Focus One defines addiction as:

 “The dependency upon something or someone

outside of oneself to feel better.”

 Even though addiction to drugs and alcohol can cause extreme problems, Focus One does not view addiction to drugs and alcohol as the primary problem, but rather as a manifestation of a need to feel better.

 Addiction and dependency is not limited to drugs and alcohol.  There are millions of people who never drink alcohol or take drugs and yet are dependent upon something or someone outside of themselves to feel better. Some of these individuals have engaged in behaviors and activities they are ashamed of because they  “want to fit in.”  Others have put aside their values and morals to “belong.”

 Today, more individuals than ever before are unhappy with themselves or their lives.  These individuals are trying everything they can think of to feel better.  They turn to all kinds of people, places, and things in their search for some relief from the way they feel.  In their frenzied attempt to feel better, they eventually become dependent upon people, places, or things just to feel better for a little while.

 Addiction is that which happens to individuals in their attempt to feel better.