Substance abuse and addiction is considered to be a disease that can affect anyone. Many people have been affected, directly or indirectly, by the problems of substance abuse and addiction. It is estimated that more than 75 million Americans have been exposed to addiction within the family and approximately one in five to one in eight individuals grew up with an alcoholic in the family. The United States is the No. 1 consumer of illicit drugs in the world. The issue of substance abuse and addiction is a complex one.
People misuse and abuse alcohol and drugs for a variety of reasons.
They feel good. They see friends and peers using the same substances and perceive no negative effects. While many people who use alcohol and drugs may not develop any serious problems, there are many who will. The progression from first use to addiction can be an insidious one and often the individuals involved will not realize when they cross the line from use to misuse to abuse to addiction. For many there are no clear indicators as to when their use becomes abusive and addictive.