Social and cultural factors play significant roles in causing drug addiction. Peer pressure, family dynamics, and community attitudes directly influence how people view and use drugs. The treatment reduced overdose risk by 76% at 3 months and by 59% at 12 months. Similarly, it decreased serious opioid-related acute care use by 42% at 3 months and by 26% at 12 months. Opioids are a class of drugs that include both legal pain relievers prescribed by doctors, such as Percocet, Tramadol, Oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine, and fentanyl, Kratom, and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ illegal drugs like heroin.
What environmental factors increase the risk of addiction?
It is possible to be dependent on a medication without being addicted. 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. Rather than using the term “addiction,” the DSM-5 classifies substance use disorders.
- The brain adapts to continued drug use by developing a tolerance, which means it takes more of a drug to feel the same result.
- Treatment options include detoxification, rehabilitation, and post-treatment support.
- Healthcare providers and the medical community now call substance addiction substance use disorder.
- Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious harmful effects, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable.
Why do some people become addicted to drugs while others don’t?

Overcoming a SUD is not as simple as resisting the temptation to take drugs through willpower alone. It may require checking into a rehabilitation facility.45 Recovery can be challenging, but it is possible. Substance use disorder (SUD) is defined as a problematic pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. Education and awareness around the harm of using substances, along with the support of friends, parents, and caregivers, can help prevent SUDs.
Addiction Causes and Risk Groups
- Addiction and dependence are different, but these issues often go hand-in-hand.
- One of the most common misconceptions is that alcohol is not a drug.
- This form of treatment can be done at a doctor’s office or via telehealth appointment.
- Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism or Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), involves a physical and emotional dependency on alcohol.
Prevention efforts and treatment approaches what is drug addiction for addiction are generally as successful as those for other chronic diseases. Mentalization-based therapy, which teaches reflective capacity, can help people recover from addiction. Since success tends not to occur all at once, any improvements are considered important signs of progress.

The development of dependence can also cause physical withdrawal symptoms, making it difficult to stop without professional support. Occasional or even frequent drug use may not meet the clinical threshold for alcoholism symptoms addiction. However, when substance use begins to interfere with daily life, responsibilities, relationships, or health, it could be a sign of an underlying addiction. The DSM-5 separates substance-related addictions into 10 classes of drugs and provides diagnostic criteria that medical professionals use to determine appropriate care plans.
Is Relapse Common During Recovery from Drug Addiction?

A lack or disruption in a person’s social support system can lead to substance or behavioral addiction. Traumatic experiences that affect coping abilities can also lead to addictive behaviors. It’s important to note that hallucinogens do not cause physical dependence and instead cause psychological dependence so there are no medications to help with the physical aspect of hallucinogen addiction recovery. Cannabinoid addiction is a dependency on cannabis products, including marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids, used for recreational and medical purposes. It is classified as a substance addiction, as cannabinoids directly impact the brain’s endocannabinoid system, creating dependency potential.