Understanding the difference between liking and wanting is a step in the right direction to understanding addiction.

Over the years, my understanding of addiction was that individuals who were addicted: experience physical consequences of not receiving the drug (withdrawal symptoms), in addition to psychological changes that lead to compulsive seeking (doing anything to get more of the drug) and permanent restructuring of the brain.

Race is a social construct which determines how we treat each other, but has no bearing on how a person will behave.

Having a better understanding of microaggressions and its effects, even when joking, will encourage you to  make a greater effort to be aware of your words and actions.

How we talk to ourselves is very important. Our minds can be our best friend or worst enemy!

Selfishness is defined as caring for oneself without regard for others. When you think of selfishness there is a negative stigma to it. Almost as if putting yourself before others is a bad thing (anything in excess is a bad thing).

When trying to recognize substance abuse among adolescents and young adults (age 15-25) it is important to keep in mind the developmental status of the individual which MUST be taken into consideration.