Key points

Examine whether a substance or behavior is causing problems in your life.

Disordered use follows a Trigger > Behavior > Reward loop with problematic consequences.

For change, build motivation, cope with urges, problem-solve triggers, and rebalance your lifestyle.

You have the power to choose a different response and reclaim your freedom.

Are your substance-use behaviors causing problems? Let's explore!

We are wired to seek pleasure, avoid pain, and remember what works. If our hunter/gatherer ancestors discovered a food source, a dopamine signal went from their stomach to their brain to tell them, "Remember what you ate and where you found it." All animals learn this way—trigger, behavior, reward. When we find ourselves "addicted," we have gotten stuck in the trigger, beh

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