Addiction (also called 'substance use disorder') happens when repeated use of alcohol or drugs causes changes in the brain that affect impulse control, motivation, and decision-making. Mayo Clinic+1  A person with addiction often cannot stop even when they want to, and consequences grow severe over time.

Examples of addiction:

• Using daily or throughout the day, even when it’s harming health or relationships.

• Lying about use or hiding substances.

• Withdrawal symptoms (shaking, sweating, anxiety, sleeplessness).

• Using despite major consequences such as DUIs or hospitalization.

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By contrast, substance abuse refers to using drugs or alcohol in ways that are harmful or risky but may not yet meet the clinical definition of addiction.

Examples of substance abuse:

• Binge drinking or using drugs occasionally but experiencing hangovers, blackouts, or missed responsibilities.

• Using to cope with stress or social pressure.

• Believing “I can stop anytime” despite emerging issues.

Substance abuse can progress into addiction without intervention — but with awareness and support, many people can redirect before it becomes life-threatening.

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic – Drug addiction: Symptoms & causes

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – The Science of Drug Use and Addiction

A mental health crisis happens when someone’s emotional distress becomes overwhelming and they may be at risk of harm.

Signs include:

• Talking about suicide, self-harm, or hopelessness.

• Extreme mood swings, panic, or paranoia.

• Losing touch with reality (hearing voices or seeing things).

• Sudden withdrawal or reckless behavior.

If someone is in immediate danger:
Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.
If not life-threatening but urgent, call or text 988 — the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — for 24/7 free, confidential support.

Stay calm, avoid arguing, and gently reassure them they’re not alone.

Sources:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Navigating a Mental Health Crisis

There are several levels of care depending on a person’s stability and needs:

Common types include:

• Detox: Medically supervised withdrawal management.

• Residential (Inpatient): 24-hour care in a structured setting.

• Partial Hospitalization (PHP): Daytime treatment, home at night.

• Intensive Outpatient (IOP): Several therapy sessions weekly.

• Outpatient: Weekly therapy and long-term support.

Look for licensed, evidence-based programs that offer trauma-informed and dual-diagnosis care (addressing both mental health and addiction).

💡 The WellBeing Corp provides intervention planning, placement coordination, and family support to help you find the right program — anywhere in the U.S.
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Sources:

• SAMHSA – Treatment Locator & Program Types

• National Institute on Drug Abuse – Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction

While some people attempt to stop on their own, research shows that addressing the underlying emotional, behavioural, mental-health factors through therapy significantly improves success rates. National Institute on Drug Abuse+1 Therapy also helps relapse prevention, builds coping skills, and supports long-term recovery. 

Some people can stop for short periods, but lasting recovery usually takes more than willpower.
Therapy helps uncover why someone uses in the first place and builds healthy coping skills.

Therapy can help:

• Heal trauma and emotional wounds.

• Identify triggers and high-risk situations.

• Strengthen communication and self-awareness.

• Build relapse prevention strategies.

Recovery isn’t about punishment — it’s about understanding, healing, and connection.

Sources:

• NIDA – Behavioral Therapies

• American Psychological Association – Addiction and Recovery

No. Relapse is not failure — it’s information. It shows where support systems or coping tools may need strengthening.

When relapse happens:

• Reconnect to treatment or support quickly.

• Identify what triggered the lapse.

• Rebuild structure, accountability, and safety.

Addiction is a chronic condition; progress often happens through multiple attempts. Each setback can become a turning point.

Sources:

• NIDA – Relapse Is Part of the Process

• American Addiction Centers – Understanding Relapse

Families are essential to recovery — but love must be balanced with healthy boundaries.

Ways to support:

• Learn about addiction (education reduces shame).

• Encourage treatment and celebrate small steps.

• Avoid enabling — don’t hide or fix consequences.

• Seek your own support (Al-Anon, family therapy, or coaching).

Healing happens for everyone involved. The WellBeing Corp offers family coaching, communication work, and boundary support to help the entire system recover together.

Sources:

• NIDA – Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: Family Involvement

• Al-Anon Family Groups

Yes — this is called a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorder, and it’s very common. Many people use substances to manage depression, anxiety, or trauma — which then worsens those same issues.

Examples:

• A person with PTSD drinks to sleep, deepening depression.

• Someone with ADHD misuses stimulants, leading to panic and exhaustion.

Effective treatment addresses both conditions together, using coordinated psychiatric and addiction care.

Sources:

• SAMHSA – Co-Occurring Disorders

• NIDA – Comorbidity: Substance Use and Other Mental Illnesses