Understanding Substance Abuse and Addiction: Causes & Effects

Substance abuse and addiction is not a moral weakness or lack of self-control, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Those who are addicted to or abuse drugs and alcohol suffer from a disease of the brain that renders them into a state of needing a drug or alcoholic drink.

Substance Abuse

• Substance abuse is when drugs or alcohol are used improperly, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This could be anything from smoking marijuana to drinking excessively to escape problems (see Resources).

Substance Addiction

• When the brain craves more of the drug or alcohol, the user is an addict and has lost much of his power of choice regarding substance abuse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (see Resources).

Brain Changes

• Some people who abuse drugs and/or alcohol suffer brain chemistry changes that cause the mind and body to crave more substances, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (see Resources).

Relapse

• Substance addiction is considered a relapsing disease much like heart problems or diabetes, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Without intervention and support, substance abuse will continue (see Resources).

Treatment

• Common substance abuse and addiction treatments include detoxification from the drugs, intensive counseling and support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.