# data[].attributes.headline
Why do some people become addicted while others do not?

# data[].attributes.subject
Why do some people become addicted while others do not?

# data[].attributes.body
Some people become addicted because of their family history, social environment, age and other factors. Scientists are still addressing this question.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Drug Addiction FAQ: Risk of Addiction | Phoenix House

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Why do some people become addicted, while others do not?

# data[].attributes.headline
Where can I find information about drug treatment programs?

# data[].attributes.subject
Where can I find information about drug treatment programs?

# data[].attributes.body
You can find more information about drug treatment projects at 1800-662-HELP or visit find treatment.samhsa.gov/

# data[].attributes.headline
Are there effective treatments for addiction?

# data[].attributes.subject
Are there effective treatments for addiction?

# data[].attributes.body
Effective treatments for addiction include a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.

# data[].attributes.headline
When is the best time to get someone treatment?

# data[].attributes.subject
When is the best time to get someone treatment?

# data[].attributes.body
The best time to get someone treatment is as soon as possible. As many people think opposite, the addict does not need to hit "rock bottom", its actually worse to wait.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
There are no simple answers as to why some people develop an addiction and others don't, but most experts agree that there are contributing psychological, biological and genetic components. Fortunately, with recent scientific advancements in our understanding of addiction, treatment programs that address both the biological and psychosocial dimensions can be very successful.

Looking at these four major types of symptoms of alcohol and drug addicts may provide some insight:

1. Loss of control - The inability to limit use despite the negative consequences

2. Cravings - An overwhelming psychological need or compulsion to drink or use any other mood-altering substance

3. Physical dependence - When attempting to stop using, there are withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, shaking, or anxiety

4. Tolerance - The need for larger amounts of mood-altering chemicals to achieve the same effect

Click here to learn more.

Substance abuse is common in today's society, especially with alcohol. Abuse starts with a person using drugs or alcohol more frequently and, at intermittent times, it gets out of control. Telling signs of abuse include becoming argumentative, getting into a fight, having a wreck, becoming uncharacteristically promiscuous or adversely impacting a job or relationship.

Once a person loses the ability to willingly stop using or drinking, they are now dealing with the disease of addiction. This lack of self-control is one of the key indications that the drugs or alcohol have damaged the brain in both structure and function, making it physically impossible for the individual to stop using on their own for any prolonged length of time. By this point, since the brain has been damaged, it is highly unlikely that traditional twelve-step programs could work for any significant length of time.

Click here to learn more.

30 years ago, the scientific and medical communities didn't know as much about addiction and the brain as they do today. Part of what we've learned is that, for millions of people, overcoming addiction is not about a lack of will power or a lack of discipline. It's about their brains being literally injured and their brain chemistry being physically altered.

This has led the scientific community to acknowledge addiction as a chronic and progressive brain disease. And that means that treating addiction may require medicine, just like any other disease. Therapy is necessary for recovery, but it's not going to heal the brain. Believing therapy alone will work is one of the primary reasons so many people struggle and relapse.

Click here to learn more.

We understand that residential rehab is disruptive to families, careers and everyday life. But that's the point. If a thorough assessment leads to a medical prescription or recommendation of residential care for your loved one, it's because their brain needs disrupting in order to break the harmful patterns it has created. Every patient is unique, of course, but medical studies show that the optimal amount of time needed to reboot the brain's chemistry and rewire its neurological pathways is about 45 to 90 days. We realize that sounds like a lot, but isn't two to three months of effort now worth a lifetime of sobriety?

In addition, people who enter residential treatment typically have problems that require combined medical, psychological and/or physical therapies over a sustained period of time in a controlled environment. Residential treatment is often the most practical and effective course of action.

Click here to learn more.

It is a myth that an addicted individual must hit "rock bottom" to be ready for treatment. Helping your loved one get help early in their addiction cycle will result in fewer accompanying psychological and physical problems and a better prognosis for long-term recovery. Furthermore, "rock bottom" is a dangerous place to be; for many addicts, that point is when a near-fatal or fatal overdose, serious accident or criminal justice consequence has occurred.

Click here to learn more.

Science has detected approximately 12 to 15 different types of alcoholism and 12 to 25 types of narcotic addiction. Depending upon the type of addiction, anti-addiction medicines may be the only solution. Simply put, the brain's chemistry has been altered and needs re-balancing.

Research shows that combining anti-addiction medicines with evidence-based behavioral therapies is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches personalized to address each person's abuse patterns and co-occurring medical, psychiatric and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without addiction.

It is important to remember that addiction is a chronic and progressive disease -- like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease -- and can be managed successfully. Medically based treatments allow people to recover most - if not all - of their functionality, counteracting addiction's powerful disruptive effects and enabling people to regain control of their lives. As with other chronic diseases, of course, relapses will occur if you stop following the treatment protocols.

Click here to learn more.

We have put together a list of ten questions you should ask of any treatment program, including Enterhealth Ranch. Click here to learn more.

See More

Watch Now

"They're changing
the way addiction is
being treated."

See More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are no simple answers as to why some people develop an addiction and others don't, but most experts agree that there are contributing psychological, biological and genetic components. Fortunately, with recent scientific advancements in our understanding of addiction, treatment programs that address both the biological and psychosocial dimensions can be very successful.

# data[].attributes.headline
If a pregnant women abuses drugs, does it affect the fetus?

# data[].attributes.subject
If a pregnant women abuses drugs, does it affect the fetus?

# data[].attributes.body
Pregnant women who abuse drugs place themselves and their developing fetuses at risk for negative health effects.

# data[].attributes.headline
What happens to your brain if you keep taking drugs?

# data[].attributes.subject
What happens to your brain if you keep taking drugs?

# data[].attributes.body
The brain becomes less reactive to the drug, and the user feels less and less of a "high" from the same amount of the drug - an effect known as tolerance.  As addiction deepens, the drugs become less an added positive experience and more a necessity for the brain (and the abuser) merely to feel "normal."

# data[].attributes.headline
Other than addiction, what are some other health consequences of abusing drugs?

# data[].attributes.subject
Other than addiction, what are some other health consequences of abusing drugs?

# data[].attributes.body
Some health consequences of abusing drugs can be, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There ae very clear laws on drugs in every country with very hard sentenses. Find out more here.

# data[].attributes.body
Withdrawal is the all-inclusive term used to describe a complex variety of unpleasant physical symptoms that occur when the use of some addictive drugs is reduced or stopped.

Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal.

# data[].attributes.headline
How do I know if someone is addicted to drugs?

# data[].attributes.subject
How do I know if someone is addicted to drugs?

# data[].attributes.body
You can know if someone is addicted to drugs if they keep using and wanting more even if they know the outcome. You can also notice physical signs of them being addicted.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
From the American Council for Drug Education, an affiliate of Phoenix House.

The following are some of the more common signs and symptoms of drug use. It is important to keep in mind that if a person has any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs. They could be due to a mental or physical health problem. They might also be due to adolescent development (in the case of teens). Whatever the cause, they may warrant attention, especially if they persist or occur in a cluster.

The key is change - it is important to watch for any significant changes in the person's physical appearance, personality, attitude or behavior.

Physical Signs

Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness.

Loss of or increased in appetite, changes in eating habits

Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.

Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual

Unusual smells on breath, body or clothes.

Extreme hyperactivity; excessive talkativeness.

Slowed or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.

Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.

Nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.

Tremors or shakes of hands, feet or head.

Irregular heartbeat.

Runny nose; hacking cough

Puffy face, blushing, or paleness

Frequent rubbing of the nose

Frequent twisting of the jaw, back and forth

Deterioration of hygiene or physical health

Behavioral Signs

Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.

Drop in grades at school or performance at work;
skips school or is late for school.

Change in activities or hobbies.

Chronic dishonesty.

Sudden oversensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behavior.

Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.

General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, "I don't care" attitude.

Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.

Paranoia

Silliness or giddiness.

Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.

Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.

Secretive or suspicious behavior.

Car accidents.

Change in personal grooming habits.

Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Changes in friends; friends are known drug users.

Unexplained need for money, stealing money or items

Possession of a false ID card

Missing prescription pills

Complaints of a sore jaw (from teeth grinding during an ecstasy high)

Presence of unusual number of spray cans in the trash

Signs of Intoxication, by Specific Drug

Marijuana

Glassy, red eyes; loud talking and inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; a sweet burnt scent; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.

Alcohol

Clumsiness; difficulty walking; slurred speech; sleepiness; poor judgment; dilated pupils.

Cocaine, Crack, Meth, and Other Stimulants

Hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; dilated pupils; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.

Heroin

Needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing and sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite; contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light.

Depressants (including barbiturates and tranquilizers)

Seems drunk as if from alcohol but without the associated odor of alcohol; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness; and contracted pupils.

Inhalants (Glues, aerosols, and vapors)

Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; anxiety; irritability

Hallucinogens

Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From the American Council for Drug Education , an affiliate of Phoenix House. The following are some of the more common signs and symptoms of drug use. It is important to keep in mind that if a person has any of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that he or she is using drugs.

# data[].attributes.body
The brain is a complex organ, and it controls many

body systems. When exposed to drugs, the body systems

are compromised. Drugs imitate natural neurotransmitters

because the chemical structures are similar so drugs fool

the neurons into sending abnormal messages. Drugs flood

the circuit with dopamine which prevents the normal cycle,

so it disrupts the signal between neurons.

# data[].attributes.body
Addiction is a disease because it causes a change in the brain. It affects self-control and the ability to make important decisions.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The Role of Family History

Addiction is due 50 percent to genetic predisposition and 50 percent to poor coping skills. This has been confirmed by numerous studies. One study looked at 861 identical twin pairs and 653 fraternal (non-identical) twin pairs. When one identical twin was addicted to alcohol, the other twin had a high probability of being addicted. But when one non-identical twin was addicted to alcohol, the other twin did not necessarily have an addiction. Based on the differences between the identical and non-identical twins, the study showed 50-60 percent of addiction is due to genetic factors.(1) Those numbers have been confirmed by other studies.(2) The other 50 percent is due to poor coping skills, such as dealing with stress or uncomfortable emotions.

The children of addicts are 8 times more likely to develop an addiction. One study looked at 231 people who were diagnosed with drug or alcohol addiction, and compared them to 61 people who did not have an addiction. Then it looked at the first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, or children) of those people. It discovered that if a parent has a drug or alcohol addiction, the child had an 8 times greater chance of developing an addiction.(3)

Why are there genes for addiction? We all have the genetic predisposition for addiction because there is an evolutionary advantage to that. When an animal eats a certain food that it likes, there is an advantage to associating pleasure with that food so that the animal will look for that food in the future. In other words the potential for addiction is hardwired into our brain. Everyone has eaten too much of their favorite food even though they knew it wasn't good for them.

Although everyone has the potential for addiction, some people are more predisposed to addiction than others. Some people drink alcoholically from the beginning. Other people start out as a moderate drinker and then become alcoholics later on. How does that happen?

Repeatedly abusing drugs or alcohol permanently rewires your brain. If you start out with a low genetic predisposition for addiction, you can still end up with an addiction. If you repeatedly abuse drugs or alcohol because of poor coping skills, then you'll permanently rewire your brain. Every time you abuse alcohol, you'll strengthen the wiring associated with drinking, and you'll chase that buzz even more. The more you chase the effect of alcohol, the greater your chance of eventually developing an addiction.

Your genes are not your destiny. The 50% of addiction that is caused by poor coping skills is where you can make a difference. Lots of people have come from addicted families but managed to overcome their family history and live happy lives. You can use this opportunity to change your life. (Reference: www.AddictionsAndRecovery.org)

What Is Your Family History?

Most people don't know their family history of addiction very well. Most families don't talk about addiction. Not too long ago you could have a raging alcoholic in your family and nobody would talk about it. Or they would make some quaint remark like, "Oh he drinks a little too much." There was so little people could do about addiction before that there was no point in talking about it.

But now that you can do something about addiction, a family history is worth talking about. Once you stop using and tell your family that you're in recovery, that's often when they will tell you about the family secrets. That's when family members will sometimes come out of the closet and tell you their stories.

Let your coping skills be the legacy you pass on to your children. Don't let your genes be the only legacy you pass on to your children. Your children are more likely to have an addiction because of your addiction. But their genes don't have to be their destiny. You can help your children lead happy lives by teaching them healthy coping skills - by being an example with your recovery.

Is Addiction a Disease?

Addiction is like most major diseases. Consider heart disease, the leading cause of death in the developed world. It's partly due to genes and partly due to poor life style choices such as bad diet, lack of exercise, and smoking. The same is true for other common diseases like adult-onset diabetes. Many forms of cancers are due to a combination of genes and life style. But if your doctor said that you had diabetes or heart disease, you wouldn't think you were bad person. You would think, "What can I do to overcome this disease?" That is how you should approach addiction.

Addiction is not a weakness. The fact that addiction crosses all socio-economic boundaries confirms that addiction is a disease. People who don't know about addiction will tell you that you just need to be stronger to control your use. But if that was true then only unsuccessful people or unmotivated people would have an addiction, and yet 10% of high-functioning executives have an addiction.

If you think of addiction as a weakness, you'll paint yourself into a corner that you can't get out of. You'll focus on being stronger and trying to control your use, instead of treating addiction like a disease and focusing on stopping your use.

Cross Addiction

You can become addicted to any drug, if you have a family history of addiction. If at least one of your family members is addicted to alcohol, you have a greater chance of developing an addiction to any other drug such as opioids, cocaine or marijuana. Cross addiction occurs because all addictions work in the same part of the brain. If your brain is wired so that you're predisposed to one addiction, then you're predisposed to all addictions.

This is especially important for women who may come from alcoholic families, but who often develop addictions that go undetected, like addictions to tranquilizers, pain relievers, or eating disorders.

One addiction can lead to other addictions, and one drug can make you relapse on another drug. That's one of the consequences of a brain that's wired for addiction. Suppose you're addicted to cocaine. If you want to stop using cocaine then you have to stop using all addictive drugs including alcohol and marijuana. You may never have had a problem with either of them, but if you continue to use alcohol or marijuana, even casually, they'll eventually lead you back to your drug of choice. Recovery requires total abstinence.

How does cross addiction cause relapse:

1. All addictions work in the same part of the brain. Addiction is addiction is addiction. Therefore one drug can lead you back to any other drug.

2. Even moderate drinking or smoking marijuana lowers your inhibitions, which makes it harder for you to make the right choices.

3. If you stop using your drug of choice but continue to use alcohol or marijuana, you're saying that you don't want to learn new coping skills and that you don't want to change your life. You're saying that you want to continue to rely on drugs or alcohol to escape, relax, and reward yourself. But if you don't learn those new skills, then you won't have changed, and your addiction will catch up with you all over again.

Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

Addiction is no longer something that has to hidden or ashamed of. There is treatment and hope. Many people have reached for addiction treatment and have changed their lives. There are many addiction treatment options including self-help groups and out-patient or in-patient addiction rehab.

You have already taken the first step towards addiction treatment. You have asked the question, "Do I have an addiction?" Take the next step and change your life. Ask for help, learn addiction recovery skills, develop relapse prevention skills so that you don't have to continue to suffer.

References

1) Prescott, C. A., & Kendler, K. S., Genetic and environmental contributions to alcohol abuse and dependence in a population-based sample of male twins. Am J Psychiatry, 1999. 156(1): p. 34-40.
2) Enoch, M. A., & Goldman, D., The genetics of alcoholism and alcohol abuse. Curr Psychiatry Rep, 2001. 3(2): p. 144-51.
3) Merikangas, K. R., Stolar, M., Stevens, D. E., Goulet, J., et al., Familial transmission of substance use disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry, 1998. 55(11): p. 973-9.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.keywords[]
is addiction a disease or a bad habit? the effect of genetics and family history. the importance of twin studies. children of alcoholics and addicts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Dr. Steven Melemis, I Want to Change My Life

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Genetics of Addiction - Is Addiction a Disease?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Addiction is due 50 percent to genetic predisposition and 50 percent to poor coping skills. This has been confirmed by numerous studies. One study looked at 861 identical twin pairs and 653 fraternal (non-identical) twin pairs. When one identical twin was addicted to alcohol, the other twin had a high probability of being addicted.

# data[].attributes.body
Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain and causes compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use despite harmful and often devastating consequences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Our Brains Want to Be Addicted | The Chemistry of Addiction

# data[].attributes.headline
Where can I learn more about the science of drug addiction?

# data[].attributes.subject
Where can I learn more about the science of drug addiction?

# data[].attributes.body
You can learn more about the science of drug addiction by looking at the NIDA's comprehensive booklet called

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Also, the NIDA has a website

with a bunch of information about this topic.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Ordering Publications

Call 1-877-643-2644 or:

APA Style MLA Style AMA Style

NIDA. (2018, July 20). Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction

Lesson Plan and Activity Finder

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How Science Has Revolutionized the Understanding of Drug Addiction For much of the past century, scientists studying drugs and drug use labored in the shadows of powerful myths and misconceptions about the nature of addiction. When scientists began to study addictive behavior in the 1930s, people addicted to drugs were thought to be morally flawed and lacking in willpower.

# data[].attributes.headline
What are the costs of substance abuse to society?

# data[].attributes.subject
What are the costs of substance abuse to society?

# data[].attributes.body
The costs of a substance abuse to society is spread of many diseases, deaths due to overdose, effects of unborn children of pregnant drug users, child abuse and neglect by parents, who are drug abusers, and also crime, accidents and homelessness.

# data[].attributes.body
Cigarettes

Marijuana

Steroids

Ecstasy

Meth

Alcohol