What is Addiction?
Though many incorrectly believe that addiction is caused by a lack of willpower or moral failing, the reality is that addiction is a brain disease. Most who suffer from addiction need more than good intentions and willpower to overcome it, as drug use or alcohol addiction over the long term can alter brain chemistry and make quitting extremely difficult — even if you have the drive to work toward recovery.
Because addiction affects brain chemistry, it also impacts behavior. Seeking drugs or alcohol becomes a compulsive urge that is incredibly challenging to control, despite devastating consequences. Even if you start using drugs or alcohol voluntarily, a few factors can make you more susceptible to developing an addiction, such as:
- Environment: Your environment — including factors such as family, friends, quality of life and socioeconomic status — may put you at a greater risk of becoming addicted to alcohol or drugs. Stress, peer pressure, abuse and exposure to drugs or alcohol early in life may increase your risk for developing an addiction.
- Heredity: Heredity accounts for approximately half your risk for developing a drug or alcohol addiction. Other biological dangers include gender, ethnicity and mental health conditions.
- Development: You may be more likely to develop an addiction if drug or alcohol use begins during an early stage of your brain’s development. For example, since a teen’s brain is still developing, using alcohol or drugs as a teen puts you at a particularly high risk.
The more risk factors that you face, the higher your chances are of developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
