Addicitons

Addiction is a complex condition that goes beyond habit or poor choices — it’s a mental health disorder that affects a person’s brain, body, and behavior. It often involves the repeated use of a substance or engagement in a behavior despite harmful consequences. People struggling with addiction aren’t weak or flawed — they are often trying to cope with deep pain, stress, trauma, or mental health challenges.

Addiction can impact all areas of life, including relationships, work, health, and self-worth. Recovery is possible, and it often begins with compassion, connection, and support.

Many people with addiction describe feeling stuck in a cycle they can’t break, even when they desperately want to. Internal experiences may include:

• Feeling out of control with substance use or certain behaviors
• Craving or obsessively thinking about the substance or behavior
• Using to escape emotional pain, anxiety, or trauma
• Shame, guilt, or self-blame after using
• Difficulty coping without the substance or behavior
• Emotional numbness or disconnection from others
• Isolation and loneliness
• Mood swings, depression, or anxiety
• Feeling like "two different people" — one who wants to stop, and one who can't
   

Outward signs of addiction can vary depending on the person and the substance or behavior involved. Some common indicators may include:

• Increased secrecy or withdrawal from family and friends
• Changes in mood, personality, or sleep patterns
• Financial problems or sudden job/school struggles
• Neglecting responsibilities or personal care
• Risky behaviors or legal issues
• Frequently appearing intoxicated or “checked out”
• Repeated attempts to stop or cut back without success
• Increased tolerance (needing more to feel the same effect)
• Physical changes such as weight loss, fatigue, or tremors
   

Addiction can involve substances or behaviors, and it affects people from all walks of life. Some broad categories include:

• Substance Use Addictions
  • Alcohol
  • Prescription medications (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants)
  • Illicit drugs (cocaine, heroin, meth, etc.)
  • Cannabis, nicotine, vaping
     
• Behavioral Addictions
  • Gambling
  • Internet or gaming
  • Shopping or spending
  • Sex or pornography
  • Food or binge eating
  • Work or exercise (when excessive or compulsive)
     

Addiction often thrives in silence and shame. At Evergreen Hope, we believe in meeting people where they are — with compassion, not judgment. Whether you’re just starting to question your relationship with a substance or behavior, or you’ve been battling addiction for years, you deserve support.

We help individuals and families explore the why behind the addiction, develop healthier coping strategies, and rebuild a life rooted in connection, purpose, and freedom.

Change is possible — and it starts with hope.