Addiction usually occurs when someone no longer has control over whether he or she uses a substance such as alcohol or illegal drugs. Addiction can be physical, emotional, or both. In addition to alcohol and illegal drugs, common addictions are to cigarettes, prescription medications, and even glue.

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Physical addiction usually occurs when someone’s body is dependent on a particular substance. The body develops a tolerance to a substance that it is addicted to, so that it needs more of that substance to achieve the same physical result, such as a “buzz” from cigarettes. People may develop withdrawal symptoms such as diarrhea, shaking, or generally feeling terrible when they stop using a substance to which they’re addicted.

Psychological addiction occurs when the desire for a drug or other substance is emotional. The desire can be so strong that people may resort to lying or stealing in order to obtain the substance. When someone you know has developed an addiction, he may become moody and stop participating in normal activities such as work, hobbies, and socializing.

Overcoming addiction is extremely difficult. Most people need professional help or a treatment program. Additionally, an addict will probably require encouragement and support from friends and family in order to be successful.

ADDITIONAL FACTS

  1. Fifteen percent of Americans will develop an addiction disorder over the courses of their lifetimes.
  2. Using an illegal substance such as marijuana without the physical or emotional dependency of addiction is merely substance abuse. Substance abuse can lead to the more serious problem of addiction.
  3. Crack and heroin are so addictive that a user can become addicted after trying them just once.
  4. It is possible to be addicted to an activity, such as gambling, rather than to a substance. There are medications that can help with compulsive gambling.
  5. Recent studies indicate that genetics can play a role in addiction. People who carry certain gene variations that are passed on together as a high-risk haplotype may have as much as a 500 percent increased risk of being heavy smokers if they first try cigarettes before the age of 17.