Some people see addiction as a personal flaw. It starts with a desire for pleasure and continues because the person cannot stop. However, the facts are changing.
Physicians, scholars, and scientists now perceive addiction from a new perspective. They now realize that addiction doesn’t solely revolve around seeking pleasure. For numerous individuals, it revolves around dodging suffering—whether it’s physical, emotional, or a combination of the two.
Individuals frequently resort to addictive behaviors not for excitement but to manage something more profound. People often seek a way to ease their anxiety or forget sad memories. The urge to chase the next high usually comes from wanting to feel better, not just to have fun.
At its essence, addiction is connected to a desire for relief. It involves using substances or behaviors to self-medicate. This acts as a quick fix for a larger problem. The origins of substance use and addiction are found not in seeking pleasure but in the urgent quest for solace.
Addiction is a powerful and lasting force that compels people to keep using drugs or alcohol despite the apparent and harmful consequences of it. It’s not just about urges.
It’s a condition that changes your brain. It affects the pathways that control reward, stress, and self-discipline. Even after you cease usage, those alterations can linger, frequently remaining long after you’ve stopped.
What begins as infrequent use can gradually develop into something much more significant. It takes control, complicating daily life further.
You might face problems at work or school. You could feel stress in your relationships. You may also get involved in legal or money issues.
When addiction takes hold of someone, it is not just a short-term problem. It can turn into a lifelong struggle if not treated.
When we think of addiction, we often picture drugs, alcohol, or smoking. However, addiction can take many forms. You can become addicted to just about anything—whether it’s something physical substance or a particular behavior.
Addiction comes in two primary forms: substance (SUD) and behavioral addictions or non-substance.
Substance Addictions or Substance Use Disorders
Today, when we discuss substance addiction, healthcare providers use the term “substance use disorder.” This shift comes from a more precise understanding of the condition. The American Psychiatric Association has created clear guidelines for diagnosing substance use disorders. These guidelines are in the DSM-5, which doctors use to diagnose mental health issues.
You may be surprised to learn that addictive substances extend beyond illicit narcotics. They may include prescription medicines as well as other potentially addictive substances. These might be supplies that people use without medical supervision or products that doctors commonly recommend.
Take a look at some examples of substances that can lead to addiction:
These substances are very different, but they share one thing. They activate the reward centers in your brain. This creates feelings of pleasure. Using these substances can result in a substance use disorder (SUD).
Non-Substance (Behavioral) Addictions
You might not know it, but almost anything that makes your brain feel good can become addictive. This isn’t just about illegal drugs; it also includes certain behaviors. Right now, the DSM-5 criteria only officially recognize gambling disorder as a real behavioral addiction.
This disorder belongs to a group called “non-substance-related disorders.” This group is part of “substance-related and addictive disorders.” Other behaviors that can be just as compelling haven’t been officially recognized yet. The main reason for this is that there’s still a lot we don’t know about them.
However, just because something isn’t officially recognized doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Any addiction that takes over your life and disrupts your daily activities can have serious consequences.
So, what kinds of behaviors could potentially lead to addiction? Basically, it’s all the things that start slipping out of your control:
And it doesn’t stop there. Other things like exercise (compulsive exercise), cleaning or organizing (compulsive cleaning), overeating, excessive exercising, tanning (tanorexia), or even shoplifting can all become addictive. Sometimes, it’s the risky behaviors we don’t even realize are taking hold until it’s too late.
Indeed, addiction is commonly acknowledged as a chronic disease—namely, a long-term condition that does not improve quickly.
While the definition of addiction might differ depending on the source, medical professionals and organizations like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) concur on one aspect: addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition that drives a person to continuously pursue and use substances compulsively, regardless of severe outcomes.
So, why is addiction classified as a disease?
These lifelong management issues can worsen symptoms if treatment is not followed consistently. However, symptoms can improve with regular adherence to treatment.
Addiction is not a moral failure but a condition that needs care and concern on a continuous basis. It is an altogether lifetime process but recovery shall always be possible with the appropriate support.
The causes and risk factors for addiction are incredibly complex. It doesn’t affect everyone in the same way, and it’s not something that happens to everyone who tries certain things.
Many factors play a role in this. Cultural influences, social pressures, and specific situations all interact with your psychology, biology, and personal values. It’s this complex web of elements that shapes whether addiction might take hold or not.
Research shows that the chance of getting a substance use disorder (SUD) depends on your genes, with the risk being between 40% and 60%. If a family member has a history of addiction, you might be at higher risk. This can be due to genetic factors and shared environments.
Scientists are still working to understand how genes influence addiction. Some ideas suggest that the brain’s handling of pleasure, rewards, and impulse control is very important.
People with specific genes might feel stronger effects from addictive things or actions. If someone has trouble controlling their impulses, it can be hard to say no to temptations. This is especially true when they are stressed. Those who struggle more with impulse control might be more likely to become addicted, partly because of their genes.
Your surroundings have a huge impact when it comes to addiction. Everything around you shapes who you are. This includes the situations you face, the experiences you have, and the people you meet. Some of the most significant environmental factors that can influence your life include:
Everyone has a unique combination of factors that can either increase or decrease their chances of developing an addiction. These factors come from both their biology and their environment. A risk factor is anything that makes you more likely to become addicted. A protective factor helps keep you safe from that risk.
Here are some environmental factors that might make someone more likely to develop an addiction:
Addiction doesn’t follow a straight line, and it’s not caused by just one thing. Psychological elements can also drive an individual toward addiction. Here are some to consider:
For many, the pain of anxiety, stress, or depression becomes overwhelming. In these moments, using drugs or alcohol might feel like a way to escape or numb those difficult emotions.
This can be especially true if you don’t have access to proper mental health support or treatment. Many people have both mental health disorders and substance abuse issues. About 50 percent of Americans with mental health problems, like anxiety or depression, also struggle with substance misuse.
In moments like these, substances can seem like a way to cope or find temporary peace. But over time, this approach can lead to deeper problems. Recognizing these triggers is the first step toward making changes.
Addiction isn’t just about using substances—it can affect almost every part of your life. It can hurt your relationships and damage your physical and mental health.
It can also strain your finances. This may make it hard to keep up with work or school. If you see signs of addiction in yourself or someone you care about, remember this: help is available. Recovery is possible, and it is worth it.
It’s essential to pay attention to both physical and behavioral changes. Here’s what you might notice:
Addiction often leads to behavioral shifts that go beyond just using a substance. These changes are what professionals might call “pathological behaviors,” and they include things like:
In addition to these signs, individuals struggling with drug abuse and addiction issues frequently exhibit other warning signs like:
Addiction statistics have shown a rising number of overdose deaths from opioid use for years. Fentanyl is at the center of this issue. This means addiction treatment is really essential to avoid the continued loss of these precious lives.
Treatment for addiction typically involves a mix of psychotherapy, medication, or sometimes both approaches together. Research finds that combining both approaches offers individuals the most incredible opportunity for improvement. Let’s break it down clearly.
Addiction treatment often begins with detoxification, which helps the body get rid of drugs and handle withdrawal symptoms. It usually happens in a safe and supportive place. Here, professionals can watch you closely to ensure your safety.
Therapy is essential for defeating addiction. It is more than just talking about your feelings. It involves looking at the reasons for your addiction. You will analyze your actions and find better ways to deal with life’s challenges.
When you start therapy, you will likely work with experts like psychologists, psychiatrists, or counselors. They have a good understanding of addiction issues. Sessions may occur one-on-one, with family members, or in a group setting. The main goal is to assist you in achieving significant, enduring transformations in your life.
It’s a process, but each step you take helps you understand yourself and your recovery better. The therapist or counselor can help you:
Evidence-based behavioral therapies that are commonly used include:
Holistic Therapies:
Holistic therapy focuses on treating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It’s not just about addressing one part of you but about helping all aspects of who you are heal together.
These therapies often work alongside traditional treatments in recovery programs, offering a more well-rounded approach. The goal is to create balance. This helps your emotional, physical, and spiritual sides align during your healing journey.
It’s a way to nurture yourself fully, creating harmony as you recover. They include:
Medications can be important for your recovery. They work with therapy to help with cravings. They can also ease withdrawal symptoms and lower the chance of relapse.
The type of medication you use will depend on the substance you are recovering from. These medications can help you at different stages of your journey. They can support you when you are just starting, going through withdrawal, or maintaining your sobriety over time.
For Opioid Addiction:
For Alcohol Addiction:
For Nicotine Addiction:
The goal is to provide the support you need. This support can come from therapy, medications, or both. We want to help you overcome addiction and stay on track.
We know that cost is a major factor for most people when seeking treatment for drug & alcohol abuse in Virginia. Novara Recovery Center works with most major insurance plans to help cover up to 100% of the costs associated with treatment at our program. To find out your personal options for treatment, get a free verification of insurance benefits right now by clicking the button below.
Addiction impacts not only your mind but also significantly affects almost every aspect of your body. No matter what substances you struggle with, the long-term effects are serious. This includes alcohol, opioids, and stimulants.
It can also involve multiple substances. The impact on you depends on several factors. These include the type of substance, how long you use it, and your overall health.
Some adverse effects of drug or alcohol addiction on the body can be fixed with care and time, yet other impacts may be lasting. Let’s analyze how addiction affects your body.
Substances such as stimulants (for example, cocaine and meth) can inflict severe harm to your heart and blood vessels.
They can also cause infections in your blood vessels. In some cases, they might lead to an infection in the lining of your heart, known as endocarditis. Also, repeatedly using needles increases your risk of blood clots and other vascular problems.
Substance abuse hits your lungs hard, especially when you’re smoking anything. Whether it’s tobacco, marijuana, or crack cocaine, the damage adds up over time.
In large doses, this can be life-threatening. Using them for a long time can make problems like asthma or sleep apnea worse. This means you may have more trouble breathing.
When you use certain drugs, your kidneys are constantly under stress, which can lead to lasting damage.
The liver bears the brunt of many substances, especially alcohol and opioids.
Your digestive system isn’t spared by addiction, particularly when it comes to opioids and alcohol.
The pancreas helps with digestion and controls blood sugar. This condition is known as pancreatitis. If it keeps up, it can lead to more severe damage.
Drinking too much alcohol raises your risk of getting some types of cancer. This includes cancer of the esophagus, mouth, throat, and rectum.
Nearly every substance negatively impacts your brain. As time passes, the impact on your mental health and cognitive abilities is clear.
You may also face cognitive problems like Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. This is a serious brain disorder caused by vitamin shortages linked to alcohol use. In addition, alcohol can increase the likelihood of facing depression, anxiety, and sleep difficulties.
Addictive substance use can throw your hormones and pancreas out of balance, leading to a variety of health problems.
Pancreatitis can be short-term or long-term. The long-term type can harm your digestive system. This makes it harder to absorb nutrients and stay healthy.
If you use drugs or drink a lot, your risk of infections goes up. These infections can harm your health for a long time.
Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex problem. It often comes from a mix of genetic, environmental, and personal factors. However, there are several effective strategies to help prevent addiction. Below are key approaches:
Teaching young people about the dangers and consequences of addiction is crucial for its prevention. Educational programs in schools and community centers can help people understand the risks of substance use and dangerous behaviors. These programs can show how these choices can harm mental and physical health.
Equally important is the development of healthy coping mechanisms, as many use substances to deal with stress or trauma. Teaching methods such as mindfulness, exercise, and creative outlets can help individuals cope without harmful dependencies.
Strong support systems, including positive family dynamics and friendships, serve as effective protective factors against substance use and addiction. These networks offer emotional support. They promote healthy choices and create environments that help fight isolation and loneliness. These feelings are major risk factors for addiction.
At Novara Recovery Center, we get it. Addiction takes a heavy toll—not just on your health but on your relationships, your career, and so much more. That’s why we’re here to offer a personalized approach to addiction recovery.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all alcohol and drug addiction solutions. Instead, we develop a tailored addiction treatment plan that meets your unique needs, preferences, and life situation.
The first step toward drug or alcohol addiction recovery is always the hardest, but it’s the most important. Your journey starts now—let us guide you through it.
Written By:
Mental Health Writer
Geoffrey Andaria is a seasoned writer and editor specializing in mental health content. With a B.A. in English and Journalism, he possesses a solid foundation in crafting freelance articles and conducting research. Geoffrey has also completed courses in social work. He dedicates himself to providing valuable and informative content for individuals impacted by mental health challenges and addiction.
Medically Reviewed By:
Expert Contributor
Dr. Williams is currently a board member for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He possesses a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. He holds a license to offer addiction counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut. Additionally, he has submitted an application to become a licensed psychologist in New Jersey.
