Being addicted to recovery and the support of the recovery community can be healthier than other forms of addiction, as it provides a sense of connection and dopamine release.

Building a community through peer support in recovery can provide essential connections and help individuals feel less isolated in their struggles with addiction.

The key to overcoming any addiction is to acknowledge the problem, seek community support, and develop healthier coping mechanisms, as addiction often serves as a solution to discomfort or stress but becomes problematic when it takes on a life of its own, leading to further trauma and stress.

People often have a spiritual relationship with substances, using them to feel connected or whole, which complicates their recovery process.

Building resilience and connection early on is crucial to prevent addiction, as these factors are deeply related to adverse childhood experiences.

Addiction disrupts the brain's homeostatic circuits, leading to a narrow focus on substances like drugs, while healthy attachments to loved ones support emotional well-being.

Those affected by addiction need science-based treatment, compassion, and a shift in societal perception to view addiction as a health issue rather than a moral failing. I think about how much time I lost with people I loved because of the tough love model, where I thought I shouldn't see them until they stopped using or drinking. You miss out on precious moments that you can't get back.

Addiction is not the problem; it's the solution to an underlying stressor. People often turn to substances or behaviors to escape discomfort or pain.

Recognizing powerlessness is the first step in overcoming addiction, as it allows individuals to seek help and find strength in community support.