everything from unlocking the front door to adjusting the thermostat. They wake us…
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Published on: 30 Oct 2024
  • 10 minute read

Expert Q+A: The New Solutions for Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders

Published on: 30 Oct 2024
  • Written byTalkspace
  • Oct 30, 2024
Your ideas about substance use disorders may have been powerfully shaped by the movies or TV. It’s a…
Women raising their cocktail glasses for a cheers toast
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Published on: 28 Apr 2021
  • 5 minute read

How Do I Know if I’m Drinking Too Much?

Published on: 28 Apr 2021
  • Written byLadan Nikravan Hayes
  • Apr 28, 2021
In the pre-pandemic days of happy hours, holiday parties, and book clubs, alcohol was often seen as a…
An assortment of prescribed medication pills
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Published on: 19 Apr 2021
  • 7 minute read

How Therapy Can Help Treat Addiction

Published on: 19 Apr 2021
  • Written byDarcey Pittman
  • Apr 19, 2021
Addiction can turn your life upside down. It affects not only the person struggling with the addiction but…
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Published on: 07 Jan 2021
  • 5 minute read

Is Cannabis Addictive? What to Know about Cannabis Use Disorder

Published on: 07 Jan 2021
  • Written byElianna Lev
  • Jan 07, 2021
Many associate the winter as a time to give into indulgences. We sleep more, snack and drink until…
Young people at a party
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Published on: 09 Dec 2020
  • 6 minute read

Harm Reduction: An Alternative Approach to Managing Addiction

Published on: 09 Dec 2020
  • Written byBruce Ward
  • Dec 09, 2020
In September, 2013, at the age of 45, Marco* tried Crystal Meth (also known as “Tina”) for the…
LGBTQ-addiction-bisexual-women
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Published on: 30 Jun 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 7 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

Why Are Bisexual Women At A Higher Risk Of Substance Abuse?

Published on: 30 Jun 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byReina Gattuso
  • Jun 30, 2020
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
It took me a decade after coming out to learn that there was a reason I and other…
food and alcohol triggering around holidays
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Published on: 27 Nov 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 3 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

A Therapist’s Guide to Managing Holiday Triggers

Published on: 27 Nov 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byTalkspace
  • Nov 27, 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Updated on 3/2/21 Oh, the holidays. We’d all probably like to imagine ourselves sitting around a table spread…
emotional eating
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Published on: 26 Nov 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • 4 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD

What is the Root of Emotional Eating?

Published on: 26 Nov 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
  • Written byMelissa Stanger
  • Nov 26, 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD
Updated on 3/2/21 Everyone has their comfort object. For some it’s a childhood stuffed animal or blanket; for…
wine glass at the dinner table
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Published on: 04 Oct 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • 4 minute read
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S

4 Questions About Addictive Personalities Answered

Published on: 04 Oct 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
  • Written byElizabeth Su
  • Oct 04, 2019
Clinically Reviewed by Cynthia V. Catchings LCSW-S
Often, people ask me why I often avoid drinking alcohol, refuse to get an Apple Watch, or stray…

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