The American Association of Addiction Medicine describes addiction as “a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory, and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social, and spiritual manifestations. This is reflected in an individual pathologically pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.”

That dysfunction often includes neglecting education and employment. Those who may suffer from addiction can find themselves caught in a cycle of using, going into withdrawal, craving, and using again.  In this cycle, normal responsibilities are often ignored, if not completely forgotten.

Part of building a life in recovery includes the need to focus on education and employment. Encore’s individual and group therapies integrate a life skills focus. Encore also offers coaching services with trained academic and career counselors.