The Basics
The cost and consequences of alcoholism and drug dependence place an enormous burden on American society. As the nation’s number one health problem, addiction strains the economy, the health care system, the criminal justice system, and threatens job security, public safety, marital and family life.
Addiction crosses all societal boundaries, affects every ethnic group, both genders, and people in every tax bracket. Today, however, Americans increasingly recognize addiction as a disease -- a disease that can be treated.
Addiction is defined as the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
Addiction crosses all societal boundaries, affects every ethnic group, both genders, and people in every tax bracket. Today, however, Americans increasingly recognize addiction as a disease -- a disease that can be treated.
Addiction is defined as the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity.
Preventing Addiction
The primary goal of prevention is to delay the first use of alcohol or other drugs. Research indicates that adolescents who begin drinking before age 14 are significantly more likely to experience alcohol dependence at some point in their lives compared to individuals who begin drinking after 21 years of age. In addition, youth who drink alcohol are more likely to experience a number of negative consequences, such as physical or sexual assault, unintentional injuries, memory problems, legal problems, and impaired school performance.