Many people do not understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to do so. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Studies of interpersonal trauma and substance abuse disorders show a strong association between the two. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to quit. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain.

1. Understand that substance use disorder and drug addiction are chronic diseases.
2. Begin to understand how the brain changes over the course of addiction.
3. Learn that addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed, and prevented.

Christina Love (she/her/hers)
Senior Specialist, Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Christina Love is an Alaska Native from Egegik village who was raised in Chitina, Alaska. She is a consultant, Recovery Coach and civil and human rights activist, while dedicating the last 7 years to systems change for targeted and marginalized populations in Alaska. She is a formerly incarcerated person in long term recovery who currently works as a Specialist for the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (ANDVSA), the state’s coalition of domestic and sexual violence programs. Christina's role focuses on intersectionality with an emphasis on trauma and substance use at ANDVSA. Christina works with programs, agencies, and communities state and nationwide to address the continuum of care for support services through strategic initiatives, substance use screening, training and technical assistance, community-based organization, integrated services, curriculum development, evaluation, assessment, and organizational and community healing.

Christina is part of a collective movement that works to end violence, oppression, shame, and stigma through the liberation of education and community healing.