Patient Rights & Responsibilities

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• The Center for Health Promotion & Wellness

Addictions & Compulsions: An Overview

At MIT Medical, we provide help for individuals who are addicted to substances or compulsive behaviors—and those who are affected by these addictions. Common addictions include alcohol, gaming, and gambling, but whatever the addiction or compulsion, we are here to help you.

What is Addiction?

While there isn’t one set of criteria for addiction, addiction is characterized by an inability to stop harmful behavior despite negative social and physical consequences. Common addictions include unhealthy and repeated use of alcohol or drugs, gambling, gaming, or smoking. Addictions are easily formed behaviors that offer relief from stress and anxiety and provide physical or psychological pleasure.

For more information about addiction, see Early Warning Signs of a Potential Alcohol or Other Drug Problem [PDF].

What is Compulsion?

A compulsion is a repetitive, ritualistic behavior a person performs without rational motivation. Compulsive actions and behaviors offer temporary relief from anxiety. Many people exhibit habitual behavior, but compulsions refer to those instances where these behaviors disrupt an individual’s ability to function.

For more information about compulsion, see Compulsive Gambling Signs and Symptoms [PDF].

The Path to Recovery

People can—and do—recover from addictions. Everyone is unique, and the path to recovery from addiction will be different for each person. However, research shows that for most people, recovery from addiction is most effective when treatment medications are combined with behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy aims to help teach people with addictions healthier ways of coping with life’s ups and downs.

How to Help a Friend

Here are some things you can do to help a friend who, you think, may have a problem with alcohol or other drugs:

• Express your concern about your friend and let him or her know you’re worried and want to help.
• Listen with compassion and without judgment.       
• Avoid conflict by expressing your concern using “I” statements, like "I'm worried” or “I’ve noticed,” which are less confrontational and accusatory than “you” statements.
• Don’t use labels, such as “addicted” or having a “drug or alcohol problem.” This may make your friend become defensive. 
• Expect denial from your friend, who will most likely deny there is a problem. Don’t take it personally. Come back to the subject at another time, and let your friend know you are available to talk.
• Help your friend get connected to professional help by offering to call and set up an appointment for your friend with MIT Medical’s Mental Health Service, MIT’s Student Support Services (S3), or an MIT Medical care provider. You can even offer to accompany your friend to the first appointment.
• Discuss your concerns with a professional to educate yourself about substance abuse and get more advice about ways you can help.
• Know your limits. It can be very difficult to see a friend in distress. Be there to help, but be careful not to let your friend’s life stresses compound your own. 

People Who Can Help

At MIT Medical, we are here to help you or a friend who wants more information about alcohol or other drug use—and to provide support programs and treatment:

• Health care providers can answer medical questions and concerns related to alcohol and drug use. Call 617-253-4481 to make an appointment.
• Mental health professionals can help people who are ready to make a change in their behavior and are interested in pursuing therapy. They are also available for people who just want to talk. Contact the Mental Health Service at 617-253-2916 to make an appointment.
• Health educators provide access to additional information and resources and are there for people who just want to talk. To schedule a one-on-one consultation, call the Center for Health Promotion & Wellness at 617-253-1316.
• The Substance Abuse Recovery Group is a supportive group that welcomes new members, regardless of where they are in their recovery. The group meets weekly throughout the year and is open to all members of the MIT community. Members do not need to be screened before joining. For more information, call Laurie Zelas, R.N., C.S., at 617-253-2916.

Other MIT Resources

Community Development & Substance Abuse Center for Prevention, Policy, and Research (CDSA): To participate in a brief, two-session self-evaluation about your drinking, contact CDSA at 617-253-3277 or cdsa@mit.edu.

Nightline: Male and female staffers are available 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. each night of the term at this student-staffed, peer-listening service for MIT students. You can call to talk about anything on your mind, including alcohol and drug use. Call 617-253-8800.

Additional Resources

Here are some great resources outside of MIT that can give you more information:

Get screened on your alcohol use
Get screened on your drug use
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Go Ask Alice!
The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling