Addiction is a chronic, progressive brain disease in which the individual becomes dependent upon a particular substance or behavior to generate positive feelings or to cope with daily life stressors. Successful treatment of addiction is impossible to achieve without addressing thought patterns and behaviors that are commonly associated with addiction. Many of these patterns of thought and behavior, such as denial, lying and blaming others for problems have developed as defense mechanisms. Others are a result of thinking distorted by either environmental or genetic factors. While it is possible for someone with an addiction to stop using the substance or engaging in the behavior for a period of time, the presence of these patterns of thought and behavior will ultimately lead the individual back to his or her addictive behaviors. Long term treatment is often necessary for those with a significant history of addiction in order to gain the ability to recognize and replace these negative patterns. Essentially, it is not enough for the individual to stop the addictive behavior; the negative thinking associated with the behavior must be addressed as well.