Research Paper

Addiction and Substance Abuse

Tina M. Murray

COM/156

September 23, 2012

Cyndie Nicholas- Bowman

Addiction and Substance Abuse

Although some would think that addiction is not a problem, but in reality, it is. Drugs can be more harmful than what anyone would think. There are several things at stack since an individual that has a substance abuse problem. You will soon read what addiction is, what causes it, risk factors for the substance, how it will affect the families of these addicts, and how to go about getting the help that one so desperately needs. Addiction is no joke; it will cause pain for the families and the addict, and will disburse trust within the families.

“Substance abuse is drugs that one uses excessively and it can and will result in physical, mental, and/or social dysfunction” according to Amy P. Adler and Tanja Schub (2012). Substance abuse also turns into “addiction” which is a problem that someone has when using drugs in an inappropriate way. Addicts have an uncontrollable dependence to the drug or drugs that he or she is using. The substances are several different forms of drugs whether it is cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, alcohol, or prescription medications, can cause serious damage and possibly death. Individuals will use the substances excessively, which causes the addiction to the substances. With more drugs around our children, the more apt they will want to try them to see what it does to them. It is called curiosity. Substances abuse is likely to cause more harm than anything else besides cancerous illnesses is. Several teenagers want to try it at least once in their lifetime. It only takes one to be hooked on any drug. Another form of addiction besides substance abuse is behavioral addiction. “Behavioral addiction is consistent with Internet junky, overly eating, gambling, and television compulsion” Alavi, S. S., Ferdosi, M., Jannatifard, F., Eslami, M., Alaghemandan, H., & Setar, M (April 1, 2012). There are...