Addiction

Understanding Addiction

One of the most significant risks of substance use is that it can lead to addiction.

Despite affecting millions of Americans each year, this disease is often misunderstood. Let’s look at what addiction is and how it can be treated.

What is Addiction?

Addiction, clinically known as a severe Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is a chronic brain disease that causes a person to compulsively seek out and use a substance, regardless of the harm it causes. It is not a moral failing or a lack of willpower.

According to the DSM-5, a diagnosis is made based on a person meeting at least two of 11 criteria over a 12-month period. These criteria fall into four main categories:

• Impaired Control: Using more of a substance or for longer than intended; wanting to cut down or stop but not being able to; spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance; experiencing intense cravings.
• Social Impairment: Continuing to use even when it causes problems in relationships; giving up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of substance use.
• Risky Use: Using substances in situations where it is physically dangerous; continuing use despite knowing it’s causing or worsening physical or psychological problems.
• Pharmacological Criteria: Needing more of the substance to get the desired effect (tolerance); developing withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.

The severity of the SUD is determined by how many criteria a person meets. Addiction is a life-threatening condition, but with the right support, recovery is possible.

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What is Addiction?

Addiction is a complex and often misunderstood condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a brain disease that causes compulsive behavior, making it difficult for those suffering from it to quit despite the negative consequences. In this video, we will explore the nature of addiction, how it affects the brain, and the difference between addiction and dependence. We will also discuss addiction statistics, various types of drug addiction, and treatment options available for those struggling with addiction.

1: Understanding Addiction

Addiction is a brain disease that compels a person to continue using a harmful substance or drug, despite knowing the consequences. It is characterized by a strong compulsion to use a drug, an inability to limit the drug’s use, and anxiety when access to the drug is blocked. This life-threatening condition can result in significant health problems and permanent damage to the body.

2. How Addiction Occurs in the Brain

Drug addiction occurs due to excitement, where the user seeks a rush or high, or avoidance, where the user takes the drug to numb negative sensations. Both scenarios can lead to a cycle of drug abuse, known as substance use disorder (SUD), resulting in addiction and dependence.

3: Addiction vs. Dependence

While addiction is a compulsive use of a drug despite consequences, dependence is when the user has developed a tolerance to a drug and requires more of it to achieve the same effect. Dependence is related to how the drug interacts with the user’s body, while addiction impacts the user’s decision-making and day-to-day life.

4: Drug Addiction Statistics

More than 1.4 million Americans sought treatment for drug addiction in 2019, according to the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services. Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and research shows that various factors contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to addiction.

5: Drug Addiction Treatment & Support

Recovery from addiction is possible with the help of healthcare professionals and a strong support system. Treatment options include detoxification, rehabilitation, and post-treatment support. Additionally, support groups and resources are available for friends and family members of addicts to help them cope with the challenges that come with having a loved one struggling with addiction.

How Addiction Happens in the Brain

Addiction develops through a cycle often driven by one of two motivations:

• Positive Reinforcement: A person takes a drug because it produces a powerful feeling of pleasure or euphoria (a “high”). The brain remembers this reward and creates a strong desire to repeat the experience.
• Negative Reinforcement: A person takes a drug to relieve negative feelings like stress, anxiety, or depression. The substance provides temporary relief, reinforcing its use as a coping mechanism.

In both scenarios, the brain’s reward system is flooded with dopamine. Over time, the brain adapts by reducing its natural dopamine production, leading to tolerance (needing more of the drug to feel good) and dependence (needing the drug just to feel normal and avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms).

Addiction VS Dependence

Addiction and dependence are different, but these issues often go hand-in-hand. It’s possible to be dependent on a substance without being addicted.

Addiction (Substance Use Disorder)

• A brain disease involving compulsive drug-seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
• Characterized by an inability to control use and negative impacts on work, school, and relationships.
• Relates to the psychological and behavioral aspects of the user’s relationship with the substance.

Physical Dependence

• The body adapts to the presence of a drug, leading to tolerance (requiring higher doses for the same effect).
• When the drug is stopped, the person experiences physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.
• Dependence can occur with many prescription medications (like opioids or antidepressants) even when taken as directed.

Physical dependence often contributes to the cycle of addiction, as a person may continue using a drug simply to avoid the pain of withdrawal.

“A common misperception is that addiction is a choice or moral problem, and all you have to do is stop. But nothing could be further from the truth.”

—Dr. George Koob, Director of NIH’s National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Drug Addiction Statistics

The latest national data reveals the widespread impact of substance use and addiction in the United States.

• According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 48.7 million people aged 12 or older had a Substance Use Disorder in the past year.
• The same survey found that 75.8 million people used illicit drugs in the past year.
• The CDC reports that over 107,000 people in the U.S. died from drug-involved overdoses in 2023, with illicit fentanyl being the primary driver.
• Among those with a substance use disorder, the vast majority do not receive any treatment.

Who Does Addiction Affect?

Addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

Research indicates that a combination of factors influences a person’s risk.

• Genetics: A family history of addiction can account for about half of a person’s risk.
• Environment: Factors like peer pressure, stress, trauma, and lack of parental supervision can increase risk, especially for adolescents.
• Brain Development: The prefrontal cortex, which governs decision-making and impulse control, is not fully developed until the mid-20s, making teenagers particularly vulnerable to risky substance use.

According to the 2023 NSDUH, the highest rates of substance use disorder are among young adults aged 18 to 25.

Different Types of Drug Addiction

A person can develop an addiction to both illicit and prescription drugs. While treatment approaches are similar, different substances carry unique risks.

Alcohol and nicotine are among the most addictive substances, but are legal for adults to consume.

The most commonly misused prescription drugs are:

• Opioids (Painkillers)
• Benzodiazepines (Sedatives)
• Amphetamines (like ADHD medication)

The most common illicit drugs of abuse include:

• Cannabis (though now legal in some states)
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine (or Crystal Meth)

Drug Addiction Treatment & Support

No matter the substance or the severity of the addiction, know that there is always hope.

Addiction is a treatable disease, and recovery is possible with the help of health professionals and a strong support system.

For People with an Addiction

Many treatment options are available to help you achieve a drug-free life. A healthcare provider can help you develop a treatment plan that’s right for your individual needs.

Detoxification (Detox)

The recovery process usually begins with a detox program. Medical detoxification helps you safely clear the drug from your system while managing withdrawal symptoms under supervision.

Rehabilitation (Rehab)

Following detox, you will receive care at a treatment center to help you in the early days of sobriety.

Typical drug addiction treatment combines medical monitoring with behavioral therapies in either an inpatient rehab or outpatient setting.

Post-Treatment Support (Aftercare)

After formal treatment, most people in recovery continue to receive support through aftercare programs that help them maintain sobriety and prevent relapse.

For Friends and Family Members

Addiction affects more than just the person using substances. Friends and family members often deal with significant stress and emotional pain. Many resources are available to help you cope with this process and better understand addiction.

Support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon provide guidance and healing for the loved ones of people with addiction.

What About Addiction Relapse?

It is important to remember that relapse is a common part of the recovery process and does not mean that treatment has failed. Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease, much like asthma or diabetes. A return to use is a sign that the treatment plan needs to be adjusted or that new strategies are needed.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse has the following to say about addiction and relapse:

“Relapse rates for people treated for substance use disorders are compared with those for people treated for high blood pressure and asthma. Relapse is common and similar across these illnesses. Therefore, substance use disorders should be treated like any other chronic illness. Relapse serves as a sign for resumed, modified, or new treatment.”

A Lifelong Journey of Recovery

Understanding addiction as a treatable brain disease is the first step toward breaking down the stigma that prevents many from seeking help. While the path can be challenging, millions of people live in long-term recovery.

With evidence-based treatment, a strong support system, and a commitment to new, healthy habits, you or your loved one can reclaim your life from addiction.

Written by

Jessica Miller

Editorial Director

Jessica Miller is the Editorial Director of Addiction Help. Jessica graduated from the University of South Florida (USF) with an English degree and combines her writing expertise and passion for helping others to deliver reliable information to those impacted by addiction. Informed by her personal journey to recovery and support of loved ones in sobriety, Jessica's empathetic and authentic approach resonates deeply with the Addiction Help community.

Reviewed by

• Fact-Checked
• Editor

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O.

Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer

Kent S. Hoffman, D.O. has been an expert in addiction medicine for more than 15 years. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM). Dr. Hoffman has successfully treated hundreds of patients battling addiction. Dr. Hoffman is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of AddictionHelp.com and ensures the website’s medical content and messaging quality.