Understanding Addiction

Learn about drug & alcohol addiction

Substance abuse is the general term that includes the abuse of both legal and illegal substances, including prescription medications, alcohol, heroin, and cocaine. This term can be used to refer to a one-time event or a continued pattern of abuse. Those who participate in substance abuse often find themselves dependent on the substances that they have been abusing. From a clinical standpoint, this occurrence is referred to as developing a substance use disorder. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), substance use disorders are characterized as compulsive behavioral patterns that are connected to the abuse of one or more substances.

Substance abuse and substance use disorders can cause extreme damage and chaos within the lives of individuals, families, and communities throughout the country. In addition to having a destructive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of those who partake in this behavior, substance abuse is also connected to crime, family discord, financial stress, and a number of other sociological consequences.

When an individual develops a substance use disorder, he or she might not be able to defeat his or her pathological need to abuse a specific substance without the help of a trained professional. The good news, however, is that there are specialized treatment programs available that are proven effective in helping individuals overcome chemical dependency and make the changes needed to help them live happy, healthy lives.

Statistics

Statistics on substance abuse & addiction

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that between 80% and 90% of all adults within the country have partaken in substance abuse at least one time in their lives. In the United States, the top most commonly abused psychoactive substances are alcohol, marijuana, and prescription medications. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states that over 20 million Americans are currently battling with substance use disorder, however less than 15% of these individuals will obtain the treatment they need.

Causes & Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for substance abuse

The chances that an individual will participate in substance abuse or become diagnosed with substance use disorder can be impacted by a number of causes and risk factors, including:

Genetic: Many studies show that genetics play a significant role in the development of substance use disorders. Those with a family history of substance abuse are placed at a greater risk for developing a substance use disorder, as are those who have specific inherited traits such as novelty seeking and impulsive personalities.

Environmental: Attitudes defined by culture and the abuse of specific substances can serve as environmental factors for the development of certain substance use disorders. Other environmental factors include high levels of stress, poverty, trauma, and hanging out with individuals who participate in substance abuse.

Risk Factors:

Living in poverty
Low educational achievement
Having a novelty seeking personality
Being impulsive
Family history of mental illness
Associating with individuals who partake in substance abuse
Having easy access to substances of abuse
Having an aggressive nature
Family history of substance abuse
Prior substance abuse
Personal history of mental illness
Age (early exposure to substance abuse increases the likelihood of problems within an individual’s life)

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of substance abuse

Those who participate in substance abuse or who have developed substance use disorder will show a number of symptoms. Below are some of the most common symptoms that will signify if an individual is abusing one or more substances:

Behavioral symptoms:

Using substances even when it is dangerous to do so, such as when driving a car
Unexplained absences from work or other responsibilities
Withdrawal and isolation
Behaving in a hyperactive manner
Deceptiveness about whereabouts, acquaintances, and actions
Failing to fulfill obligations at work or at home
Possessing drug paraphernalia
Spending a great deal of time acquiring, using, or recovering from the use of a substance

Physical symptoms: