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Alcohol/Drug Dependency
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug and or alcohol seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs and alcoholism change the brain – they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs and alcohol.
› To feel good. Most abused drugs produce intense feelings of pleasure. This initial sensation of euphoria is followed by other effects, which differ with the type of drug used. For example, with stimulants such as cocaine and crack, the “high” is followed by feelings of power, self-confidence, and increased energy. In contrast, the euphoria caused by opiates such as heroin is followed by feelings of relaxation and contentment.
› To feel better. Some people who suffer from anxiety, stress-related disorders, and depression begin abusing drugs and alcohol in an attempt to lessen feelings of suffering and distress. This is sometimes referred to as “self-medication.” Stress can play a major role in beginning drug and alcohol use, continuing drug abuse, or relapse in patients recovering from addiction and alcoholism.
› To do better. The increasing pressure that some individuals feel to chemically enhance or improve their athletic or cognitive performance can similarly play a role in initial experimentation and continued drug abuse.
› Curiosity and “because others are doing it.” In this respect adolescents are particularly vulnerable because of the strong influence of peer pressure; they are more likely, for example, to engage in “thrilling” and “daring” behaviors.
For information about specific addictions, please see:
Benzodiazepines (Anti-Anxiety Medications)
The National Institute of Drug Abuse states:
“Many people do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. They mistakenly view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem and may characterize those who take drugs as morally weak. One very common belief is that drug abusers should be able to just stop taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behavior. What people often underestimate is the complexity of drug addiction—that it is a disease that impacts the brain and because of that, stopping drug abuse is not simply a matter of willpower. Through scientific advances we now know much more about how exactly drugs work in the brain, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and resume their productive lives.”