There is considerable misunderstanding about addiction, whether the addiction is to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, food, or sex. Addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of something accompanied by loss of control and continued use despite negative or undesirable consequences. 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.