Section 1, Chapter 2: Underestimating the Problem

Families often hope it's not really addiction (or substance use disorder). Different family members have different opinions, and that dilutes the power of love and family. By the way, family is whatever we define "family" to be.

Addiction is a brain disease, and sometimes a brain injury. It will not get better on its own. Addiction is a medical problem that requires professional treatment. Our addicted loved one will minimize the problem and blame others. This is normal. We cannot expect the person who has a brain disease to have a clear view of the situation, and certainly not to have the solution. It's up to us to make sure our loved one is offered the help they need.