About Addiction: Causes, Signs, & Treatment

Addiction Facts & Statistics

Recent data highlights the impact of addiction in America and underscores the need for quality, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders. Among the findings:

• 138.5 million Americans aged 12 and older (50%) had used alcohol in the past month.⁵
• Of those current alcohol users, 61.6 million (44%) met the criteria for binge drinkers.⁵
• 59.3 million Americans aged 12 and up (21%) used marijuana or illicit drugs or misused prescription medications within the past year.⁵
• Of the current alcohol and illicit drug users, 40.3 million (14.5%) meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. That number includes 28.3 million Americans with an alcohol use disorder, 18.4 million with an illicit drug use disorder, and an estimated 6.5 million with both at the same time.⁵
• There were nearly 92,000 overdose deaths in the United States in 2020, and provisional data from the CDC suggests that overdose deaths exceeded 100,000 in 2021.^{6, 7}
• In 2020, 41.1 million people (15%) met the criteria for needing addiction treatment, but only a fraction—roughly 1%—received treatment. Of those who were classified as needing treatment and didn’t get it, more than 97% believed that they did not need help.⁵

Signs & Symptoms of Addiction

Medical professionals diagnose a substance use disorder (SUD) based on criteria laid out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5^th edition, published by the American Psychiatric Association. The criteria for an SUD includes:⁸

• Using more of a substance or for a longer duration than planned.
• Trying to cut down or quit taking a substance, but being unable to do so.
• Having cravings, or a strong desire, to use a substance.
• Spending significant amounts of time getting, taking, or recovering from a substance.
• Using substances in situations that could be physically dangerous.
• Continuing to take a substance even though it causes social problems or negatively affects a person’s interpersonal relationships.
• Continuing to take a substance even though it has caused or worsened physical or mental health problems.
• Being unable to keep up with important work, school, or family responsibilities because of substance use.
• Giving up activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed in order to use a substance.
• Tolerance to a substance (i.e., needing to take more of a substance or taking a substance more frequently to feel the desired effects).
• Developing withdrawal symptoms when not taking the substance (i.e., dependence).

To meet the criteria for a substance use disorder, a person must meet at least two of the criteria listed above in a 12-month period. (Note that tolerance and dependence do not count as diagnostic criteria when a person is taking a drug prescribed by a doctor.)

Addiction Causes & Risk Factors

Addiction is a complex condition that cannot be attributed to a single cause; instead, it arises from a multifaceted interplay of biological and environmental factors that determine an individual’s propensity to develop a substance use disorder.

Biological factors encompass a range of elements, including genetic predispositions, brain chemistry, and mental health conditions. For instance, individuals with a family history of addiction may carry certain genetic markers that increase their vulnerability to substance use disorders. Additionally, the structure and function of the brain, particularly areas involved in reward, decision-making, and impulse control, can significantly impact a person’s risk. Mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders, also play a crucial role, as they may lead individuals to turn to substances as a form of self-medication or coping mechanism.

On the other hand, environmental factors are equally influential in the development of addiction. These include the social and cultural context in which a person lives. Family dynamics, peer influence, socio-economic status, and community resources can heavily shape an individual’s exposure to substances and their likelihood of developing a disorder. For example, individuals raised in environments where substance use is normalized or where there is a lack of support systems may be at a higher risk. Additionally, stressors from life circumstances, such as poverty or chronic stress, can contribute to increased vulnerability.

There are many risk factors associated with addiction. Some common risk factors for addiction are:

• Aggressive behavior in childhood.
• Poor parental supervision of children and teens.
• Lack of ability to say “no” to peers.
• Early experimentation with drugs and alcohol.
• Easy access to drugs in school.
• Growing up in an impoverished neighborhood.

Having multiple risk factors can significantly elevate an individual’s likelihood of developing a substance use disorder; however, it’s important to understand that this increased risk does not ensure that addiction will occur. Risk factors may include a history of trauma, mental health disorders, genetic predisposition, social environments with high substance availability, and peer pressure, among others.

Protective factors serve to mitigate these risks and decrease the probability of developing an addiction. While they are helpful in lowering the chances, they do not guarantee immunity against substance use disorders. Some key protective factors include strong, supportive family relationships that foster open communication and trust, access to community resources such as counseling services and substance abuse programs, and active participation in extracurricular activities and hobbies, which can promote resilience and self-esteem. Overall, a combination of both risk and protective factors plays a crucial role in the complex interplay that influences an individual’s relationship with drugs and alcohol.

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Dangers & Consequences of Addiction

Addiction can have serious consequences for the person who is addicted, their loved ones, and society. Someone with SUD may experience negative effects on their employment, relationships, work, and other areas of their lives, including their physical and mental health.

Substance use and addiction may increase a person’s risk of:^4,9

• Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and panic attacks.
• Aggression and violence.
• Memory and learning problems.
• Injuries and accidents.
• Cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and stroke.
• Psychosis.
• Seizures.
• Lung disease.
• Cancer.
• Sexually transmitted diseases, such as Hepatitis and HIV/AIDS.
• Overdose.

The dangers associated with substance use can lead to a potentially fatal outcome known as an overdose. Individuals who misuse opioids—such as heroin and various prescription painkillers—face a heightened risk of experiencing an overdose. This risk extends to those using benzodiazepines, a class of medications often prescribed for anxiety or sleep disorders. The potential for overdose drastically increases when these substances are combined with alcohol, as the combination can profoundly depress the central nervous system, leading to life-threatening respiratory issues or unconsciousness.

Over the last two decades, we have witnessed a troubling and significant rise in the number of overdose deaths, reflecting an urgent public health crisis. This alarming trend highlights the profound effects that substance misuse can have not only on individuals but also on families and communities.

If you find that your use of substances is having a detrimental impact on various aspects of your life—be it physical health, relationships, employment, or mental well-being—it might be time to consider reaching out for professional help. It’s important to understand that you don’t need to be a daily user of drugs or alcohol or to face every possible negative consequence in order to benefit from treatment. Seeking help can lead to positive changes and a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Addiction Treatment

Addiction treatment plays a crucial role in helping individuals recover from substance use disorders by addressing the complex nature of addiction. Effective treatment goes beyond merely focusing on the pattern of drug use; it also takes into account a variety of interconnected factors that contribute to an individual’s overall health and well-being. This includes biological factors, such as genetics and the changes in brain chemistry that substance use can induce. Psychological aspects, including underlying mental health issues like anxiety or depression, also play a significant role in addiction and must be addressed during treatment.

The economic circumstances surrounding a person’s life, such as employment status and access to financial resources, are important considerations that can impact recovery. Social factors, like family dynamics, peer influences, and community support systems, can either facilitate or hinder the recovery process. Additionally, many individuals find that their spiritual beliefs and values can be instrumental in guiding them through their addiction treatment journey.

Given the diverse needs of individuals seeking recovery, there are multiple treatment settings and levels of care available. These can range from outpatient programs that allow individuals to continue their daily lives while receiving support, to more intensive inpatient programs that provide a structured environment for those in acute stages of addiction. Tailoring treatment to address the specific phase of recovery a person is in, along with their unique combination of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs, is vital for achieving lasting recovery.

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The types of rehab are:¹¹

• Medical detox —During detox, medical professionals monitor and treat withdrawal symptoms, with medications and supportive care. This helps a person both stay safe remain more comfortable as the drug clears their system and they are readied to enter rehab treatment.
• Inpatient — During inpatient or residential treatment, a person stays at a facility and attends daily groups and therapy sessions. Medication may also be part of treatment.
• Outpatient — In outpatient treatment, a person goes to the treatment facility for groups and sessions, but does not stay there. A person may live at home or in a sober living residence while attending outpatient. There are also different types of outpatient care with varied levels of intensity, such as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient. Medication may also be prescribed to support recovery efforts during outpatient rehab.

A typical day in treatment involves group and individual counseling sessions. Programs offer evidence-based therapies to help treat addiction, including , , and, for some, medication.

Educational and counseling topics vary and may include relapse prevention, coping skills, and stress management. There is also free time available to read, do homework assignments, and participate in recreational activities, like exercise, meditation, and sports. As-needed medications prescribed during rehab to help manage cravings and reduce the risk of relapse may be continued after you’ve completed a treatment program.

The length of treatment will vary from person to person depending on their individual needs. Some patients may benefit from a few days or weeks of rehab, while others might require something more extensive.

Addiction is a complex disease that affects multiple areas of a person’s life, so the most effective treatment is tailored to the individual based on how addiction has affected them. If you attend addiction treatment, a personalized treatment plan will be created for you.

Can Addiction Be Treated?

Yes, addiction is a treatable medical condition.¹⁰ Like other chronic health conditions, it can be managed with medications, therapy, and social support.

Sometimes relapse, or returning to substance use, occurs. This is not a sign of treatment failure, but rather an indication that a person’s treatment plan needs to be adjusted. Some people may need to return to rehab to sustain their recovery and get back on track.

To learn more about the addiction programs and various payment options offered at our Texas treatment center in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, call us at today. You can also find out whether we accept your insurance and verify your benefits by quickly filling out this confidential .