Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder of the brain’s reward system. This is associated with compulsive and continued drug use despite harmful life consequences or physical side effects. Addiction, known medically as substance use disorder, is considered as both a mental health condition and a complex brain disorder. As time goes on and usage continues, how the person’s brain, body, and mind function can change dramatically and negatively impact their life.

What drugs can a person be addicted to?

Different drugs have different effects on different people. This is why some people can use drugs experimentally on occasion and not become addicted. However, if usage becomes more regular, some people become unable to control when and how much they are using. Certain drugs like stimulants, cocaine, or opioid painkillers, can cause a person to develop an addiction more quickly than other drugs. People can become addicted to legal and illegal drugs or substances, including: Illegal substances Anabolic steroids Club drugs Cocaine Heroin Inhalants Marijuana Methamphetamines Misusing prescription medicines like opioids, or over-the-counter medicines by taking them in a different way than intended, such as: Taking medicine prescribed for someone else Taking a larger dose than prescribed Using the medicine in a different way than directed, such as crushing and snorting or injecting Using the medicine to get high on purpose

Do I have a substance use problem?

Q: Who can develop an addiction?

Addiction can affect people from all backgrounds and can happen to anyone, at any age. There is no easy way to spot an addiction disorder because not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted. The people with a high risk of developing an addiction may experience: other mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder drug use that started at a young age peer pressure from people who encourage drug use unhappiness or instability at home, with friends, or at work family history of a parent or sibling has a drug or alcohol addiction

Q: Is there a cure for addiction?

There isn’t an easy or magical cure for drug addiction but it is a treatable medical condition. With the appropriate treatment for their specific needs, a person can improve their addiction over time, reduce their risk of relapse, and achieve a successful long-term recovery.

These days we’re all experiencing more stress and anxiety. It’s been hard.

If you’re drinking more alcohol than usual or starting to use drugs to ease the tension, and think you might have the start of a problem, find out for sure by answering these four questions.

Whether you think you may have a problem or know someone who may have a problem, here are some important things to know about addiction.

What is an addiction?

Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease that affects how the brain’s circuits work, particularly those involved in reward, motivation, and self-control. While addiction includes both substance use disorders and behavioral addictions (like gambling disorder or gaming addiction), today we will focus on drug and alcohol addiction, known medically as substance use disorders.

People with addiction experience powerful urges to use drugs or alcohol, often feeling unable to control their usage even when it causes serious problems in their life. This isn’t due to a lack of willpower. It’s because addiction actually changes how the brain functions. As substance use continues, these brain changes can dramatically affect a person’s behavior, thinking, and overall quality of life.

Like other chronic diseases, addiction typically involves cycles of relapse and recovery. However, with proper treatment and support, people can manage their addiction and find lon-term recovery.

What substances are most likely to cause dependence?

While any substance can lead to addiction, certain drugs are known to cause physical dependence more quickly and intensely than others. The risk of developing an addiction varies from person to person, but some substances are particularly dangerous due to how they affect the brain’s chemistry and reward system.

Here are some of the substances that carry the highest risk of physical dependence:

Opioids (including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription painkillers): These drugs can create strong physical dependence very quickly, with severe withdrawal symptoms when stopped.
Alcohol: Regular heavy drinking leads to physical dependence, with withdrawal symptoms that can be dangerous without medical supervision.
Benzodiazepines (like Xanax or Valium): These anxiety medications can cause significant physical dependence, even when taken as prescribed.
Nicotine: Found in tobacco products and e-cigarettes, nicotine quickly reaches the brain and creates both physical and psychological dependence, making it one of the most commonly misused addictive substances
Methamphetamine and Cocaine: While the physical withdrawal may be less severe than with opioids or alcohol, these stimulants create intense psychological cravings that make them highly addictive.

Other commonly misused substances include:

Marijuana
Inhalants
Anabolic steroids
Club drugs

Remember that even if a drug is legal or prescribed, it can still lead to dependence when misused. If you’re concerned about your use of any substance, it’s important to seek professional help.

Who can develop an addiction?

Substance use disorders can affect anyone, regardless of their background, age, or life circumstances. While anyone can develop an addiction, certain risk factors may make some people more vulnerable than others. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention.

Common risk factors for developing a substance use disorder include:

Genetic Factors: Having a family history of addiction can increase your risk by 40-60%
Mental Health Conditions: People with depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder may use substances to cope with symptoms
Early Exposure: Starting substance use during the teenage years when the brain is still developing
Environmental Factors: Environmental factors play a major role, particularly when someone lives in high-stress situations or environments where drugs and alcohol are easily accessible. Other risk factors include experiencing peer pressure, lacking social support systems, or having a history of trauma or abuse.

It’s important to remember that having these risk factors doesn’t guarantee someone will develop an addiction, and their absence doesn’t prevent one. However, understanding your personal risk factors can help you make informed decisions about substance use and seek help early if needed.

Ongoing substance use itself can lead to various health problems, which may further complicate recovery. This is why early intervention and professional support are crucial for successful treatment.

Is there a cure for addiction?

While there isn’t a simple cure for addiction, it is a treatable medical condition. Modern treatment options combine several approaches to help people achieve and maintain recovery:

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): FDA-approved medications can help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms
Behavioral counseling: Individual and group therapy sessions help develop coping skills and address underlying mental health conditions
Support groups: Connecting with others in recovery provides ongoing encouragement and shared experiences
Family therapy: Involving family members in treatment can strengthen support systems and improve outcomes
Telehealth therapy: Virtual appointments make it easier to access care from home

Recovery is a journey that looks different for everyone. The most successful treatment plans are personalized to address both substance use disorders and any co-occurring mental health conditions.

Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?

At Eleanor Health, we understand that taking the first step toward treatment can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer:

Comprehensive treatment programs for alcohol, opioid, and other substance use disorders
Both in-person and telehealth options
Support for co-occurring mental health conditions
Evidence-based treatment approaches
Flexible scheduling to fit your life

We’re here to help you build momentum toward the future you want. With locations in Louisiana, Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Texas, and Washington, recovery support is closer than you think.