Articles & Resources

What is the difference between substance abuse and addiction?

Substance Abuse v. Substance Addiction

I felt led to write this because I believe it’s important to understand the difference between Abuse and Addiction. A good place to start is establishing a working definition of the two.

Substance Abuse: Using drugs or alcohol to the point that it is harmful to yourself and/or others, but not necessarily to the point of physical or mental dependency or a loss of control.

Substance Addiction: A chronic brain disease where a person cannot stop using a substance despite negative consequences.

Something that jumps out to me as a massive distinction is the idea of “decision versus dependence.” A substance abuser looks like the guy who waits until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, hits happy hour for a couple of drinks with co-workers, and then, instead of going directly home, he decides to embark on another adventure. The “let’s see where this night takes me” guy. He will consume much more than he should, he will act out of character, and he will most likely risk driving home despite the possibility of consequences. He makes a decision to do all of these things. It’s calculated chaos.

Now, let’s talk about the addict. For the sake of comparison, let’s say that he works with our other guy. Our addict isn’t waiting for 5:00 p.m. on Friday. He isn’t even able to start typing his reports until he gets a few “maintenance” sips of the liquor he keeps in his desk. At noon, he has a beer with his burger that eventually turns into three. And, by 2:30 p.m., he’s counting the seconds until happy hour. Once happy hour starts, it’s off to the races. With the addict, it goes like this: craving, obsession, consumption until oblivion.

The differences are clear, but as the abuser continues his path, he increases the risk of graduating from weekend warrior to professional consumer. The more a person consumes, the more they crave the resulting effect. The more a person consumes, the more they tolerate. Which means they need more and more to get the same effect as before, thus the cycle of dependency or “addiction” is born.

The abuser, in their early stages of consumption, has the ability to make a choice to stop. This can come in the form of an intervention or a catastrophe that gives them a “come to Jesus experience,” as I like to call it. It’s always preferable that the abuser come to the decision of abstinence early without collateral damage. But, it’s likely that as they increase their tolerance to the substance, they also increase their ability to present as operating efficiently. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is where the functioning addict is born.

If you or someone you love is in one of these two camps or somewhere in between, reach out as soon as possible. Full-blown addiction is a challenging road to overcome, but there is HOPE. You are not alone, and your story could be the inspiration that saves the next person’s life.

‍What is relapse & how can it be prevented?‍

Relapse is the return to substance use after a period of abstinence. In recovery, relapse doesn’t mean failure — it’s often a signal that something in a person’s support system, coping strategies, or emotional state needs attention.

🔁 What is Relapse?

Relapse happens in stages:

1. Emotional relapse – You’re not thinking about using, but emotions and behaviors (like isolation, bottling feelings, or poor self-care) begin to shift.

2. Mental relapse – You start thinking about using, fantasizing about past use, or minimizing consequences.

3. Physical relapse – Actually using the substance again.

🛡️ How Can It Be Prevented?

1. Recognize Triggers

• People, places, smells, songs, or emotions can act as triggers.

• Build awareness of yours and make a plan to avoid or manage them.

2. Stick to a Routine

• Structure helps keep your mind focused and energy positive.

• Regular sleep, meals, meetings, and self-care create stability.

3. Use Your Support System

• Stay connected to your sponsor, accountability partners, and sober community.

• Isolation is one of the first signs of emotional relapse.

4. Practice HALT

• Ask: Am I Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired? These states can cloud judgment and lower resistance.

5. Process Emotions Healthily

• Journaling, prayer, therapy, or talking with a trusted friend helps.

• Don’t let guilt, shame, or fear fester in silence.

6. Have a Relapse Prevention Plan

• Know who you’ll call and what you’ll do if you feel tempted.

• Role-play hard conversations or high-risk situations in advance.

7. Keep Working Your Program

• Stay engaged in step work, meetings, and service.

• Growth and healing come with ongoing effort, not just time.

✨ Final Thought:

Relapse doesn’t erase progress — it reveals where more healing is needed. But, prevention is always possible with awareness, accountability, and grace.

‍What is detox?

Detox, or detoxification, is the first step in getting clean and beginning your recovery from drugs or alcohol. It’s the process your body goes through when it clears out the substances you’ve been using. When someone has been using drugs or drinking alcohol for a long period of time, their body becomes dependent on those substances to function. Once you stop using, your body needs time to adjust to functioning without them, and that process is called detox.

For many people, detox can feel overwhelming or even scary. That’s completely normal. The idea of facing withdrawal symptoms or not knowing what to expect can keep people stuck in their addiction. But here’s the truth: detox is temporary, and it’s also necessary. It’s like hitting a reset button for your body. And when done with the right support, detox is the first step toward real freedom. For detox to be safe, it should be monitored medically and tackled at a manageable rate. 

What Happens During Detox?

During detox, your body begins to flush out the drugs or alcohol in your system. Depending on what substance you’ve been using, how long you’ve used it, and your overall health, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These can range from mild to severe and may include things like anxiety, shaking, sweating, nausea, trouble sleeping, and cravings.

Because these symptoms can be uncomfortable — and sometimes even dangerous — many people choose to detox in a medical or supervised setting. In a professional detox program, doctors, nurses, and trained medical staff are there to monitor you, provide medication (if needed), and help you stay as comfortable and safe as possible. You’re not doing it alone, and that makes a big difference.

Why Is Detox Important?

Detox doesn’t fix everything, but it’s the beginning of healing. You can’t start working on the emotional, mental, and spiritual parts of recovery until your body is clear of the substances. Detox gets you to a place where your mind can start to clear, and you can begin to think more clearly and make decisions about your next steps in recovery.

It’s important to know that detox is not treatment — it’s only the first phase. After detox, it’s strongly recommended to continue with some kind of treatment program or sober living environment. That might include residential treatment, 12-step meetings, or a combination of supports that work for you. Detox gets the substances out, but recovery keeps them out.

What is addiction?

The definition of addiction is: a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of a substance or engagement in a behavior despite the harmful consequences. It often involves a loss of control, cravings, and an inability to stop even when the person wants to.

Two major categories of addiction include substance abuse addiction and behavioral addiction.

Substance abuse addiction can come in the form of drugs (illicit or prescription) and alcohol. However, substance abuse addiction isn't just limited to drugs and alcohol. It can also come in the form of nicotine, caffeine, and even sugar.

Behavioral addictions can come in many forms, but some of the most prominent are: gambling, internet/social media, sex/pornography, shopping, and food.

In both substance abuse addiction and behavioral addiction, you are affecting the brain's reward system, specifically dopamine, which is linked to pleasure.

Addiction is classified as a chronic disease that affects the brain and our behaviors.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction can appear in many different ways. Sometimes, it looks like stress. Other times, it's hidden behind a mask of a fast-paced lifestyle or someone who's “just having some fun” a bit too often. But beneath all that, addiction is a serious illness that affects not only the person suffering but also those who love them. The sooner we can recognize the signs, the better the chances of recovery. 

Maybe you’re worried about someone close to you or taking a hard look at yourself; learning to identify the symptoms of addiction is an essential first step. Addiction isn’t about a lack of willpower or weakness. It’s a complex disease that rewires the brain. That makes it incredibly difficult to simply snap out of it, even when the consequences are piling up. 

Addiction can take many forms, including alcohol, drugs, porn, gambling, or other compulsive behaviors. Regardless of the substance or habit, the patterns often look very similar. One of the clearest signs of addiction is powerlessness and loss of control over the substance or behavior. This might mean an inability to control one’s use or set boundaries, even after multiple attempts. Addiction is the inability to limit use or stop entirely. 

Responsibilities begin to take a back seat, and work, school, or home life begins to slip away. Increased secrecy, lying about usage, hiding bottles or pills, or disappearing for long periods of time are also signs. Often, risky behavior becomes more common, such as driving under the influence or putting oneself in dangerous situations without much thought.

The body often tells the truth before the person is ready to. Changes in weight, hygiene, and sunken or red and glossy eyes can signal a problem. Sleep patterns may change dramatically, swinging between insomnia and excessive sleep, including sleeping/passing out during important events or at odd times. Frequent illnesses or minor and major accidents may occur more often. When not using, the person most likely will experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, and, at times, mania. 

Addiction also affects the mental and emotional state of someone. You might notice someone becoming unusually irritable, angry, or euphoric without much rhyme or reason. Periods of depression, anxiety, or manic episodes, especially when withdrawing, can grow more intense. In more advanced stages, paranoia, delusional thinking, or mania might appear. 

Relationships, hobbies, and interests that once brought joy may also take a back seat, replaced by a singular focus on the substance or behaviors one has become addicted to. There are also subtler signs: someone joking about needing a drink to get through the day or becoming defensive when asked about their use. Often, the addiction requires larger amounts or more extreme substances or behaviors to feel the same effects, deepening the dependence.

As gripping as addiction is, there are some ways to help:

Avoid shame and guilt. Addiction is a disease, not a moral failure. Humiliating or blaming someone only pushes someone or oneself further away. 

Then start the conversation gently. Use “I” statements to express concern. A calm, compassionate approach can open the door to honesty.

Seek professional support therapists, addiction counselors, and medical professionals. Treatment centers are trained to diagnose and treat addiction. Don’t try to manage it alone.

Educate yourself. Understanding how addiction works helps you respond with empathy and knowledge. It also prepares you for what recovery may look like — both the hardships and the victories. 

Lean on community resources and build your own community in support groups like AA, N.A., sober living, IOP, and treatment centers, as well as ones for family members on their journey, such as Finding Hope and Al-Anon. These all provide community, accountability, tools, and mainly hope. You are not alone, and neither are they.

Addiction doesn’t define who someone is. In fact, acknowledging it can be the very first step towards healing. With love, compassion, and a bit of action, we can help ourselves and those we love take that first step and change their lives forever. At times when we are alone, it can feel impossible. It isn't. Know that help is within reach. Recovery is possible and it’s real. It begins with recognizing the behavior and being honest. That first step can and will change your life to become one you never imagined — one free from dependency on substances or behaviors. 

Is Addiction A Disease?

Addiction is widely recognized today as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that affects behavior, decision-making, and self-control. While some still view addiction as a moral failing or lack of willpower, scientific research has shown that it is a complex condition influenced by genetic, psychological, and environmental factors.

The disease model of addiction highlights the impact of drug and alcohol on the brain's reward system. Substances like opioids, alcohol, and stimulants can cause intense feelings of pleasure by flooding the brain with dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation. Over time, repeated use alters brain chemistry and structure, making it difficult for people to feel normal or satisfied without the substance. These changes are not simply behavioral — they are physical and observable in brain scans, reinforcing the idea that addiction is a medical condition.

Genetics also play a significant role in addiction. Studies show that individuals with a family history of addiction are more likely to develop substance use disorders themselves. Mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD can also increase the risk, suggesting a link between emotional pain and the drive to self-medicate.

Environmental factors — such as exposure to trauma, peer pressure, poverty, or lack of a support system — can also contribute to the development of addiction. These influences often shape a person's coping mechanisms and increase vulnerability to substance use.

Treating addiction as a disease rather than a personal failure changes how society approaches the problem. Instead of punishment or stigma, this view supports medical intervention, therapy, and long-term support. Effective treatments often include a combination of counseling, support groups like Narcotics Anonymous or Alcoholics, in-patient and out-patient treatments, and behavioral therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.

While addiction is a chronic disease, recovery is possible. Like other chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease, it may involve periods of relapse and remission, but with proper support, many people are able to manage their condition and live fulfilling lives.

In conclusion, addiction is not just a series of poor choices — it is a medical condition that deserves empathy, evidence-based treatment, and long-term care. Understanding addiction as a disease can reduce stigma and improve recovery outcomes.

How to help someone in addiction

If you are wondering how you can help someone in addiction, there are several ways you can get involved. One of the first steps is educating yourself on addiction. You can do this by watching documentaries or TED talks about addiction. Additionally, you can educate yourself by talking to people who are in recovery about what they experienced and what helped them. Taking it a step further, you can also learn about co-occurring symptoms to see if your loved one is suffering from addiction as well as a mental health condition, which can make their symptoms seem more prevalent.

Another way to help a loved one in addiction is to be supportive without enabling them. Be a safe and non-judgmental place for them to come to. Say things to them like “I’m here. I care for you, and I want to see you get help.” It becomes enabling when you say things like “I know you are late on your rent again, let me help you.” It is healthy to be supportive, but enabling can hinder an addict and possibly prevent them from ever seeking the help that they need.

You can also help someone in addiction by setting healthy boundaries. You can let them know what you will and won’t allow. After setting the boundaries with them, however, you must stick to them. If you don't uphold your end, they will feel like they can cross the boundaries time and time again. Setting boundaries helps the addict by promoting accountability, reducing manipulation and denial, and encouraging independence. Setting boundaries will help you by protecting your emotional and mental health, preventing resentments, and keeping the relationship from becoming co-dependent.

Finally, you can help someone with addiction by encouraging professional help. You can dial 211 from your phone or visit 211.org to find local recovery resources in your area. Another option is Hope is Alive’s 24/7 hopeline. They have contacts all over to help get people to treatment and on their path to recovery! If you would like help for a loved one or a support group for yourself, you can reach out to HIA’s Finding Hope team at hopeisalive.net.

How does addiction affect families and loved ones?

As a recovering addict, I’ve had to come to terms with the painful truth: addiction doesn’t just destroy the life of the person using — it tears apart the people who love them, too. I know this firsthand because I wasn’t just using drugs; I was lying, stealing, manipulating, and emotionally abandoning the very people who tried to help me most — my family. In the darkest parts of my addiction, I became someone I barely recognize now: cold, selfish, and heartless. I stole from my family — money, time, peace of mind — and I gave back nothing but pain, broken promises, and sleepless nights.

At the time, I justified my actions. I told myself I needed money more than they did, that I would pay them back, that they just didn’t understand what I was going through. But looking back, I see that what I was really doing was draining them financially, emotionally, and mentally. They spent thousands on treatment centers, interventions, and therapy, none of which I was ready to commit to. They spent countless nights wondering if the next call would be from the hospital or the morgue. My addiction didn’t just consume me — it held my loved ones hostage, too.

Addiction turns a home into a battlefield. Trust shatters. Communication becomes strained or nonexistent. Holidays, birthdays, and family dinners turn into dreaded occasions because nobody knows which version of me will show up — or if I’ll show up at all. My family walked on eggshells, never knowing what might set me off or if they were enabling me by helping me yet again. I pushed them away, even while depending on them to survive. And still, they tried to hold on.

But something I didn’t understand until I began my own recovery is that they needed healing, too. The damage I caused didn’t disappear just because I decided to get clean. They had scars — emotional ones — from years of watching someone they loved spiral into a stranger. Their love had turned into worry, resentment, and grief. And just like me, they had to find a path to recovery.

Families and loved ones deserve support, guidance, and healing. They need safe spaces to process the trauma they’ve endured. Addiction isn’t just an individual disease — it’s a family disease. It spreads, infects, and lingers. I’ve come to believe that just as addicts need therapy, meetings, and community, our families need their own form of recovery. Whether that’s through Al-Anon, counseling, or support groups like Finding Hope, they need to know they’re not alone and they deserve to heal just as much as we do.

Today, I’m clean. I work every day to earn back trust, to be someone my family can rely on again. But I also understand that some of the damage I caused can’t be undone — it can only be acknowledged and worked through, together. Recovery isn’t just for the addict. It’s for everyone who’s been hurt, and everyone who still holds out hope.

How Can I Help Someone with Addiction?

If you are trying to help someone with addiction, chances are you feel tired, confused, and devastated. You want to save them. You want to do anything to bring them back to the person they used to be. I understand that feeling completely, because I used to be the one everyone was trying to save.

My loved ones would do anything for me. Out of fear and desperation, they gave in to my wants. They thought if they could just keep me happy, I wouldn't want to drink. They thought that if they showed me enough care and comfort, I would find a reason to want change. But what they didn’t realize at the time was that their love, though pure, was allowing me to stay addicted. I was protected from consequences, shielded from the truth, and quickly getting more and more sick.

They were terrified. They thought that if they backed away, I would die. What they didn't know was that by holding on too tightly, they were helping me avoid the very pain I needed to feel in order to change. I had to hit a place where I finally saw that no one could rescue me. I had to want freedom for myself.

It was not until they started setting boundaries and loving me from a distance that my eyes began to open. They stopped making excuses for me. They stopped bailing me out. And they did it with tears in their eyes and love still in their hearts. That kind of love takes more strength than enabling ever could. That was when I began to understand that the only person who could change my life was me.

Helping someone with addiction requires courage and strategy. It takes a willingness to let them face their reality. It means loving them enough to allow discomfort. Sometimes it even means stepping back altogether. And that is not giving up. That is giving them the power to decide. While helping someone else, please don't forget about yourself. Loving someone in addiction is painful. It can feel like you're barely holding on while trying to keep someone else above water. You need support. You need healing. Whether it's through counseling, a support group, or a trusted friend, take care of your own heart in the process.

Above all, hold onto hope. I am proof that recovery is possible. I am proof that God can take a broken, addicted, hopeless person and breathe life back into them. It was not easy. It certainly wasn't quick. But it was all worth it.

If you are wondering how to help someone with addiction, the answer is not found in rescuing them. It is found in loving them with honesty, boundaries, and with faith that they can rise. You cannot do it for them, but you can pray. You can believe. You can hope. This is where change begins.

Finding True Joy in God

True joy is not fleeting, nor is it contingent on external circumstances. It is deep, abiding, and rooted in peace and contentment that come from something greater than us.

In Scripture, joy is often tied to the presence of God. The Psalmist writes, “In your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). This joy flows from an intimate relationship with God, one that brings our souls into communion with our Creator.

The Joy of Knowing God

Knowing God is more than simply being aware of his existence. It involves understanding his character—his love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness—and experiencing his presence.

The joy of knowing God comes from recognizing who he is. God is infinitely good, wise, and loving. When we come to know him, we encounter unconditional love and a wisdom that transcends human understanding.

We realize that, in all things, God is working for our good (Romans 8:28). This assurance brings peace and comfort, even in the midst of pain and loss.

God is a Father who cares for his children with perfect love. He is sovereign and sees life from a heavenly view, unlike us with our limited perspective.

Identity and Belonging

One of the most profound aspects of knowing God is realizing that we belong to him. We are not left to navigate life’s difficulties on our own.

This relationship gives us identity and purpose. We are not defined by our strongholds or our accomplishments, but by the truth that we are loved by the Creator of the universe.

An Eternal Perspective

Now I spend as much time as I can celebrating the fact that our lives are not limited to this world but extend into eternity.

Heaven is a real place where God’s people will be with him forever—free from pain, shame, and sadness. There, I will be reunited with my daughter forever.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

Tools to Find True Joy

Here are some practical tools to help cultivate joy rooted in God:

• Spend time daily in prayer – Communicate openly with God, asking for his help in overcoming negative thoughts and emotions. Prayer creates dialogue that brings clarity and peace.
• Meditate on Scripture – Set aside quiet time daily to focus on uplifting verses, renewing your mind, and focusing on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).
• Surrender control – Trust God’s plan. Letting go of the need to control everything opens you up to peace and joy.
• Release fear – Fear fuels negative emotions. Remember God’s promise in Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• Practice gratitude – Thank God regularly for his blessings, big and small. Write down things you’re thankful for and reflect on his goodness.
• Seek encouragement from others – Surround yourself with people who share a faith-filled outlook and can inspire you.
• Practice accountability – Share your struggles with trusted people who can pray for you and help keep your focus on God.
• Memorize Scripture – Fill your mind with truth, such as Romans 12:2: “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• Speak faith-filled affirmations – Declare God’s promises over your life, reinforcing his peace, joy, love, and patience.
• Serve others – Acts of kindness shift your focus outward, mirroring God’s love and helping to diminish negative thinking.

God’s Provision

In Jonah 4, it says that God provided a gourd vine to bring Jonah shade and protection.

What will God provide for you?

Hope in the Psalms: Seeing Triumph Over Addiction in the Songs of David

David’s psalms capture the raw emotions of the human heart—pain, hope, despair, and triumph. This YouVersion Bible Reading Plan explores several psalms to uncover encouragement, strength, and the reminder that God meets us in both the valleys and the victories of addiction recovery.

Start the plan here: Hope in the Psalms: Seeing Triumph Over Addiction in the Songs of David

‍

Loss: Encouragement After Losing a Loved One to Addiction

Losing someone you love to addiction is one of the deepest pains imaginable. The grief and helplessness can feel overwhelming, yet even in the darkest moments, God’s presence never leaves us. This YouVersion Bible Reading Plan offers encouragement, comfort, and reminders of God’s nearness for those walking through this kind of loss.

Start the plan here: Loss: Encouragement After Losing a Loved One to Addiction