The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reported that nearly 50 million people in the US dealt with substance addictions in 2022. Additionally, an estimated 10 million people have gambling addictions in any given year (National Council on Problem Gambling). Despite being a common occurrence, addiction and the people who live with it are often unfairly stigmatized. Today, to tackle bias, we’ll learn about what addiction is, how it works, and what causes it.

What is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive substance use or behaviors, despite negative consequences. When addiction involves drugs or alcohol, it’s called a substance use disorder. When it revolves around behaviors, like gambling, shopping, etc., it’s called a non-substance use disorder.

The majority of addiction research has been conducted on substance use disorders. However, studies suggest that behavioral addictions have a similar effect on the brain.

The human brain releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical, when we do something rewarding, like eating or exercising. Some drugs, alcohol, and other activities may also release dopamine, but in larger amounts. This may cause repetition of substance use/behaviors in an attempt to experience the same pleasurable feelings. Eventually, our brain adapts and becomes less sensitive to dopamine, tolerance develops, and more is needed each time to feel the same result.

People with a substance use disorder may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop using drugs/alcohol. Symptoms differ depending on the substance but may include:

  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Irritability
  • Insomnia
  • Paranoia
  • Shaking
  • Muscle pain
  • Fatigue
  • Seizures

Non-substance use disorders aren’t usually associated with physical symptoms. However, people may become irritable or preoccupied when they aren’t doing the addictive behavior. To alleviate the discomfort of withdrawal, people with addictions will start the substance or behavior again.

Regardless of the type, the cycle of dopamine release, repetitive increased use, and negative side effects of withdrawal can reinforce addiction and make stopping hard.

Addiction has the potential to negatively impact people’s lives in many ways:

  • Poor physical/mental health
  • Inability to do everyday tasks, like go to school, work, or take care of household responsibilities
  • Financial problems
  • Work problems or job loss
  • Strained relationships with loved ones
  • Increased accidents and risky behavior
  • Legal trouble

Who’s Affected by Addiction?

People of any age, race, gender, or socioeconomic background can experience addiction. However, some people may be at higher risk:

  • Teenagers
  • People with mental health disorders
  • Men try substances more often, but women are just as likely to experience addiction if they use substances
  • People who use drugs/alcohol during youth are more likely to have a substance use disorder in the future
  • In 2022, 24% of American Indians and Alaskan Natives dealt with substance use disorders (comparatively: 9% Asian American, 17.4% Hispanic/Latino, 17.6% White, 18.4% African American)

What Causes Addiction?

There’s not a single cause of addiction. Instead, it’s influenced by a combination of genetics, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Family history of addiction, trauma, stress, or mental health conditions may also contribute.

Research suggests that negative childhood experiences, such as abuse or neglect, can increase the risk of developing addiction later in life. That said, even if many factors are present, a person isn’t guaranteed to experience addiction.

Treatment

Addiction is manageable, and recovery is possible. Treatment depends on the type of addiction and underlying issues. Common approaches include:

  • Medication
  • Behavioral therapies
  • Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous
  • In/out-patient rehabilitation programs

Relapse can be a normal part of the recovery process, with 40-60% of people in treatment experiencing it at some point. This is comparable to treatment relapses for other illnesses, like hypertension. Returning to treatment and possibly adjusting the recovery plan may help.

Need help with addiction?

Contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Sources:

https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20231113/hhs-samhsa-release-2022-nsduh-data

https://dictionary.apa.org/addiction

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9058108/

https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/faqs-what-is-problem-gambling/#:~:text=2.5%20million%20U.S.%20adults%20(1,problem%20in%20a%20given%20year.