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An Overview of Addiction
Explore how addiction affects both individuals and loved ones, whether it involves substances or behaviors. Gain a clear perspective on the realities of addiction.
What is Addiction?
Learn the psychological, biological, and social factors that drive repetitive, harmful behaviors.
Learn About Addiction
Drug Use & Addiction
Learn about prescription and illicit drug addiction, how dependency develops, and facts of drug use.
Learn About Drug Use
Are You Addicted?
Identify warning signs, self-assessments, and how to know when professional help is needed.
Assess Signs of Addiction
Frequently Asked Questions
Addiction is a complex condition affecting millions globally. Understanding its causes and recovery can help individuals and their loved ones. Here are common questions about addiction, treatment, and long-term recovery.
What is addiction?
Addiction is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive substance use or engaging in behaviors despite harmful consequences. It affects brain function, leading to cravings, loss of control, and difficulty stopping even when it negatively impacts one’s life.
Addiction can involve substances like drugs and alcohol or behaviors such as gambling and gaming.
Is addiction a disease?
Yes, addiction is recognized as a chronic brain disease that alters brain chemistry, affecting decision-making, impulse control, and behavior.
Like other chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, addiction requires ongoing treatment and management to maintain recovery.
How to break an addiction?
Overcoming addiction requires a combination of medical treatment, therapy, lifestyle changes, and support. Steps include recognizing the problem, seeking professional help, detoxing safely, engaging in therapy or counseling, and building a strong support system.
Long-term recovery often involves relapse prevention strategies and continued care.
Is addiction genetic?
Genetics can play a significant role in addiction, with studies showing that about 40-60% of a person’s risk for addiction is linked to genetic factors. However, environmental influences, mental health, and personal experiences also contribute to whether someone develops an addiction.
Which celebrities have battled and overcome addiction?
Many celebrities have publicly shared their struggles with addiction and their journey to recovery, including:
Robert Downey Jr. – Before “Iron Man,” he battled drug addiction for years before achieving sobriety and reviving his career.
Demi Lovato – The Songstress overcame substance use disorder and advocates for mental health awareness.
Elton John – The Rocketman has been sober since the 1990s and actively supports addiction recovery programs.
Eminem – The Real Slim Shady turned his life around after struggling with prescription drug addiction.
Drew Barrymore – Talk show host and child actress Drew battled substance use as a teen and has been open about her recovery journey.
ADDICTION
Most Abused Drugs
Drug addiction is an ongoing battle in the United States, and illicit drugs aren’t the only concern, with a reported 16 million people in the US abusing prescription drugs. Take a look at the most commonly abused prescription medications alongside the top three most abused illicit drugs.
Learn More About Drug UsePrescription drugs
Improper use of prescription medications, such as opioids and stimulants, can quickly result in dependence.
Fentanyl (or Street Fentanyl)
Originally prescribed for pain, now a potent synthetic opioid stronger than heroin and the leading cause of overdose deaths in the U.S.
Oxycodone (OxyContin®, Percocet®)
A prescription painkiller that can rapidly cause addiction when misused, and one of the largest sources of overdose in the early 2000's.
Hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Norco®)
The most-prescribed opioid in America, often leading to dependence and addiction when taken improperly.
Illicit drugs
Some of the most common illegal drugs are heroin, cocaine, and meth. All are highly addictive, with a dangerous risk of overdose.
Heroin
An illegal opioid derived from morphine, creating brief euphoria but driving severe addiction, high overdose risk worldwide.
Meth
A powerful stimulant misused for energy surges, linked to high addiction rates, rapid physical damage, and escalating global health concerns.
Cocaine
A short-acting stimulant causing brief highs yet fueling rapid dependence, overdose threats, and major illicit trade worldwide.
"AddictionHelp.com is helping to make recovery available to EVERYONE!"
Meet Our Founders
Meet Dr. Hoffman“Treating addiction patients is the most rewarding part of medicine that I’ve ever experienced. We help to bring hope when people are frequently hopeless and bring light into the darkest times of a person’s life.
It’s amazing to assist a patient in getting their life back from addiction, restore relationships that were destroyed by the disease, and restore a smile (and a sense of pride) when they look in the mirror.”
Dr. Kent S. Hoffman
Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer
Learn More About Chris“Recovery not only saves your life but also offers you a fresh start, complete with a supportive community of new friends who walk alongside you, love you, and cheer you on.
AddictionHelp.com serves as a launching pad and a place for growth in the years ahead. I had no idea how wonderful life could be until I experienced recovery, and even 20 years later, I’ve never looked back.”
Chris Carberg
Founder & Grateful Recovering Addict (2005)
TREATMENT
Addiction Treatment
Addiction is a treatable condition, and help is available. Individuals can find the right path to healing with various recovery programs and support options. Explore the available resources to take the next step toward recovery.
Learn About Addiction Treatment
Addiction Therapy
Therapy helps address the root causes of addiction and builds skills for lasting recovery.
ADDICTION
Alcohol
Alcohol is widely consumed worldwide, often associated with social events. However, as a depressant, it slows brain function, affecting judgment, coordination, and behavior. Excessive use can lead to addiction and serious health issues, endangering drinkers and their loved ones.
Learn About Alcohol Addiction
ADDICTION
Behavioral Addiction
Addiction isn’t always about substances—behaviors like exercise or gambling can also become compulsive by activating the brain’s reward system. Thankfully, effective therapies help break these unhealthy cycles and guide individuals toward healthier habits.
Learn About Behavioral Addiction
Porn Addiction
Gambling Addiction
Exercise Addiction
Food Addiction
Shopping Addiction
Social Media Addiction
Video Gaming AddictionHow Addiction Affects Our Communities
Addiction affects people from all walks of life, at every stage and circumstance. Explore tailored resources for families, individuals, and at-risk populations to find the support and guidance you need
Children
Children impacted by addiction often face neglect, trauma, and increased risk of substance use later in life. Early intervention and supportive environments can make a difference.
Teenagers
Teens are at high risk for experimenting with drugs and alcohol, with early substance use significantly increasing the chances of lifelong addiction. Education and prevention are key.
Family
Addiction affects entire families, causing emotional, financial, and relational strain. Family support and education can play a critical role in recovery.
College-Age Students
College culture normalizes binge drinking and drug use, increasing the risk of dependency and long-term addiction issues. Prevention and support are crucial.
Adults
Stress, work-life balance, and mental health challenges contribute to substance use in adulthood. Many adults struggle with addiction while juggling responsibilities and relationships.
Senior Adults
Substance misuse among older adults is rising, often due to prescription medications, chronic pain, and isolation. Recognizing addiction in this group is essential for care.
Women
Women experience addiction differently due to hormonal, psychological, and social factors. Stigma and caregiving responsibilities can also impact treatment access.
Men
Men are more likely to engage in high-risk substance use, often struggling with emotional expression and mental health challenges related to addiction.
U.S. Military
Veterans are at higher risk for PTSD, chronic pain, and substance use disorders. Many struggle with reintegration into civilian life, making targeted support essential.
First Responders
Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs face extreme stress and trauma, leading to higher rates of alcohol and drug use to cope with job-related pressures.
Bullying
Victims of bullying are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, while bullies themselves may engage in substance use at higher rates.
LGBTQ+
LGBTQ+ individuals experience higher rates of substance use due to discrimination, mental health struggles, and social stigmatization. Inclusive treatment options are vital.
BIPOC Community
Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities face unique barriers to addiction treatment, including systemic healthcare disparities and cultural stigmas.
Homeless Individuals
Substance use and homelessness are deeply connected, with addiction often worsening due to lack of resources, stability, and access to treatment.
MENTAL HEALTH
Mental Health And Addiction
Learn about the complex connection between mental health and addiction, highlighting the impact of co-occurring disorders and the importance of integrated treatment for lasting recovery.
Learn About Mental Health
Mental Health and Addiction
Understand how mental health conditions and substance use disorders influence each other.
Anxiety Disorders
Learn how anxiety disorders affects addiction and the treatment options available.
Personality Disorder
Discover the link between personality disorders and substance use.
Substance-Induced Disorders
Find out which substances can trigger severe mental health conditions.
Did You Know?
U.S. Military Veterans and Addiction
Veterans have a 1.5 times greater risk of dying by suicide, often tied to substance use disorders.
Veterans have a 1.5x risk of dying by suicide
Addiction & Mental Health
People with mental health disorders are twice as likely to develop a substance use disorder.
Having a mental health disorder makes you 2X as likely to develop addiction
RECOVERY
Living Life in Recovery
Recovery is a lifelong journey, but what happens after rehab? Support groups, therapies, and recovery programs provide ongoing guidance to help you maintain a substance-free life. While every path is unique, recovery offers freedom, growth, and new possibilities.
Learn About Recovery
Addiction Recovery
Learn what recovery truly means and how to navigate the journey.
Recovery Programs
Explore structured programs that provide long-term support and accountability.
Recovery Medication
Discover how FDA-approved medications can aid in maintaining sobriety.
Life After Rehab
Get tips on rebuilding your life, finding support, and staying on track.
Shows
Original Streaming Shows
The Addiction Help Podcast
Welcome to the Addiction Help Podcast, your go-to resource for valuable insights, inspiring stories, and practical tips on addiction and addiction recovery. We are dedicated to empowering individuals, supporting families, and fostering a community of strength and resilience. We explore various addiction-related topics through engaging discussions, expert interviews, and personal narratives, including substance abuse, behavioral addictions, mental health, recovery strategies, etc. Our caring and knowledgeable hosts bring a wealth of expertise and genuine passion to each episode, ensuring that every topic is approached with sensitivity and respect.
Latest Episodes
Episode 25
Posted Feb 12, 2024
Episode 24
Posted Jan 08, 2024
Episode 23
Posted Dec 23, 2023
Victory Over Vices
Victory Over Vices with Dan Hauser is a unique blend of the world of sports and the struggles that arise from addiction, compulsive behaviors, and other issues that require a champion’s mentality. In this new show, we explore some of the most controversial topics in popular culture today to shed light on the victories that many have achieved. He also highlights the potential risk factors that still loom large in society. Join us weekly as Dan and his guests talk about broken roads and how to persevere. Learn how real life often kicks off AFTER the whistle blows.
Latest Episodes
Episode 14
Posted Mar 28, 2024
Episode 13
Posted Mar 18, 2024
Episode 12
Posted Feb 23, 2024
Lights of Recovery
Lights of Recovery with Jessica Miller shines a beacon of hope through true stories of resilience, healing, and transformation. This heartfelt series shares the journeys of individuals facing addiction, the loved ones who support them, and the victories they achieve along the way. Through candid conversations, emotional narratives, and uplifting insights, Jessica offers inspiration to those seeking a path forward. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for stories of strength, this show serves as a reminder that hope is always within reach.
Latest Episodes
Episode 5
Posted Apr 11, 2024
Episode 4
Posted Mar 18, 2024
Episode 3
Posted Mar 08, 2024