Definition

Webster: a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity having harmful physical, psychological, or social effects and typically causing well-defined symptoms (such as anxiety, irritability, tremors, or nausea) upon withdrawal or abstinence.

ASAM: Addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual’s life experiences. People with addiction use substances or engage in behaviors that become compulsive and often continue despite harmful consequences. 

Types

  • Behavior (dieting, exercise, sex, gambling)
  • Substance (alcohol, drug use)

Causes

Statistics

  • 15.4% (38.7 million) of Americans aged 18 or older have a substance use disorder
  • Drug abuse and addiction cost Americans over $740 billion each year
  • 6.1% (17.0 million) of Americans aged 18 or older have both a substance use disorder and a mental illness

Risk Factors

  • Biological characteristics
  • Environmental influences
  • Genetics
  • Psychological characteristics
  • So-called “gateway” drug use at an early age (alcohol, tobacco)

Prevention

There is no known prevention for addiction aside from abstaining from addictive behaviors.

Vaccinations

People with chronic disease are at higher risk for serious problems from certain diseases. Getting vaccinated is an important step in staying healthy.

The CDC recommends all adults receive:

  • Influenza – recommended every year, age 6 months and older
  • Tdap – (if an adult did not receive it as an adolescent to protect against pertussis (whooping cough), and then a Td (tetanus, diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that people who inject drugs get vaccinated against hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Talk to your doctor about which other vaccines are right for you.

COVID-19 and Addiction

  • According to the CDC’s systematic review of research, individuals with a substance abuse disorder are at an increased risk of developing severe illness and death from COVID-19 infection. Additional comorbidities increase this risk as well.
  • People who use drugs and live in congregate group settings or gather with others are at an increased risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
  • Drug use can have serious effects on the body that can put the body at risk for developing severe COVID 19 such as:
    • The use of opioids can cause slow breathing and can result in ineffective breathing, leading to decreased oxygen in the blood, brain damage, or death.
    • the use of stimulants can cause acute health problems such as stroke, heart attacks, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and heart or lung damage.
    • The use of drugs by smoking or vaping can worsen chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and other lung conditions.
  • For more information, visit the CDC’s Website on Drug Use and COVID-19.

Resources

Support Groups