An individual who repeatedly uses drugs or alcohol and cannot stop even though he or she is aware of the problems such use causes, is said to be addicted. Some people can control their substance use, using only at certain times or on certain days. People who are addicted, however, continue to use drugs or alcohol and cannot stop until the substance is gone. Researchers do not know why some users become addicted and others don't. They do know that anyone who uses drugs can become addicted, and that anyone who uses cocaine or narcotics frequently over a period of time will become addicted.
Some people have a predisposition to drug or alcohol dependency.
People who come from families with addiction histories have a greater chance of becoming addicted than those who don't. A person who is surrounded by drug users and drugs is at higher risk for using and becoming addicted. When community attitudes favor drug use, such alludes may be in- fluential in determining whether or not a person tries drugs. In subtle ways our society condones and sometimes even encourages drug and alcohol use. We are bombarded by advertising that encourages us to take pills and medicines for every ache and pain that ails us.