Substance Abuse and Addiction

Brief Description There are a variety of sources of information NIDA uses to monitor the prevalence and trends regarding drug abuse in the United States. The resources below cover a variety of drug related issues, including information on drug usage, emergency room data, prevention and treatment programs, and other research findings.

Substance abuse is a pandemic in the United States. From the abuse of seemingly innocent substances such as marijuana and alcohol to the abuse of street drugs like cocaine and heroin, substance abuse costs individuals substantially, and it costs the nation as a whole.

Drug addiction - Learn about symptoms, causes and treatment of dependence on legal or illegal drugs or medications.

Wikipedia's information about substance abuse.

What is drug addiction? Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.€  It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain-they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting, and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs.

The Effects of Drug Abuse and Addiction can harm the body in a variety of different ways, from health problems to behavioral problems.

What is drug addiction? Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain; they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting and can lead to many harmful, often self-destructive, behaviors. 

Some people are able to use recreational or prescription drugs without ever experiencing negative consequences or addiction. For many others, though, substance use can cause problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, leaving you feeling isolated, helpless, or ashamed.

WebMD explains how drug use can lead to addiction, and why drug addiction is considered a disease.

Drug abuse also plays a role in many major social problems, such as drugged driving, violence, stress, and child abuse. Drug abuse can lead to homelessness, crime, and missed work or problems with keeping a job. It harms unborn babies and destroys families. There are different types of treatment for drug abuse. But the best is to prevent drug abuse in the first place.

The use and abuse of alcohol and drugs are serious issues that should not be ignored or minimized.

CASAColumbia is a science-based organization that conducts research and recommends best practices for prevention and treatment of the disease of addiction.

Drug addiction - Learn about symptoms, causes and treatment of dependence on legal or illegal drugs or medications.

Get the facts on drug abuse and addiction symptoms, causes, treatment centers (rehab), physical and psychological effects, types of drugs, and statistics.