{"id":34,"date":"2010-11-23T10:44:13","date_gmt":"2010-11-23T15:44:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/fsao\/resources\/compulsive\/"},"modified":"2020-10-29T10:37:56","modified_gmt":"2020-10-29T14:37:56","slug":"addiction","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/fsao\/resources-2\/addiction\/","title":{"rendered":"Addiction"},"content":{"rendered":"

Addictions<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Addiction is\u00a0<\/span>a brain disorder in which<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance<\/span>\u00a0is present and interfering with functioning<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>People\u00a0<\/span>struggling<\/span>\u00a0with addiction are unable to stop using or engaging in a behavior\u00a0<\/span>even with significant physical, emotional, and financial consequenc<\/span>es.\u00a0<\/span>Addiction<\/span>\u00a0involves both physical and psychological dependence.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The term addiction refers to dependence on legal substances such as\u00a0<\/span>nicotine<\/span>,\u00a0<\/span>caffeine,\u00a0<\/span>alcohol, and<\/span>\u00a0controlled substances\u00a0<\/span>(e.g., opiates and benzodiazepines) and illegal substances (e.g., cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and illegally obtained or diverted medications).\u202fIt also refers to marijuana which is legal in some states and illegal in others. When a person cannot stop taking a drug, they are considered to have a dependence on that substance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Addictions<\/span>\u00a0can also be behavioral<\/span>\u00a0and involve an inability to stop or moderate participation in certain behaviors, such as gambling, internet gaming,<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>sex, shopping, eating,\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>exercising<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Addiction disrupts normal, healthy functioning of the brain. Th<\/span>e<\/span>\u00a0disease process is the same regardless of the type of substance a person\u00a0<\/span>abuse<\/span>s<\/span>. Like many other diseases, addictions are preventable and treatable, but left untreated, their damaging effects can\u00a0<\/span>disrupt lives, families, and\u00a0<\/span>health.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Genetics account for 40 to 60 percent of a person’s vulnerability to addiction. Biology (for example, age, and presence of other diseases) and environmental influences (stress, diet) also play a significant role. Not surprisingly, adolescents and those with mental health disorders are at greatest risk for substance abuse and addiction.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Addiction is a progressive disease and worsens over time without proper intervention.\u00a0<\/span>Addiction\u202fis\u202fone\u202fof\u202fthe\u202f<\/span>costliest<\/span>\u202fpublic\u202fhealth\u202fproblems\u202fin\u202fthe\u202fUnited\u202fStates.\u202f<\/span>Alcohol and drug abuse\u00a0<\/span>cost<\/span>\u00a0the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Drugs and A<\/span><\/b>lcohol<\/span><\/b>\u00a0Abuse<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A drug is a\u00a0<\/span>substance that alters the chemistry of the brain.\u00a0<\/span>Drugs and alcohol initially activate pleasure pathways in the brain. With prolonged use, these substances blunt the pathways and no longer produce a pleasurable high<\/span>\u00a0or experience<\/span>. This essentially sets a new normal level of brain functioning, which requires\u00a0<\/span>increased\u00a0<\/span>drugs or alcohol\u00a0<\/span>use over time\u00a0<\/span>just to maintain.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Alcohol is one of the most widely used\u00a0<\/span>substances<\/span>\u00a0in the world.\u00a0<\/span>Alcohol and drug abuse cost the American economy an estimated $276 billion per year in lost productivity, health care expenditures, crime, motor vehicle crashes and other conditions.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you (or someone close to you at home or at work) are worried about the effects of alcohol or drugs, ask yourself:<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n