Drug Abuse and Addiction
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.
What is drug addiction?
Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive
drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences to the individual that is
addicted and to those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease because the
abuse of drugs leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain.
Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is
voluntary, over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can
affect a person's self control and ability to make sound decisions, and at the
same time send intense impulses to take drugs.
It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for a
person who is addicted to stop abusing drugs. Fortunately, there are treatments
that help people to counteract addiction's powerful disruptive effects and
regain control. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medications,
if available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most
patients. Treatment approaches that are tailored to each patient's drug abuse
patterns and any co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead
to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse.
Similar to other chronic, relapsing diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or
heart disease, drug addiction can be managed successfully. And, as with other
chronic diseases, it is not uncommon for a person to relapse and begin abusing
drugs again. Relapse, however, does not signal failure—rather, it indicates that
treatment should be reinstated, adjusted, or that alternate treatment is needed
to help the individual regain control and recover.
Next: What happens to your brain when you take drugs? »
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