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Substance Abuse:
What Is Addiction and How to Quit
Why do people use alcohol and other drugs? Basically, people use substances such as alcohol and other drugs because they like the way these substances make them feel. Pleasure is a powerful force. Your brain is wired in such a way that if you do something that gives you pleasure you will probably want to do it again. All drugs that are addicting can activate and affect the brain's pleasure circuit.
What is addiction? Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and your behavior. When you become addicted to alcohol or other drugs, your brain actually changes in certain ways. Someone who is addicted uses drugs without thinking of the cnsequences, such as problems with health, money, relationships and performance at work or at school.
What drugs can cause addiction? People can become addicted to illegal drugs and to drugs that doctors prescribe. People can also become addicted to things they may not think of as drugs, such as alcohol and the nicotine in cigarettes or smokeless tobacco.
How do I know if I have a problem? You have a problem with drugs or alcohol if you continue to use them even when they cause problems with your health, money, work or school, or with your relationships. You may have a problem if you have developed a tolerance to drugs or alcohol. This means you need to use more and more to get the same effect.
Can addiction be treated? Yes, but addiction is a chronic (going on for a long time), relapsing disease. It may take a number of attempts before you can remain free of drugs or alcohol.
What treatments are available? Treatment can include counseling, medication or both. Your doctor will help you find the treatment that is right for you.
How can I quit abusing drugs or alcohol? The first step in breaking addiction is to understand that you can take control of what you do. You can't control all the things that happen in your life or most of what other people do, but you do have control over how you react. So use that control.
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