Addiction is a primary, chronic brain disease. Primary means that it is not caused by anything else and chronic means that it lasts a lifetime. Genetic factors account for more than half the likelihood that an individual will develop Addiction but environment also plays a significant role in its expression. Our goal in writing this workbook is to help you appreciate the principles discussed in our book, Addiction is Addiction, and to expand your awareness and provide clarity about how the disease has been affecting you and others around you. It is helpful, although not necessary to have read Addiction is Addiction prior to starting this workbook. This resource has been designed for those who have read our previous book and those who have not. The title Addiction is Addiction highlights that whether a person’s problem is with substances or behaviors such as food, gambling, sex and love, these are all manifestations of the same disease and are not mutually exclusive.