Addiction is a chronic disease that affects the brain in complex ways that contribute to compulsive and uncontrollable use. Unfortunately, the media’s portrayals of addiction often show characters going through detox and then never having much of an issue with addiction again. You may have to deal with cravings and triggers for years after your last dose. It’s not just a matter of biology, there are a variety of factors that contribute to addiction. During active addiction, your brain has learned to seek drugs to relieve stress, pain, anxiety, and just to feel good. Even when you know that a drug can be harmful, it’s incredibly difficult to resist. Alcohol and drug addiction therapy can help you re-write the effects of drugs in your brain, learn to cope with negative feelings, and learn to avoid and deal with cravings. Drugs interact with body and brain to alter emotions, behaviours and moods by changing brain chemistry and a person’s perceptions.