WHAT IS

ADDICTION?Addiction, the severe form of a substance use disorder, is a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

Over 21 million people suffer from substance use disorders in the United States – 1 in 7 people will struggle with substance use at some point in their lives. In 2016, over 63,600 people died of drug overdoses in America. That’s an average of 174 lives lost per day to drug overdoses; that number climbs to 415 if you factor in alcohol-related deaths.

Key risk factors that contribute to the development of substance use disorders include:

Delaying the age of first use as long as possible is critical for preventing the development of substance use disorders. This is because the developing brain is more susceptible to develop a substance use disorder if exposed to drugs, including alcohol. The human brain continues to mature until the early to mid-20s.

Some additional protective factors that may help prevent the development of a substance use disorder include:

ADDICTION IS A BRAIN DISEASE

Addiction changes two key parts of the brain:• The prefrontal cortex, which regulates decision making and impulse control. • The limbic system, which is responsible for our emotions and basic survival instincts.When substances are used repeatedly they change how some circuits in the brain function, including:• The reward circuit: These changes make the patient believe the substance is essential for their survival. • The stress circuit: Increasing anxiety and making it harder to turn off the stress response.• Learning and memory circuits: Leading to intense cravings. • Executive circuits: Making it harder to control impulses and prioritize long term goals.

ADDICTION IS PREVENTABLE

Individual factors, like the age of first use and exposure to trauma;

Attachment to community and positive social engagement

Environmental factors, like drug availability and community norms; and;

Delaying the age of first use

Biological factors, like genetics.

Limited access to drugs and alcohol

ADDICTION IS TREATABLE

OUR MISSION

OUR ROLE

TO LEARN MORE...

Substance use disorders can be treated effectively. Proven treatments include counseling, medications for alcohol, opioid, and tobacco use disorders, and family support services.

• It’s important to intervene early and treat substance use disorder before the disease progresses.

• Treatment plans should be individualized to meet each patient’s complex needs.

• Patients should be monitored regularly and the treatment and recovery support plan should be modified as they progress.

• At least 3-5 years of treatment and recovery support is typically required to support individuals recovering from severe substance use disorders.

• Brain scans show that once in recovery, the tissue in the limbic system and cortex can recover.

The Addiction Policy Forum is a diverse partnership of organizations, policymakers and stakeholders committed to working together to elevate awareness around addiction and to improve national policy through a comprehensive response that includes prevention, treatment, recovery and criminal justice reform.

We support, promote and work with others in the addiction community to advance knowledge and translate discoveries about substance use disorder and its complications into practical solutions that make everyday life better for people living with or at risk for addiction.

WE ENVISION A WORLD WHERE FEWER LIVES ARE LOST AND HELP EXISTS FOR THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS AFFECTED BY ADDICTION EVERY DAY.

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