But that's not enough. On another level, in the motivational circuits of the brain, the addict is controlled by an urge so overpowering that the death sentence is no deterrent to drinking too much or doing drugs. Go to chamber music concerts, clean out the attic, learn a new language. The good news is that some addicts can overcome their abusive behavior and build new lives. The effectiveness of addiction treatment is comparable to success rates for other chronic conditions, such as certain forms of heart disease and diabetes,points out Alan I. Leshner, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Researchers now have a better understanding of the changes in the brain that occur with addictions.
Out of this research are some lessons for you. The first is to understand the magnitude of what you're resolving. Serious resolutions demand character change, personality change. That's a big deal. It's how I act, how I see myself, how I see others.