Addiction (cont.)

OTC and Prescription Drug Abuse Slideshow Pictures

Health Risks of Alcohol Abuse Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Maureen C Nash, MD, MS

Coauthor:

Jessica B Johnson

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Next Steps

Prevention

Researchers show that children who start drinking when younger than 15 years are four times more likely to have an alcohol addiction by the age of 21 years. Talking with children early about the negative effects of alcohol and drugs may help guide them to healthier behaviors.

The potential for relapse is part of chronic (long-term) disease. Because addiction is a chronic disease, prevention of relapse is essential. The person must learn new behaviors so he or she can either avoid the trigger or refuse to turn to drugs. The key to long-term avoidance of addiction is having a maintenance or relapse plan.

Support Groups and Counseling

Hundreds of support groups are available for any kind of addiction, whether it is an addiction to drugs or an addiction to a certain behavior. The Internet may be a helpful way to find such support groups.

Counseling (individual and/or group) is often an essential part of treatment and prevention of relapse. Counselors may provide information regarding relevant support groups.