These are tough questions which still have no definite answers. Both the recovery community and the scientific community have a hard time finding a common ground when it comes to much of what's currently known about addictions. We know, through scientific research, that there are changes in the brain by substances and that some of these changes are permanent. We also know that, for some reason still not known, alcoholism and addiction tends to run in families.
Some folks believe in the disease model.
The founders of Alcoholics Anonymous also took the view that we have an illness which has no cure but that it can be managed. We have included here information on the nature of addiction and general information on the recovery process. Some of our information is specific to the gay and lesbian community. You will also find information specific to women in recovery. SuperStats JavaScript code to send back a banner.