Drug and alcohol addiction and abuse. Recognition. Prevention. Treatment

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About Addiction

Into The Abyss:

A theory as to why some youth are more susceptible to developing addictions than others

By Catherine Patterson-Sterling, MA, RCC

No one ever imagines that his or her child will grow up to become a drug addict or alcoholic. Even further from parents’ imaginations are the means to which some youth will support their addictions which often includes forms of intimidation, prostitution, or theft. Parents from various economic backgrounds may find themselves saying “But my child was loved” or “We gave our child every opportunity” as they realize the full extent of their children’s addictions.

The problem is that addiction knows no economic, racial, age, or social barrier.

People from all backgrounds and diverse life circumstances will develop addictions. Chances are that one in ten people you know will develop substance abuse problems that qualify as addictions during their lifetimes.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is an unsatisfied compulsion to use mood-altering substances regardless of the associated negative consequences. There are also “process addictions” in which people are addicted to activities such as gambling, sex, internet, violence, etc. The difference between somebody who is a “social drinker” or a “recreational drug-user” and another person who has a drug addiction (addict) or addiction to alcohol (alcoholic) is that people who use mood-altering substances recreationally or socially are able to stop at a predetermined point.

Individuals with addictions will continue to use their drugs of choice regardless of arguments, strained relationships, work loss, health problems, impending criminal charges, etc. Alcoholics and addicts will organize their time and energy around obtaining as well as using mood-altering substances despite arising negative consequences. The drug or alcohol starts to become the center of their life realities.