Treating Addiction as a personal failing or weakness is stigmatizing and doesn’t work—not for those living with it, or for their loved ones. Understanding Addiction as a primary chronic brain disease allows us to see the symptoms and behaviours as they really are, and provide treatment programs that go beyond the stigma. Whether the Addiction involves alcohol, narcotics, gambling, food, or sex, it is vital to examine what is happening in the brain, not simply focus just on correcting a person’s behaviour.

This book looks at how treating Addiction as a disease can radically improve outcomes by using a holistic approach that balances the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of treatment needed for recovery. Whether you suffer from Addiction, know someone who does, or work in the healthcare field, Addiction is Addiction provides a comprehensive path to understanding, living with, and recovering from the disease.

Dr. Raju Hajela, Sue Newton, and Paige Abbott are with Health Upwardly Mobile Inc. (HUM) in Calgary, Alberta. HUM is an integrated health and wellness organization focusing on assessment and treatment related to Addiction, mental health, chronic pain, and occupational health.