Scientists believe that these changes alter the way the brain works and may help explain the compulsive and destructive behaviors of addiction. A promising student might see his grades slip. A bubbly social butterfly might suddenly have trouble getting out of bed.
A trustworthy sibling might start stealing or lying. Behavioral changes like these are directly linked to a changing brain. Addiction also creates cravings.
These cravings can be painful, constant, and distracting. Once someone is addicted, responding to cravings and avoiding withdrawal become their most important needs. Addiction can happen to anyone. Still, researchers have identified what kinds of experiences and biological circumstances put some people at greater risk than others.
Addiction is a complex illness that arises in a person based on their unique circumstances. These are the most commonly identified risk factors for addiction :.
Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction. This publication is available for your use and may be reproduced in its entirety without permission from NIDA. Department of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. Drug Topics. More Drug Topics. Quick Links. About NIDA. Points to Remember Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.
This is why drug addiction is also a relapsing disease. Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop.
The NIDA says that images of the brain reveal areas responsible for judgment, decision-making, and behavior control are all damaged among drug addicts. Addiction is more than a chemical process in the brain. A number of combined risk factors increase the likelihood of abusing drugs in the first place while reinforcing their ongoing use.
Early drug addiction adversely influences adolescent brain development, and the younger a person begins the worse the drug problem becomes.
Like many other chronic diseases, drug addiction is preventable. Prevention is in fact the single most effective approach. Ongoing outreach and education among vulnerable populations is essential. In spite of all of these compelling factors, drug addiction is a treatable disease. Whether it is nicotine , alcohol, heroin, or any other drug, help is available to those who want to quit.
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