5 Myths about Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse

MYTH 1: Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You can stop using drugs if you really want to. Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will.

Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drug Problems and Substance Abuse

Signs, Symptoms, Effects and Testing for Drug Abuse and Addiction

Understanding drug addiction
Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse are Smoking, Gambling Addiction and Internet Addiction.

Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences. This self-destructive behavior can be hard to understand. Why continue doing something that’s hurting you? Why is it so hard to stop?

Drug Abuse and Addiction in the World

Drug abuse and addiction are a major burden to society. Estimates of the total overall costs of substance abuse in the United

States -- including health- and crime-related costs as well as losses in productivity -- exceed half a trillion dollars annually. This includes approximately $181 billion for illicit drugs, $168 billion for tobacco, and $185 billion for alcohol. Staggering as these numbers are, however, they do not fully describe the breadth of deleterious public health -- and safety -- implications, which include family disintegration, loss of employment, failure in school, domestic violence, child abuse, and other crimes.