Addiction is a scary term when it lives in your home and takes over your family. Assistance in Recovery (AiR) is a national organization of counselors, professional intervention specialists, and consultants that provide fast and effective crisis management services through a proven protocol of education, action and healing. One simple phone call to AiR will put in place the proper resources to dissolve the crisis and put the family or organization and the addicted individual on a solid course of recovery.
What are the differences between a drug user, a drug abuser, and a drug addict?
Many people assume that addiction is simply an overuse of drugs, and that the addict is just a drug user who chooses to use too much. But research has shown that addiction, unlike casual drug use, is no longer a matter of free choice. “Functionally you’ve moved into a different state, a state of compulsive drug use,” says Leshner. “People have a lot of trouble understanding that addiction is not an issue of choice or will or morality. ” The National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine, the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Medical Association all define this state of driven, compulsive use as the essence of addiction. Someone who abuses drugs may suffer negative consequences from using, as the addict does, but generally can and does stop when these consequences become too severe. The addict may be unable to stop, even after massive negative consequences, without medical and/or behavioral help. Says Steven Hyman, M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental Health, “An alcoholic taking a drink looks like anyone else engaged in that behavior, but what’s happening in his or her head is different.”
What is the difference between someone who can drink or dabble in illicit drugs without developing dependence or many negative consequences, and someone who becomes an addict?
Researchers believe that there is a great variability among individuals when it comes to their vulnerability to becoming addicted. “The more stress, the more likely it is you will get addicted,” says Leshner. Risk of addiction, however, is also driven by genetic, biological, environmental and social factors.
For a more indepth look into addiction, visit our Education and Resources section to learn more.
Help! I have a loved one that needs help with his or her addiction to drugs.
If you are in need of help or have more question about drug addiction, contact AiR Assistance in Recovery today at our National Call Center 800-561-8158.
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Alcoholism
Drug Addiction
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