What is drug and alcohol addiction?

Addiction to drugs and alcohol means that a person has a constant physical craving and need for a particular substance. This need becomes the overwhelming center of a person’s life.

All other areas of the addict’s life become secondary to getting the next hit or the next drink. The negative consequences of their addiction don’t matter anymore. Relationships fail, jobs are lost, and responsibility and dignity don’t matter anymore. Just the next drink, the next drug.

This doesn’t mean that the addict or alcoholic wants to live this way. But changes in the brain and body are now in control. The cravings are overwhelming. There isn’t a choice about whether or not to drink or use drugs.

Help is available to both the addict and their loved ones. Denial can play a huge role in why people don’t get help. Asking for help can be difficult. But for those battling drug and alcohol addiction, treatment is the only way towards recovery.

WhyRecovery.com explores the many facets of drug and alcohol use and abuse, and addiction, through a series of questions and answers. If you have more questions, contact us. We’re here to help.

Latest Blogs & Articles

Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Family

Online Addiction & Recovery Resources

Questions:

How do I know if my loved one is addicted? Can’t I just cut back a little? Why can’t my loved one just stop taking drugs on their own? What does addiction do to my body over time? What are the signs of addiction? How does addiction affect my brain? What are the stages leading to addiction? Can I be addicted if I receive my medication from a physician? If alcoholism is a disease, why can’t I just take a pill to cure it? What signs should I look if my teenager is using drugs? My wife is pregnant… how is taking drugs and drinking affecting our baby? How does addiction affect the family? My loved one says he/she is too busy for treatment…what do I say to him/her?