Opioids (Causes)

Many people view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem. Parents, teens, older adults and other members of the community tend to characterize people who take drugs as morally weak or as having criminal tendencies. They believe that drug abusers and addicts should be able to stop taking drugs if they are willing to change their behavior.

These myths are damaging for individuals with drug-related problems, their families, their communities and the health-care professionals who work with them.

Addiction does begin with drug abuse, but addiction is not just "a lot of drug use." Recent research provides strong evidence that not only do drugs interfere with normal brain functioning by creating powerful feelings of pleasure, but they also have long-term effects on brain metabolism and activity. At some point, changes occur in the brain that can turn drug abuse into addiction. Those addicted to drugs suffer from a compulsive craving and need treatment to end the compulsive behavior.