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Essay on Drug Addiction | Drug Addiction Essay for Students and Children in English

February 12, 2024 by Veerendra

Essay on Drug Addiction: Addiction refers to the harmful need to consume substances that have damaging consequences on the user. Addiction affects not just the body but also on the person’s mental health and soundness of mind. Addiction is one of the most severe health problems faced around the world and is termed as a chronic disease. A widespread disorder ranges from drugs, alcohol addiction to gambling, and even phone addiction.

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One of the most unfortunate yet common addictions that affect millions today is drug addiction. Also referred to as substance – use disorder, it is the addiction to substances that harm neurological functioning and a person’s behavior. The essay provides relevant information on this topic.

Long and Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English for Students and Kids

There are two essays listed below. The long essay consists of 500 words and a short essay of 200 words.

Long Essay on Drug Addiction in English 500 words

Drug addiction, also known as substance–use disorder, refers to the dangerous and excessive intake of legal and illegal drugs. This leads to many behavioral changes in the person as well as affects brain functions. Drug addiction includes abusing alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioid, painkillers, and nicotine, among others. Drugs like these help the person feel good about themselves and induce ‘dopamine’ or the happiness hormone. As they continue to use the drug, the brain starts to increase dopamine levels, and the person demands more.

Drug addiction has severe consequences. Some of the signs include anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, and red eyes. They are intoxicated and unable to display proper coordination and have difficulty in remembering things. A person who is addicted cannot resist using them and unable to function correctly without ingesting them. It causes damage to the brain, their personal and professional relationships. It affects mental cognition; they are unable to make proper decisions, cannot retain information, and make poor judgments. They tend to engage in reckless activities such as stealing or driving under the influence. They also make sure that there is a constant supply and are willing to pay a lot of money even if they are unable to afford it and tend to have erratic sleep patterns.

Drug addiction also causes a person to isolate themselves and have either intense or no food cravings. They stop taking care of their hygiene. Drug addiction affects a person’s speech and experience hallucinations. They are unable to converse and communicate properly; they speak fast and are hyperactive. Those addicted have extreme mood swings. They can go from feeling happy to feeling sad quickly and are incredibly secretive. They begin to lose interest in activities they once loved. Substance abusers also undergo withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms refer to the symptoms that occur when they stop taking the drug. Some withdrawal symptoms include nausea, fatigue, and tremors. They stop and starting using again, an endless cycle that could be life-threatening. Drug addiction can be fatal if not treated timely. It can cause brain damage and seizures as well as overdose, heart diseases, respiratory problems, damage to the liver and kidneys, vomiting, lung diseases, and much more.

Though chronic, treatment is available for drug addiction. Many techniques are used, such as behavioral counseling, medication to treat the addiction, and providing treatment not just for substance abuse but also for many factors that accompany addiction such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Many devices have developed to overcome addiction. There are rehabilitation centers to help people. After treatment, there are numerous follow-ups to ensure that the cycle does not come back. The most important is having family and friends to support the effect. It will help them build confidence and come over their addiction.

The United Nations celebrates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26th of June. Drug addiction impacts millions and needs to be treated carefully to prevent further harm to the individual and letting them live a better life.

Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English 250 words

Drug addiction refers to taking substances that are harmful to our bodies. They cause changes to a person’s behavior as well. Many people take these drugs to feel happier and better about themselves. These dangerous substances make the brain produce a chemical that makes us happy, called dopamine. Producing large amounts of these causes the person to take the drug consistently.

Some of the drugs include alcohol, nicotine, and other unhealthy substances. Taking these substances can lead to many symptoms. These include unable to think correctly, cannot remember things, and unable to speak clearly. They steal and keep secrets from their close ones. Those addicted cannot sleep; they become happy and sad quickly. They stop doing the activities that they liked doing. They are not aware of their surroundings. Taking these dangerous substances can cause many health problems such as vomiting, unable to breathe, brain, and lung damage. It also affects their family, friends, and work.

Drug addiction is life-threatening. However, people with this addiction can be treated and helped with therapy, counseling, and taking medicines along with rehab centers. They do follow-ups to ensure that they never retake these drugs. They must have their family and friends to support them as they recover.

10 lines About Drug Addiction Essay in English

• Drug addiction refers to taking harmful substances that affect a person’s brain functions and behavior. It involves taking legal and illegal drugs, and the person is unable to stop using them. It is also referred to as substance- use disorders
• Harmful drugs include alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioids, painkillers, nicotine, etc.
• The harmful drugs cause an excessive release of dopamine or the happy hormone, which causes the person to take more.
• Drug addiction can affect mental cognition, including decision making, judgments, and memory. It also causes speech problems.
• It can cause anxiety paranoia and increased blood pressure. They have erratic sleep patterns and isolate themselves. It causes problems in their personal and professional relationships.
• Those addicted become moody, hyperactive, and hallucinate. They also engage in reckless activities.
• They experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using substances. These include nausea, fatigue, and tremors.
• It can have many effects on the body, such as brain damage, seizures, liver and kidney damage, respiratory and lung issues.
• Treatment is available. It includes behavioral therapy, medication, rehabilitation, as well as a follow-up to prevent relapse.
• The United Nations celebrates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26th of June.

Frequently Asked Questions on Drug Addiction Essay

Question  1. What is drug addiction?

Answer: Drug addiction, also known as substance – use disorder, refers to the dangerous and excessive intake of legal and illegal drugs. This leads to many behavioral changes in the person as well as affects brain functions.

Question 2. Why does drug addiction occur?

Answer: People become addicted to these drugs because they want to feel happier. The drugs cause a chemical called dopamine, which induces happiness to be released. The brain starts to increase dopamine levels, and thus the person becomes addicted to the drug to match the increasing levels.

Question 3. What is the difference between dependence and addiction?

Answer: Dependence and addiction vary. While dependence is an intense craving for the drug by the body, addiction also refers to the changes in behavior and bodily functions due to repeated use of the drug, which has severe consequences.

Question 4. Can we treat drug addiction?

Answer: Yes, drug addiction can be treated. The various treatment methods are behavioral counseling, medication, and treatment of anxiety and depression. There are rehabilitation centers available. This is followed by a check-up to prevent relapse.

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Substance Use Disorders and Addiction: Mechanisms, Trends, and Treatment Implications

Information & authors, metrics & citations, view options, insights into mechanisms related to cocaine addiction using a novel imaging method for dopamine neurons, treatment implications of understanding brain function during early abstinence in patients with alcohol use disorder, relatively low amounts of alcohol intake during pregnancy are associated with subtle neurodevelopmental effects in preadolescent offspring, increased comorbidity between substance use and psychiatric disorders in sexual identity minorities, trends in nicotine use and dependence from 2001–2002 to 2012–2013, conclusions, information, published in.

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The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body

Signs of drug addiction, effects of drug addiction.

Drug addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease that involves complex interactions between a person’s environment, brain circuits, genetics, and life experiences.

People with drug addictions continue to use drugs compulsively, despite the negative effects.

Substance abuse has many potential consequences, including overdose and death. Learn about the effects of drug addiction on the mind and body and treatment options that can help.

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

Drug Abuse vs. Drug Addiction

While the terms “drug abuse” and “drug addiction” are often used interchangeably, they're different. Someone who abuses drugs uses a substance too much, too frequently, or in otherwise unhealthy ways. However, they ultimately have control over their substance use.

Someone with a drug addiction uses drugs in a way that affects many parts of their life and causes major disruptions. They can't stop using drugs, even if they want to.

The signs of drug abuse and addiction include changes in behavior, personality, and physical appearance. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s substance use, here are some of the red flags to watch out for:

• Changes in school or work performance
• Secretiveness 
• Relationship problems
• Risk-taking behavior
• Legal problems
• Aggression 
• Mood swings
• Changes in hobbies or friends
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Unexplained odors on the body or clothing

Drug Addiction in Men and Women

Men and women are equally likely to develop drug addictions. However, men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, die from a drug overdose, and visit an emergency room for addiction-related health reasons. Women are more susceptible to intense cravings and repeated relapses.

People can become addicted to any psychoactive ("mind-altering") substance. Common addictive substances include alcohol , tobacco ( nicotine ), stimulants, hallucinogens, and opioids .

Many of the effects of drug addiction are similar, no matter what substance someone uses. The following are some of the most common effects of drug addiction.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Body

Drug addiction can lead to a variety of physical consequences ranging in seriousness from drowsiness to organ damage and death:

• Shallow breathing
• Elevated body temperature
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Impaired coordination and slurred speech
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Tooth decay
• Skin damage
• Sexual dysfunction
• Infertility
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage and cirrhosis
• Various forms of cancer
• Cardiovascular problems
• Lung problems
• Overdose and death

If left untreated drug addiction can lead to serious, life-altering effects on the body.

Dependence and withdrawal also affect the body:

• Physical dependence : Refers to the reliance on a substance to function day to day. People can become physically dependent on a substance fairly quickly. Dependence does not always mean someone is addicted, but the longer someone uses drugs, the more likely their dependency is to become an addiction.
• Withdrawal : When someone with a dependence stops using a drug, they can experience withdrawal symptoms like excessive sweating, tremors, panic, difficulty breathing, fatigue , irritability, and flu-like symptoms.

Overdose Deaths in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose in 2021.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain

All basic functions in the body are regulated by the brain. But, more than that, your brain is who you are. It controls how you interpret and respond to life experiences and the ways you behave as a result of undergoing those experiences.

Drugs alter important areas of the brain. When someone continues to use drugs, their health can deteriorate both psychologically and neurologically.

Some of the most common mental effects of drug addiction are:

• Cognitive decline
• Memory loss
• Mood changes and paranoia
• Poor self/impulse control
• Disruption to areas of the brain controlling basic functions (heart rate, breathing, sleep, etc.)

Effects of Drug Addiction on Behavior

Psychoactive substances affect the parts of the brain that involve reward, pleasure, and risk. They produce a sense of euphoria and well-being by flooding the brain with dopamine .

This leads people to compulsively use drugs in search of another euphoric “high.” The consequences of these neurological changes can be either temporary or permanent. 

• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability 
• Angry outbursts
• Lack of inhibition 
• Decreased pleasure/enjoyment in daily life (e.g., eating, socializing, and sex)
• Hallucinations

Help Someone With Drug Addiction

If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing drug addiction, address your concerns honestly, non-confrontationally, and without judgment. Focus on building trust and maintaining an open line of communication while setting healthy boundaries to keep yourself and others safe. If you need help, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Effects of Drug Addiction on an Unborn Child

Drug addiction during pregnancy can cause serious negative outcomes for both mother and child, including:

• Preterm birth
• Maternal mortality

Drug addiction during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) . Essentially, the baby goes into withdrawal after birth. Symptoms of NAS differ depending on which drug has been used but can include:

• Excessive crying
• Sleeping and feeding issues

Children exposed to drugs before birth may go on to develop issues with behavior, attention, and thinking. It's unclear whether prenatal drug exposure continues to affect behavior and the brain beyond adolescence.  

While there is no single “cure” for drug addiction, there are ways to treat it. Treatment can help you control your addiction and stay drug-free. The primary methods of treating drug addiction include:

• Psychotherapy : Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family therapy , can help someone with a drug addiction develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
• Behavioral therapy : Common behavioral therapies for drug addiction include motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and contingency management (CM). These therapy approaches build coping skills and provide positive reinforcement.
• Medication : Certain prescribed medications help to ease withdrawal symptoms. Some examples are naltrexone (for alcohol), bupropion (for nicotine), and methadone (for opioids).
• Hospitalization : Some people with drug addiction might need to be hospitalized to detox from a substance before beginning long-term treatment.
• Support groups : Peer support and self-help groups, such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, can help people with drug addictions find support, resources, and accountability.

A combination of medication and behavioral therapy has been found to have the highest success rates in preventing relapse and promoting recovery. Forming an individualized treatment plan with your healthcare provider's help is likely to be the most effective approach.

Drug addiction is a complex, chronic medical disease that causes someone to compulsively use psychoactive substances despite the negative consequences.

Some effects of drug abuse and addiction include changes in appetite, mood, and sleep patterns. More serious health issues such as cognitive decline, major organ damage, overdose, and death are also risks. Addiction to drugs while pregnant can lead to serious outcomes for both mother and child.

Treatment for drug addiction may involve psychotherapy , medication, hospitalization, support groups, or a combination.

If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

American Society of Addiction Medicine. Definition of addiction .

HelpGuide.org. Drug Abuse and Addiction .

Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. Warning signs of drug abuse .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Sex and gender differences in substance use .

Cleveland Clinic. Drug addiction .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Drugs and the Brain .

American Heart Association. Illegal Drugs and Heart Disease .

American Addiction Centers. Get the facts on substance abuse .

Szalavitz M, Rigg KK, Wakeman SE. Drug dependence is not addiction-and it matters . Ann Med . 2021;53(1):1989-1992. doi:10.1080/07853890.2021.1995623

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. top 100,000 annually .

American Psychological Association. Cognition is central to drug addiction .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts .

MedlinePlus. Neonatal abstinence syndrome .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Treatment and recovery .

Grella CE, Stein JA.  Remission from substance dependence: differences between individuals in a general population longitudinal survey who do and do not seek help . Drug and Alcohol Dependence.  2013;133(1):146-153. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.019

By Laura Dorwart Dr. Dorwart has a Ph.D. from UC San Diego and is a health journalist interested in mental health, pregnancy, and disability rights.

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Essay on Drug Abuse

Here we have shared the Essay on Drug Abuse in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Drug Abuse in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams. 

Topics covered in this article.

Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Essay on drug abuse in 250-300 words, essay on drug abuse in 500-1000 words.

Drug abuse is a global issue that poses serious risks to individuals and society. It involves the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse can result in addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and social and economic difficulties. Prevention efforts should focus on education, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is crucial for recovery. Strengthening law enforcement measures against drug trafficking is necessary to address the supply side of the problem. Creating supportive environments and opportunities for positive engagement can help prevent drug abuse. By taking collective action, we can combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.

Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, damage vital organs, and increase the risk of overdose. Mentally, it can cause cognitive impairment, and psychological disorders, and deteriorate overall well-being. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to social and economic problems, such as strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities.

Preventing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is vital to help individuals recover from substance abuse. Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and promoting international cooperation is also essential to address the supply side of the issue.

Community support and a nurturing environment are critical in preventing drug abuse. Creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to engage in positive activities and providing social support systems can serve as protective factors against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a significant societal problem with detrimental effects on individuals and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing support to those affected, we can combat drug abuse and create a healthier and safer society for all.

Title: Drug Abuse – A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Introduction :

Drug abuse is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the social and economic impact, prevention and treatment strategies, and the importance of raising awareness and fostering supportive communities in addressing this crisis.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Several factors contribute to drug abuse. Genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, and environmental influences play a role in initiating substance use. The availability and accessibility of drugs, as well as societal norms and cultural acceptance, also influence drug abuse patterns. Additionally, underlying mental health issues and co-occurring disorders can drive individuals to self-medicate with drugs.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse affects vital organs, impairs cognitive function, and increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are often associated with drug abuse. Substance abuse also takes a toll on relationships, leading to strained family dynamics, social isolation, and financial instability. The social and economic costs of drug abuse include increased healthcare expenses, decreased productivity, and the burden on criminal justice systems.

Prevention and Education

Preventing drug abuse requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs are essential in schools, communities, and the media to inform individuals about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and decision-making abilities can empower individuals to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide support and resources are crucial in preventing substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based addiction treatment is vital in addressing drug abuse. Treatment options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. Rehabilitation centers, support groups, and outpatient programs provide a continuum of care for individuals seeking recovery. Holistic approaches, such as addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and promoting healthy lifestyles, contribute to successful long-term recovery. Support from family, friends, and communities plays a significant role in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Effective law enforcement efforts are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle illicit drug networks. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial in combating the global drug trade. Additionally, drug policies should focus on a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Shifting the emphasis from punitive measures toward prevention and rehabilitation can lead to more effective outcomes.

Creating Supportive Communities:

Fostering supportive communities is vital in addressing drug abuse. Communities should provide resources, social support networks, and opportunities for positive engagement. This includes promoting healthy recreational activities, providing vocational training, and creating safe spaces for individuals in recovery. Reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse and encouraging empathy and understanding are crucial to building a compassionate and supportive environment.

Conclusion :

Drug abuse remains a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By addressing the causes, raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing quality treatment and support services, and fostering supportive communities, we can combat drug abuse and alleviate its impact. It requires collaboration and a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to build a society that is resilient against the scourge of drug abuse. Through education, prevention, treatment, and compassion, we can pave the way toward a healthier and drug-free future.

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Drug Abuse and Addiction Essay

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Article Summary

Critical reflections.

In the following paper, I have my purpose to summarize the article “From an Attempted Suicide to Salvation, Then to Helping Others” by Mathew Warren printed in New York Times not long ago. In addition, I will offer my comments concerning selected aspects of the article’s importance and will explain my choice of this particular piece of information about the issues of substance abuse and addiction and families.

The article tells about Sheaneen Holimon, a courageous and spirited lady who knows well what the problem of drug addiction is about. After years of fighting with this serious problem, she was so distressed on the reason of her inability to quit this maleficent predilection that she wanted to commit suicide. Still, Ms. Holimon was able to see a miracle eventually as she believed in her future and valued her family.

Ms. Holimon explains that her father’s conduct made her a very unhappy child and caused her to take drugs at a very early age. By the age of fifteen, she was a serious drug addict; however, she succeeded to graduate from high school and find a job as a secretary. Nonetheless, Ms. Holimon did not manage to preserve her working place on the reason of becoming a heavy drunkard and drug addict. She had a small period of revival when she gave birth to her son. Sadly, this period did not continue for long, and she returned to her dangerous lifestyle. The same situation repeated after the birth of her daughter.

Once, she reflected on her entire life, her two little children, long years wasted on the reason of this disastrous lifestyle, and made a wakeup call of last hope to her mother. Then she joined a rehabilitation program. That was not a short experience and not an easy one. Ms. Holimon fought courageously, and eventually, she managed to have certain success. This, in turn, motivated her to help others. Nowadays, though Sheaneen Holimon is still under some rehabilitation therapy by herself, this spirited lady has a significant experience of helping others and overcoming a lot of difficulties for this sake including material ones. To conclude on this encouraging experience, it should be mentioned that Ms. Holimon has succeeded in reviving some of her family relations, and she is still putting a lot of effort to get ahead in this area to the fullest extent possible.

The primary purpose of this article seems to inform the readers about success that was achieved by a courageous lady who strives to conquer her drug addiction throughout her entire life and has managed to have certain achievements. I have chosen this article as I believe it contains an encouraging and powerful message for all people who want to conquer their exhausting battle with drug addiction. The article’s importance cannot be underestimated; every person facing such serious problem as drug addiction, or who has a relative or any other close person with such a terrible problem knows how vital it is to know from some other person’s experience that it is possible to win the fight with this evil.

The article raises the very serious issues that are rife with the problem of drug addiction and family ties. It teaches that the most terrible things in life can be overcome if only the person really wants it and works hard along with others who kindly offer their professional assistance.

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Essay on Addiction

Students are often asked to write an essay on Addiction in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Addiction

Understanding addiction.

Addiction is a strong desire to do something repeatedly, even if it’s harmful. It’s like a brain disease. People can get addicted to different things like drugs, alcohol, or even activities like gambling.

Why People Get Addicted

People can get addicted for many reasons. Some may feel good when they do something, so they repeat it. Others may want to escape from problems or stress. Sometimes, it’s because of peer pressure or trying to fit in.

Effects of Addiction

Addiction can harm a person’s health. It can lead to diseases, mental problems, and even death. It can also ruin relationships and cause problems at work or school.

Overcoming Addiction

Overcoming addiction is hard, but possible. It needs strong willpower and often help from doctors or therapists. Support from family and friends is also important. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help.

Preventing Addiction

250 words essay on addiction, what is addiction.

Addiction is when a person can’t stop doing something, even if it’s harmful. It can be about drugs, alcohol, games, or even food. The person knows it’s bad but can’t stop. It’s like a strong pull that keeps them going back.

How Does it Start?

Addiction often starts with trying something new. This could be a friend offering a cigarette, or playing a new video game. At first, it seems fun and exciting. But over time, the person starts needing it more and more. It becomes a need, not just a want.

The Impact of Addiction

Addiction can hurt a person in many ways. It can make them sick, or cause problems at school or work. It can also hurt their relationships with family and friends. They may lie or steal to keep doing what they’re addicted to. This can lead to feelings of guilt and shame.

Fighting Addiction

Fighting addiction is hard, but not impossible. It starts with admitting there’s a problem. Then, the person needs help from professionals like doctors or counselors. They can give advice, medicine, or therapy to help the person quit. Support from family and friends is also important.

Remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Everyone struggles with something at some point. With the right help and support, anyone can overcome addiction.

500 Words Essay on Addiction

Addiction is a serious issue that affects many people around the world. It is a state where a person cannot stop using a substance or engaging in a behavior, even if it is harmful. The person becomes dependent on the substance or the activity to feel good or normal.

Types of Addiction

Addiction can be of two types: substance addiction and behavioral addiction. Substance addiction involves drugs, alcohol, nicotine, or other substances. Behavioral addiction involves activities like gambling, eating, or using the internet.

Causes of Addiction

Addiction has a negative impact on a person’s health, relationships, and daily life. It can lead to physical health problems like heart disease or mental health issues like depression. Addiction can also strain relationships with family and friends and make it hard for the person to perform well at school or work.

Overcoming addiction is not easy, but it is possible with the right help and support. This can include professional treatment like therapy or medication, as well as support from loved ones. It is important for the person to learn healthy ways to cope with stress and other triggers that may lead to addictive behavior.

In conclusion, addiction is a complex issue that requires understanding, support, and prevention efforts. It is important for everyone to be aware of the signs of addiction and to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling. Remember, overcoming addiction is possible with the right help and support.

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Essay on Addiction for Students and Children

500 words essay on addiction.

As we all know that excess of anything can be very dangerous, the same way, addiction of any kind can hamper the life quality of an individual. The phrase states that addiction is a family disease as one person uses and the whole family suffers. The above statement stands true in all its essence as the addict does not merely suffer but the people around him suffer greatly too. However, that does not mean they can’t be helped. Addiction is curable and we must not give up on the person who is addicted, rather help them out for a better life.

Cost of Addiction

Addiction comes at a great cost and we need to be able to recognize its harmful consequences to not let ourselves or anyone become an addict. Firstly, addiction has major health hazards. Intake of anything is bad for our body , and it does not matter what type of addiction it is, it will always impact the mental and physical health of a person.

For instance, if you are addicted to drugs or food, you will get various diseases and illnesses. Similarly, if you are addicted to video games, your mental health will also suffer along with physical health.

Moreover, people who are addicts usually face monetary issues. As they use that thing in excess, they spend loads of money on it. People become obsessed with spending all their fortunes on that one thing to satisfy their addiction. Thus, all these addictions of drugs , alcohol , gambling, and more drain the finances of a person and they usually end up in debt or even worse.

Furthermore, the personal and professional relationships of addicts suffer the most. They end up doing things or making decisions that do not work in their favor. This constraint the relationships of people and they drift apart.

Moreover, it also hampers their studies or work life. When you are spending all your money and time on your addiction, naturally your concentration levels in other things will drop. However, all this is not impossible to beat. There are many ways through which one can beat their addiction.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Beat Your Addiction

It is best to work towards beating your addiction rather than getting beat by it. One can try many ways to do so. Firstly, recognize and identify that you have an addiction problem. That is the first step to getting cured. You need to take some time and understand the symptoms in order to treat them. Motivate yourself to do better.

After that, understand that the journey will be long but worthwhile. Identify the triggers in your life and try to stay away from them as far as possible. There is no shame in asking for professional help. Always remember that professionals can always help you get better. Enroll yourself in rehabilitation programs and try to make the most out of them.

Most importantly, do not be hesitant in talking to your loved ones. Approach them and talk it out as they care most about you. They will surely help you get on the right path and help you in beating addiction for better health and life.

Q.1 What are the consequences of addiction?

A.1 Addiction has very severe consequences. Some of them are health hazards, monetary issues, relationship problems, adverse problems on studies and work of a person. It seriously hampers the quality of life of a person.

Q.2 How can one get rid of addiction?

A.2 A little help can go a long way. One can get rid of addiction by enrolling in rehabilitation programs and opening up about their struggle. Try to take professional help and talk with your close ones to become better.

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Rethinking Addiction as a Chronic Brain Disease

Some researchers argue that the roles of social environment and personal choice have to be considered in order to make progress in treating people addicted to drugs.

By Jan Hoffman

The message emblazoned on a walkway window at the airport in Burlington, Vt., is a startling departure from the usual tourism posters and welcome banners:

“Addiction is not a choice. It’s a disease that can happen to anyone.”

The statement is part of a public service campaign in yet another community assailed by drug use, intended to reduce stigma and encourage treatment.

For decades, medical science has classified addiction as a chronic brain disease, but the concept has always been something of a hard sell to a skeptical public. That is because, unlike diseases such as Alzheimer’s or bone cancer or Covid, personal choice does play a role, both in starting and ending drug use. The idea that those who use drugs are themselves at fault has recently been gaining fresh traction, driving efforts to toughen criminal penalties for drug possession and to cut funding for syringe-exchange programs.

But now, even some in the treatment and scientific communities have been rethinking the label of chronic brain disease.

In July, behavior researchers published a critique of the classification, which they said could be counterproductive for patients and families.

“I don’t think it helps to tell people they are chronically diseased and therefore incapable of change. Then what hope do we have?” said Kirsten E. Smith , an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and a co-author of the paper, published in the journal Psychopharmacology . “The brain is highly dynamic, as is our environment.”

The recent scientific criticisms are driven by an ominous urgency: Despite addiction’s longstanding classification as a disease, the deadly public health disaster has only worsened.

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Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Preventing Drug Misuse and Addiction: The Best Strategy

Why is adolescence a critical time for preventing drug addiction.

As noted previously, early use of drugs increases a person's chances of becoming addicted. Remember, drugs change the brain—and this can lead to addiction and other serious problems. So, preventing early use of drugs or alcohol may go a long way in reducing these risks.

Risk of drug use increases greatly during times of transition. For an adult, a divorce or loss of a job may increase the risk of drug use. For a teenager, risky times include moving, family divorce, or changing schools. 35  When children advance from elementary through middle school, they face new and challenging social, family, and academic situations. Often during this period, children are exposed to substances such as cigarettes and alcohol for the first time. When they enter high school, teens may encounter greater availability of drugs, drug use by older teens, and social activities where drugs are used. When individuals leave high school and live more independently, either in college or as an employed adult, they may find themselves exposed to drug use while separated from the protective structure provided by family and school.

A certain amount of risk-taking is a normal part of adolescent development. The desire to try new things and become more independent is healthy, but it may also increase teens’ tendencies to experiment with drugs. The parts of the brain that control judgment and decision-making do not fully develop until people are in their early or mid-20s. This limits a teen’s ability to accurately assess the risks of drug experimentation and makes young people more vulnerable to peer pressure. 36

Because the brain is still developing, using drugs at this age has more potential to disrupt brain function in areas critical to motivation, memory, learning, judgment, and behavior control. 12  

Can research-based programs prevent drug addiction in youth?

Yes.  The term research-based or evidence-based means that these programs have been designed based on current scientific evidence, thoroughly tested, and shown to produce positive results. Scientists have developed a broad range of programs that positively alter the balance between risk and protective factors for drug use in families, schools, and communities. Studies have shown that research-based programs, such as described in NIDA’s  Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood: A Research-Based Guide   and  Preventing Drug Use among Children and Adolescents: A Research-Based Guide for Parents, Educators, and Community Leaders , can significantly reduce early use of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. 37  Also, while many social and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people perceive drug use as harmful, they often reduce their level of use. 38

How do research-based prevention programs work?

These prevention programs work to boost protective factors and eliminate or reduce risk factors for drug use. The programs are designed for various ages and can be used in individual or group settings, such as the school and home. There are three types of programs:

• Universal programs address risk and protective factors common to all children in a given setting, such as a school or community.
• Selective programs are for groups of children and teens who have specific factors that put them at increased risk of drug use.
• Indicated programs are designed for youth who have already started using drugs.

Young Brains Under Study

Using cutting-edge imaging technology, scientists from the NIDA’s Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study will look at how childhood experiences, including use of any drugs, interact with each other and with a child’s changing biology to affect brain development and social, behavioral, academic, health, and other outcomes. As the only study of its kind, the ABCD study will yield critical insights into the foundational aspects of adolescence that shape a person’s future.

Economics of Prevention

Evidence-based interventions for substance use can save society money in medical costs and help individuals remain productive members of society. Such programs can return anywhere from very little to $65 per every dollar invested in prevention. 39

Essay on Drug Addiction in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

Essay on Drug Addiction: Drug addiction is not a disease as it may seem to many people. It is a psychological disorder that leads a person to use drugs excessively. Even though the person may know that the drugs are harming his body, he cannot control his urge to consume more and more drugs. The addiction may start with a small quantity but gradually it increases with time. The person becomes a slave of drugs and cannot live without them. He may start stealing money to buy drugs. In some cases, he may even sell his body to buy drugs.

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Target Exam ---

A drug is any substance that changes how a person feels or acts, whether it’s physically, mentally, emotionally, or behaviorally. Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, happens when someone loses control over using drugs or medications, whether legal or not. Drugs like alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine fall into this category. When someone is addicted, they might keep using the drug even if it harms them.

Long and Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English

Here are long and short essay on Drug Addiction of various lengths to help you with the topic in your exam.

These Drug Addiction essay have been written using very simple and easy language to convey the facts on Drug Addiction among people.

After going through these essays you would be able to know what Drug Addiction is, how Drug Addiction is harmful to health, what are ways to overcome Drug Addiction, impact of Drug Addiction on human behaviour, etc.

Essay on Drug Addiction in 200 words – Essay 1

Drug addiction is a common problem these days. Vast number of people around the world suffers from this problem. Drugs offer an instant pleasure and relief from stress. Many people begin taking drugs as an escape from their painful reality. Others take drugs just to experience how it feels.

Yet others take it just to give company to their friends so that they don’t get left out. Whatever be the reason, before a person knows, he gets addicted to drugs and it is hard to get rid of this addiction. Short-term pleasure caused by the use of drugs can lead to serious long term problems. It can cause severe health issues and behavioural changes.

Some of the symptoms of drug addiction include loss of appetite, impaired coordination, and restlessness, loss of interest in work, financial issues, and change of social circle, secretive behaviour, frequent mood swings and anxious behaviour.

Many people argue that overcoming addiction just requires will power and determination. However, this is not it. It requires much more. Drug addiction alters the brain and causes powerful cravings. Will power alone cannot help overcome this strong urge. It is essential to seek professional help and take proper medication in order to get rid of drug addiction. It can take years to overcome this addiction and the chances of a relapse cannot be ruled out completely.

Essay on Drug Addiction: Harmful for Health (300 words) – Essay 2

Drug addiction weakens a person’s immune system. It causes various mental and physical illnesses. The problems can be both short term and long term. The kind of drug a person consumes, how he consumes it, how much he consumes it and the period of time for which he takes it form the basis of different health problems.

Drug Addiction: Impact on Physical Health

Drug addiction can take a toll on a person’s physical health. It harms various parts of the body including brain, throat, lungs, stomach, pancreas, liver, heart and the nervous system. It can cause health problems such as nausea, heart problem, damaged liver, stroke, lung disease, weight loss and even cancer.

Drug addicts also stand a high risk of contracting AIDS. This is because they usually share needles to inject drugs. Driving or even walking on the road while you are under the influence of drugs can be risky. Such a person has a high chance of meeting with accident.

Drug Addiction: Impact on Mental Health

Drug addiction has severe impact on a person’s brain. Drugs interfere with decision making and impact a person’s psychomotor skills. They can cause mental health issues such as depression, Alzheimer, insomnia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, conduct problems and psychosocial dysfunctions. Drug addicts have suicidal thoughts and often attempt suicide.

Drug Addiction: Effect on Unborn Babies

Addiction can put the unborn babies in high risk. Pregnant women addicted to drugs can harm the fetus. Unborn babies are likely to develop birth defects and both mental and physical abnormalities. Drug addiction can also result in premature birth. Some babies even display behavioural issues later in life. It is highly recommended to get rid of drug addiction before planning a baby.

Essay on Drug Addiction – Ways to Overcome Drug Addiction (400 words) – Essay 3

People belonging to different age groups and varied walks of life fall prey to drug addiction. While some are able to overcome this addiction with some difficulty, others get thrown in the dark world of drugs forever. One needs to be truly willing to get rid of drug addiction and put as much effort to overcome this abuse.

Essay on Drug Addiction

While anyone can develop drug addiction some people have a greater chance of developing this. Here is a look at people who are at high risk of developing drug addiction:

• Those who have suffered some heart wrenching/ traumatic experiences in life.
• who have a family history of drug addiction.
• Those who have suffered mental or physical abuse or neglect.
• Those suffering from depression and anxiety.

Ways to Overcome Drug Addiction

Here are some of the ways to overcome drug addiction:

List the Reasons to Quit

As you decide to quit drug addiction, make a list of the problems you are facing due to your addiction. This can include problems at work front, problems with your spouse, kids and parents, physical and mental health issues and more. Read this list everyday as you embark on your journey to quit this hazardous habit. This will motivate you to leave it.

Enroll at a Rehabilitation Centre

This is one of the main steps to overcome drug addiction. Good rehabilitation centres have qualified and experienced professionals who know just how to deal with the addicts and help them get rid of their drug addiction. Meeting other drug addicts and seeing how hard they are trying to leave this addiction to get back to normal life can also be encouraging.

Seek Support from Friends and Family

Love and support from our near and dear ones can play an important part when it comes to getting rid of drug addiction. It can help the drug addict stay determined and motivated to leave this detestable habit. So, do not hesitate to discuss this problem with them. They will be more than willing to help you get rid of the addiction.

As you stop the consumption of drugs, you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Medication is required to deal with these symptoms. Medication also helps in preventing relapse. Health issues that may have been caused due to drug addiction also need to be cured. Medicines will help cure them.

Drug addiction can be extremely hard to leave. However, it is not impossible to do so. Strong determination and support from friends and family can help in getting rid of drug addiction.

Essay on Drug Addiction – Impact of Drug Addiction on Human Behavioral (500 words) – Essay 5

Drug Addiction impacts the physical health badly. It puts the addict at the risk of incurring health problems such as cardiac arrest, stroke and abdominal pain. It also causes mental health issues such as depression, insomnia and bipolar disorder to name a few. In addition to impacting a person’s health, drug addiction also impacts the human behavioral. All kinds of drugs including cocaine, marijuana and weed, impact the brain instinct and cause mood swings that result in behavioral issues.

Common Behavioral Issues Faced by Drug Addicts

Drug addiction messes with a person’s brain function. It interferes with the way a person behaves and the kind of choices he makes.

Aggressiveness

A person who is under the influence of drugs can get highly aggressive. Drug addicts often get enraged on the smallest of things. This behaviour is not just seen when they are experiencing a high. Continual use of drugs somehow embeds aggressiveness in their personality. It is difficult to get along with such people. You need to be highly cautious around them as they can throw frequent bouts of anger and aggression.

Impaired Judgement

Drug addiction bars a person’s ability to think rationally. Drug addicts are unable to take proper decisions. Their judgement is impaired. They can no longer distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.

Impulsiveness

Drug addicts also display impulsive behaviour. They act and react without thinking much. This behaviour is usually displayed when they are feeling a high. However, they may even display impulsive behaviour when they return to their normal state. Drug addicts mostly take decisions that they regret later.

Loss of Self Control

Drug addiction takes over the addict’s brain and they lose self control. They cannot control their actions even if they wish to. Grow strong craving for drugs and it is hard to resist even though they wish to. They also cannot control their reaction to things. Drugs overpower their decisions, actions, reactions and behaviour.

Low Performance at Work

A person who grows addicted to drugs experiences a drop in performance at work/ school. He is unable to concentrate on his work and continually thinks about taking drugs . He feels lethargic and low on energy when he doesn’t get his supply. All this is a big hindrance to work.

Hallucination

It has been noted that those under the influence of drugs often hallucinate. They see things and hear noises that do not really exist. The drugs that are particularly known for causing hallucinations include Salvia, Mescaline, LSD, Psilocybin Mushrooms and Ketamine.

In an attempt to hide their drug addiction from family and friends drug addicts often grow secretive. They usually avoid spending time with their parents/ kids/ spouse. They often socialize with other drug addicts and stop hanging out with other friends. This often makes them socially awkward.

Drug addiction can cause behavioural issues that can impact a person’s personal as well as professional life negatively. It is an addiction that one must get rid of as soon as possible. A person may struggle to make positive changes in his behaviour long after he has left drug addiction.

Long Essay on Drug Addiction: The Worst Addiction (600 words) – Essay 5

Introduction.

Drug intake releases large amount of dopamine that puts a person in an ecstatic state. People love experiencing this happy state and wish to get here time and again which is one of the main reasons of drug addiction. Initially most people take drugs voluntarily however it soon turns out to be an addiction. Drug addiction is the worst kind of addiction. It is hard to leave and the negative repercussions it has may last even after a person gets rid of this addiction.

Types of Drugs

Drugs have broadly been categorized into three types. These are depressant, stimulants and hallucinogens. Here is a look at the impact each one of them causes on a human mind and body:

• Depressants : Depressants include cannabis, opiates, benzodiazepines and alcohol. They are known to slow down the speed of the messages going to and from the brain and thus lower the ability to take charge of a situation. When taken in small amount, depressants can make a person feel relaxed. However, when taken in large quantity, these can cause nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness.
• Stimulants : Stimulants, on the other hand, speed up the messages going to and from the brain. They have the power to boost a person’s confidence level instantly. On the downside, they can cause high blood pressure, increase heart rate and cause restlessness, agitation and insomnia. Continual use of such drugs causes panic attacks, anxiety and paranoia. Stimulants include nicotine, caffeine, cocaine and amphetamines.
• Hallucinogens : Hallucinogens include LSF, PCP, cannabis, mescaline and psilocybin. These drugs cause hallucination and distort a person’s sense of reality. When taken continually, these drugs can cause high blood pressure, nausea, paranoia and numbness.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

A person who grows addicted to drugs is likely to show the following signs and symptoms:

• Change in appetite
• Unexpected weight gain or weight loss
• Change in sleep pattern
• Slurred speech
• Change in friend circle
• Sudden bouts of anger
• Bloodshot eyes
• Loss of interest in work
• Low performance at work/school
• Secretive behaviour
• Being lethargic, distant and disinterested
• Frequent mood swings
• Lack of motivation
• Anxious behaviour

Drug Addiction Hampers Professional Life

Drug addiction has an adverse impact on a person’s brain. People lose their self control. They become so addicted to drugs that all they can think about is consuming them. This is the only thing that interests them. They are unable to concentrate on work and lose interest in it. Even if they try to work they feel lethargic and withdrawn.

Drugs have an impact on their cognitive skills, analytical skills and decision making power. This impacts their professional life adversely. Drug addicts also display irrational behaviour. They grow aggressive, develop impaired judgement and become impulsive. Such behaviour is unacceptable in an office setting. It puts them in a bad light and bars the chances of professional growth.

Drug Addiction Ruins Personal Relationships

A person addicted to drugs loves the company of those who take drugs and tries to spend most of his time with them. He is no longer interested in his family and friends. Often distances himself from them. He becomes irritable and aggressive. This leads to frequent arguments and quarrels which disturb his family life as well as his equation with his friends. A person addicted to drugs does not only spoil his own life but also of those around him.

Below are the list of related essay available at IL

Essay on Drug Addiction FAQs

How do you write a drug essay.

To write a drug essay, start with an introduction about the topic's importance, include information about various types of drugs, their effects, and the consequences of drug abuse. Discuss prevention, treatment, and societal impact. Conclude with your thoughts or recommendations.

What is drug addiction in one sentence?

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

What is drug addiction class 9?

In a class 9 context, drug addiction is typically introduced as the harmful and unhealthy dependence on substances like drugs or alcohol, which can lead to physical, mental, and social problems.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Drug Addiction — Causes and Effects of Drug Abuse

Causes and Effect of Drug Abuse

• Categories: Drug Addiction

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Words: 2063 |

11 min read

Published: Feb 8, 2022

Words: 2063 | Pages: 5 | 11 min read

Essay about drug abuse: causes and effects

• A reduced and weakened immune system, the chance of illness and infection got increased.
• Heart attacks from abnormal heart rates, collapsed veins and blood vessel infections from injected drugs.
• Nausea and abdominal pain can also cause changes in appetite and weight loss.
• Increased strain on the liver, this will expose this person to the risk of serious liver injury or liver failure.
• Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage.
• Lung disease.
• Problems with memory, attention and decision making, which make daily life more difficult.
• Global effects of drugs on the body, such as breast development in men and increases in body temperature, which can lead to other health problems.
• Family influence.
• Show off they are rich.
• Wrong friend making.
• Innocent of the dangerous of drug.

Works Cited

• Drugabuse.gov. (2023). Commonly Abused Drugs Charts. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2022). Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction
• Newcomb, M. D., & Locke, T. F. (2021). Substance abuse prevention. Oxford University Press.
• SAMHSA. (2022). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
• Shah, R. (2021). Drug abuse. CRC Press.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018). A Guide to Substance Abuse Services for Primary Care Clinicians. Retrieved from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma18-5063.pdf
• UNODC. (2022). World Drug Report. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.
• Volkow, N. D. (2020). America’s addiction to opioids: Heroin and prescription drug abuse. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/about-nida/noras-blog/2020/02/americas-addiction-to-opioids-heroin-prescription-drug-abuse
• World Health Organization. (2021). Substance abuse.
• Zweben, J. E. (2019). Treating Substance Use Disorders: A Clinical Handbook. Guilford Press.

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The Impact of Drugs on the Teenage Brain

Here is an overview of the research on drug abuse from a teenager's perspective..

Updated September 4, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

• What Is Addiction?
• Find a therapist to overcome addiction
• Teenage years are a time of rapid brain development, making teenagers more vulnerable to the effects of drugs.
• The teenage brain is not fully developed; this can lead to poor decision-making and risky behaviors.
• Different drugs may affect the teenage brain in different ways.

This post was coauthored by Gabriella P. Oettinger and Juan M. Dominguez, Ph.D.

As we begin the new school year, the importance of understanding the challenges and risks that students face becomes particularly pressing. Amid these challenges, illegal substance use remains a serious issue, especially given its impact on the developing teenage brain.

This summer, my laboratory at the University of Texas at Austin welcomed a bright high school student as a volunteer. Members of my lab are interested in how hormones act in the brain to influence response to drugs of abuse. This student was engaged in primarily archival research on this topic.

During her time with us, I assigned her a recently published review article on the potential effects of various drugs on the developing teenage brain [1]. Given her aptitude and enthusiasm, I expected her to find the article accessible. However, while she understood and processed most of the material, she struggled with some of the more complex aspects of the paper. It then dawned on me that even highly capable teenagers might find it challenging to capture such crucial information about drugs and the teenage brain.

The teenage years are a time of significant brain development, and understanding how drug abuse might impact this process is important for young people, not just brain scientists. This recognition led to the collaborative project presented below, where we coauthored this entry, hoping to make some of the science behind drug effects on the teenage brain more accessible from the standpoint of a teenage student. In this piece, we discuss key points from the review article and explore how different substances can affect the brain during this critical stage of development. It is our hope that this entry will reach the most relevant audience for this topic: teenagers.

In 2022, over 70 million teenagers reported using some form of illegal drug. By 2023, more than 30 percent of high school seniors admitted to using drugs in the past year. The immediate dangers of substance use are well-known, but for teenagers, the risks extend beyond the immediate. The teenage brain is in a crucial stage of development, making it particularly susceptible to the potential long-term impacts of drugs.

As many teenagers may have heard from their parents, drug use is especially dangerous during these years because the brain is still developing. Unfortunately, as much as teenagers don’t want to hear it, this isn’t just parental advice; it’s the reality. This has real implications for the long-term health and well-being of young people. The brain is constantly changing during adolescence , making teenagers more susceptible to the effects of drugs.

Substance use disorder is characterized by three main features: a compulsion to take the drug, an inability to control intake, and the emergence of negative emotions when not using the drug. Drug addiction includes both impulsive and compulsive behaviors ; impulsive disorders are marked by tension and excitement before acting, while compulsive disorders involve anxiety and relief after the act. The transition from impulsive to compulsive drug-taking characterizes a shift from a positive to a negative drive for substance use, a pattern that has both a significant social and economic cost. Drug addiction literally changes the brain’s pathways, and these changes don’t just disappear when someone stops using drugs.

Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to drugs for several reasons.

One key area of the brain that isn’t fully developed during the teenage years is the frontal lobe, which is responsible for rational decision-making and self-regulation . This lack of development makes it harder for teenagers to control their drug use, increasing the risk of addictive disorders.

The frontal lobe also helps regulate emotions, so when it is underdeveloped, teenagers may struggle while coping with stress and are more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like drug use. In addition, while most teenagers understand the short-term dangers of drug use, such as alcohol poisoning, lung damage from smoking, or the risk of overdosing, many of them are less aware of the long-term effects. Drugs can effectively alter the developing brain, affecting not only the likelihood of drug abuse but also other aspects of mental and physical health into adulthood.

While the ways that drugs affect the teenage brain is still a topic of great interest to many behavioral neuroscientists who study it to this day, we already have significant insight into the changes that can be impacted by drugs in this stage of development. The teenage brain is still developing, and this rapid process continues until the mid-20s, when it experiences a significant slowdown.

During adolescence, the brain’s neural pathways are not fully developed. This can make the integration of reward stimuli stronger, meaning that, on average, emotions and drug effects are felt more strongly by teenagers than by adults. This increased intensity can make teenagers more susceptible to addiction.

The brain’s reward pathways, which encourage the repetition of activities that provide pleasure (reinforcement), are also very sensitive during adolescence. When drugs disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters, the brain starts to reroute these pathways to reward drug use, leading to a cycle of dependence and abuse.

While most drugs act in the same brain reward systems, the specific changes and effects may be different. The following includes a general description of the effects of some of the more widely used drugs in teenagers.

Nicotine: Research shows that teenagers find nicotine more pleasurable than adults. Nicotine binds to receptors in the brain, triggering the release of dopamine , which creates a sensation of feeling good. Over time, the brain creates more of these receptors, leading to cravings and dependence. The developing reward system in teenagers makes them particularly vulnerable to nicotine addiction .

Cannabis: Teens’ brains react differently to cannabis compared to adults. While adults may experience heightened anxiety and reduced movement after using cannabis, teenagers are less affected by these aversive effects, leading to increased use. This increased use can have effects on memory , cognition , and IQ . Additionally, early cannabis use has been linked to greater sensitivity to other drugs, like cocaine, later in life.

Alcohol: Adolescents metabolize alcohol faster than adults, meaning it leaves their system quicker. However, drinking alcohol during adolescence can negatively impact the development of the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory formation. Teens are also more sensitive to the rewarding effects of alcohol, which increases the risk of binge drinking and addiction.

Cocaine: Cocaine creates a surge of neurotransmitters like dopamine, leading to a short-lived high followed by a crash. Teenagers are less sensitive to cocaine’s effects than adults, but their sensitive reward system makes them more prone to addiction. The impulsive decision-making, which is common in teenagers, is worsened by cocaine use and can lead to immediate dangers and long-term damage to the brain.

Opioids: Opioids are particularly dangerous due to their high risk of addiction and overdose. Teenagers exhibit greater levels of sensitization to opioids, leading to a quicker development of dependence. The combination of a developing reward system and greater sensitization to opioids makes teenagers more likely to engage in drug-seeking behaviors, increasing the risk of addiction and overdose.

In summary, being a teenager comes with a multitude of new experiences, challenges, and responsibilities. The brain is in a crucial stage of development, adapting to new physical, social, and academic situations. However, this growth also makes teenagers more vulnerable to the effects of substances. The part of the brain responsible for impulse control and decision-making isn’t fully mature, which can lead to risky behaviors and poor decision-making. Understanding the potential effects of drug use on the developing brain is essential to help educate those who are most susceptible and for preventing substance use disorder, thereby promoting long-term health.

[1] Ahmadi-Soleimani, S. M., Salmanzadeh, H., & Azizi, H. (2023). Experimental Evidence on Age-related Differential Outcomes Associated With Substance Abuse. Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, 15(1), 27-36. http://dx.doi . org/10.32598/bcn.2023.587.1

Juan Dominguez, Ph.D. , is a professor at the University of Texas.

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The future of addiction

Guest Anna Lembke is a psychiatrist and a specialist in the behavioral sciences who studies addiction.

While there is tremendous variety in the things people can be addicted to, all forms are tied to dopamine, a biochemical that is key to human senses of pleasure, reward, and motivation. She says that new treatments are combining traditional abstinence with programs that help patients reenergize dopamine centers in the brain through physical exercise, which is a known producer of dopamine. If patients can reach 30 days of abstinence there is a good chance at recovery, Lembke tells host Russ Altman on this episode of Stanford Engineering’s The Future of Everything podcast.

Listen on your favorite podcast platform:

Related : Anna Lembke , professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences

[00:00:00] Anna Lembke: When we talk about addiction, we are talking about a form of psychopathology we consider to be a brain disease. Uh, it's a spectrum disorder, you know, defined as the continued compulsive use of a substance or behavior despite harm to self and or others. But there's no brain scan, there's no blood test, right?

[00:00:16] We're basing this on patterns of behavior, people could disagree. And importantly, as we ourselves become addicted, we often don't see it happening, right? Other people can observe it. We're in this state of denial. As one of my patients said, denial is don't even know I'm lying.

[00:00:38] Russ Altman: This is Stanford Engineering's The Future of Everything. And I'm your host, Russ Altman. If you're enjoying The Future of Everything, please hit follow in the app that you're using right now. This will guarantee that you never miss an episode and you'll never be surprised by the future of anything. 

[00:00:53] Today, Professor Anna Lembke will tell us that addiction can take many forms.

[00:00:56] Yes, it can be drugs or alcohol, of course. But it also can be behaviors that cause harm to our social relationships, our business and professional relationships, and even to our health. It's The Future of Addiction. Before we get started, please remember to follow the show so you'll get alerted to all of our episodes.

[00:01:21] You know, addiction seems to be increasing everywhere in our life. We've all heard about the opioid epidemic, we know about alcohol, we know about other drugs. But we also are now worried about addiction to social media, addiction to YouTube, addiction to behaviors that cause us pleasure. Well, it turns out that all of these addictions share a common mechanism to some extent. It's dopamine. We are addicted to dopamine, and we will do things to increase the dopamine level in our brains. The problem is, as we do those activities, it gets harder to get the dopamine levels that we crave, and so we need to do those activities more and more. What's worse is if we stop those activities, the dopamine levels can go very low, and it can get us very cranky.

[00:02:07] Well, Anna Lembke is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University. And she's an expert at addiction of all kinds. She knows how to diagnose it, and she knows how to treat it. She'll be telling us about her own addiction and ways in which it illustrates many of the principles of how to diagnose and treat addictions.

[00:02:27] Anna, I'm sure we're going to talk about very serious, life-threatening addictions. I know you work on opioid, alcohol, many other things. But I want to start out a little bit lighter. In our common parlance, people are all the time saying, I'm addicted to, I'm addicted to YouTube. I'm addicted to social media, doom scrolling. I'm addicted to my exercise. And of course that's just a turn of phrase, but from your perspective as an addiction expert, are those really addictions or are there elements to what they're saying that is true, or is that just what they're saying and it's not really something that you would take seriously as an addiction expert?

[00:03:01] Anna Lembke: Yes, yes, and yes. So basically, I mean, we do overuse and trivialize that term, you know, and I used to joke, I'm addicted to romance novels. But it turns out I really was addicted to romance novels and I didn't see it, right? 

[00:03:17] Russ Altman: So now we're talking.

[00:03:18] Anna Lembke: Now we're getting into it. Now we're getting into it. 

[00:03:23] Russ Altman: So tell me about that. 

[00:03:24] Anna Lembke: The romance novels or the, 

[00:03:26] Russ Altman: and the whole story.

[00:03:27] Anna Lembke: Yes. 

[00:03:27] Russ Altman: This sounds good.

[00:03:29] Anna Lembke: Okay. Okay. So, yeah, I mean, so first of all, we overuse that term, we trivialize it, you know, when we talk about addiction, we are talking about a form of psychopathology. We consider it to be a brain disease. It's a spectrum disorder, you know, defined as the continued compulsive use of a substance or behavior despite harm to self and or others.

[00:03:48] But there's no brain scan, there's no blood test, right? We're basing this on patterns of behavior. People could disagree. And importantly, as we ourselves become addicted, we often don't see it happening, right? Other people can observe it. We're in this state of denial. As one of my patients said, denial is don't even know I'm lying.

[00:04:07] So I will use myself as an example. You know, um, my early forties I was turned on to romance novels for whatever reason I hadn't discovered them earlier in life, but I'd always been a reader, escape fiction, that was my big escape. Then I read the Twilight Saga, vampire romance novels. Totally got hooked on vampire romance novels, got a Kindle, became a chain reader, was reading every night, you know, late into the morning, going to work tired, hungover, um, started not enjoying, 

[00:04:36] Russ Altman: So there's the harm, because in your definition of addiction, you said there needs to be harm, and I was wondering if it was like, if it was an idle and an innocent, you know, reading habit.

[00:04:46] Anna Lembke: Right. 

[00:04:46] Russ Altman: But you said this began to have actual measurable harms. 

[00:04:50] Anna Lembke: Right, and the harms can be subtle, right? Like not getting enough sleep and then not being able to be your best self in the other things that you care about. The other harms in my case were not really, uh, you know, being present for my children and for my husband in a way that I value. And that's important to me. The other harm was kind of a low degradation, a gradual degradation in my mood, uh, in my interests and other things like my interests narrowed. All I wanted to do was read romance novels, to the point where we were literally invited to a neighborhood barbecue. And I took a romance novel with me, hid it in a room at these people's house to read romance novels. Now that is really weird. That's genuinely weird. 

[00:05:31] Russ Altman: Were you already an addiction expert? 

[00:05:34] Anna Lembke: Oh, I was already an addiction expert. I was teaching it, I was treating it. And like the low point for me, there were a couple lows, but basically I started to take romance novels to work. And in the ten minutes between patients, ‘cause you know, the psychotherapy hours, fifty minutes, then you can have ten minutes to reflect and keep it, I was reading my romance novels. So, and I didn't really see it, but I would joke about it. Oh, I'm addicted to romance novels. But really I had become a little bit addicted to romance novels and it was an insidious and gradual progression. 

[00:06:02] Russ Altman: Okay. So that's, that's a great example. And then all of us are now taking a, uh, an inventory of our activities. So let's use that as an example and tell me what was going on in your brain. And then of course, I think people are very interested in is if it's an ongoing struggle for you, did you do cold turkey? 

[00:06:20] Anna Lembke: Yeah, right, right. 

[00:06:21] Russ Altman: I think people, if you're willing to share, I think a lot of people would be interested.

[00:06:24] Anna Lembke: Yeah. Happy, happy to. 

[00:06:25] Russ Altman: Tell us about what was happening in your brain? 

[00:06:27] Anna Lembke: Okay. So now, first of all, nobody stuck a probe into my nucleus accumbens and measured dopamine level. So we are inferring, 

[00:06:33] Russ Altman: Right. 

[00:06:33] Anna Lembke: Based on animal and human studies, what was happening in my brain. But essentially we're always releasing dopamine at a kind of baseline tonic level. Dopamine is essential for the experience of pleasure, reward, and motivation. It's kind of like the little heartbeat of the reward center of the brain. When we do something that's pleasurable and reinforcing, we temporarily increase dopamine firing above baseline. Hey, that feels good. 

[00:06:53] Russ Altman: Okay.

[00:06:54] Anna Lembke: That gets me to want to do it again and again and again.

[00:06:56] Russ Altman: Does that happen in the matter of seconds or minutes? Like how long does that take? 

[00:07:01] Anna Lembke: Great question. And it's controversial. Some people think that it happens immediately as in a matter of seconds. Other people think, especially that neuroadaptive, well, first of all, the dopamine hit happens instantly, I mean, in matter of certainly seconds. But what happens next is that our brains adapt to that increased firing by down regulating dopamine transmission, not just to that baseline tonic level, but actually below baseline to a dopamine deficit state. Which if we don't consume again and again, eventually levels out back to baseline tonic levels. That's what neuroscientists call homeostasis, and as you know, we're always trying to get back to homeostasis and our brains work very hard to achieve that. 

[00:07:41] So what happens in addiction is that with repeated exposure to the same or similar reinforcing stimulus, and by the way, what's reinforcing for one person may not be for another, for me, it was romance novels and the broad category of human attachment, sex, you know, romance novels are in many ways, socially sanctioned pornography for women. So, and over time, by the way, 

[00:08:02] Russ Altman: That's a whole ’nother discussion, which I'm going to put aside. 

[00:08:05] Anna Lembke: Maybe we want to eliminate that. 

[00:08:08] Russ Altman: But for people who didn't understand the addiction, that last sentence is very helpful to see why it might be addictive. 

[00:08:14] Anna Lembke: Yes, right. And so what happens over time with repeated exposure is essentially our dopamine levels settled down at this, in this lower sub threshold dopamine deficit state. And that's the addicted brain. Now I need more of my drug in more potent forms, not to get high and feel good, but just to bring it back up to baseline and feel normal. And when I'm not using, I'm walking around in that dopamine deficit state, experiencing the universal symptoms of withdrawal from any addictive substance, which are anxiety, irritability, insomnia, depression, and craving.

[00:08:49] And that's essentially the place that I got to with romance novels, right? I was more anxious, I was more depressed. Things that I used to enjoy were no longer enjoyable. Really important aspect of this flow. Huge opportunity costs. Other things that I wasn't doing that I valued more than reading romance novels were going by the wayside because I was reading romance novels. So that's essentially, you know, what we can surmise was happening in our brain. 

[00:09:14] Now, if you want to know the course, course of my trajectory, very interesting. I did not really realize I had a problem till I was interacting with a young psychiatry resident in an exercise where we're teaching them motivational interviewing, which is how to screen and intervene. So we were one student short. So I played his patient. He said, is there a habit you want to change? I said, I'd like to change my late-night reading habit. He said, oh, tell me more about that. I did not tell him in detail what I was reading. I just said, I'm staying up later than I want to spending my time, finding it's kind of compulsive.

[00:09:46] And he said, well, what's one thing you could do to change that? I said, well, I could get rid of my Kindle or my e reader. The point is the next day I could not unsee that behavior. That conversation, and this is really important because in our therapeutic role as addiction medicine doctors, we are encouraging patients to narrate that experience.

[00:10:08] And in doing so, we get the information, but even more importantly, they get the information, right? They see that behavior when they put words to it in a way we're really not able to see when it's, you know, hidden in the dark recesses. So the very next day, even though I was still reading romance novels, I was watching myself reading romance novels. And I thought to myself, you know what, I really do want to stop this behavior. 

[00:10:29] Russ Altman: Right.

[00:10:30] Anna Lembke: And then I basically did with myself the same intervention we do with patients. 

[00:10:31] Russ Altman: Did that, and I want to hear about that. But did that trainee know that this was a real thing and not something you were making up just for the purposes of, uh, of the training?

[00:10:44] Anna Lembke: So he did not know, oh, he knew that it was a real habit for me. 

[00:10:48] Russ Altman: He knew it was a real habit. 

[00:10:49] Anna Lembke: I think he could sense, I mean, kind of a benign, you know, I didn't get up there and said like, I, you know, I've got a problem with heroin. 

[00:10:54] Russ Altman: Right, right.

[00:10:54] Anna Lembke: Or like, oh, I've got to, you know, kind of, it sounds sort of anodyne. But actually he had no idea the extent to which that conversation actually helped me in the long. I did tell him later ‘cause I wrote about it in my book. I told him later and I said, you know, you're in the book and he's like, oh yeah, I remember that. 

[00:11:10] Russ Altman: That is fantastic. And then, so, um, let's go right to the treatment, either your treatment or the approach to treatment. And I also wanted, ’cause I know that at our last discussion, uh, by the way, you're a second timer on The Future of Everything, which puts you in an elite high level group.

[00:11:27] You said that you were disappointed with the ability of healthcare professionals to detect addiction when they're interacting with patients. And it sounds like you were training this and so, maybe let's talk about that right now. How have we made progress in our ability to detect? Are you getting it out?

[00:11:42] I guess first to other psychiatrists, but also to primary care physicians and family docs who are on the front line. How good are they at it these days and have they gotten better and what's the prospects look like? 

[00:11:53] Anna Lembke: Huge paradigm shift in medicine, huge improvements in terms of educating our medical workforce to screen and intervene for addiction. But I can't take any credit for it, and I'm not sure any of my colleagues can either. What changed was the opioid epidemic. With the opioid epidemic, doctors had to recognize their complicity in a problem that, that they had previously been able to say, well, that's those people over there. All of a sudden it was like, well, no, actually those are our patients and we're giving them the drugs.

[00:12:24] So that we've seen a huge scene change in the last fifteen to twenty years in terms of not just, uh, you know, the level of, and for information, education for health professionals. 

[00:12:36] Russ Altman: Yeah, yeah.

[00:12:36] Anna Lembke: But also the interest. It's so wonderful. I mean, you know, ten years ago, I couldn't have scraped a medical student up off the sidewalk to come and rotate in my addiction clinic. It'd be like, uh, what's that? And, you know,

[00:12:48] Russ Altman: It's a penalty. 

[00:12:49] Anna Lembke: Right, and now they're like beating down the door. It's so awesome. Also in 2016, addiction medicine was recognized as an actual medical specialty. So there's been a lot of movement. We have a long way to go. Don't get me wrong, but it's a lot of progress.

[00:13:03] Russ Altman: I'm also struck by the parallel of how you articulating the romance novel issue got you to introspect, and it sounds like the medical community as a whole has articulated its problem, so to speak, 

[00:13:15] Anna Lembke: Yes.

[00:13:16] Russ Altman: With prescribing opioids, and it had a similar effect of kind of sunshine on the problem is like the first step towards, uh.

[00:13:23] Anna Lembke: Right.

[00:13:23] Russ Altman: Okay, so let's go back to the issue of treatment and the novel treatments, especially. We're going to talk about, I'm sure we're going to talk about opioids and the physical, uh, and the, and the medications. I don't know if there are medications for romance novel or for whatever my favorite, you know, I'm going, I really am going through my head and there are certain YouTube channels that I know I need to stay away from. 

[00:13:45] Anna Lembke: Oh gosh.

[00:13:45] Russ Altman: Because it's just a rabbit hole.

[00:13:47] Anna Lembke: Doctor Pimple popper?

[00:13:48] Russ Altman: Well, yes, exactly. 

[00:13:51] Anna Lembke: I mean, what's your poison? That's that. 

[00:13:53] Russ Altman: My poison is, um, there's a guy who takes apart and reassembles mechanical watches. 

[00:13:59] Anna Lembke: I love it. I love it. 

[00:14:01] Russ Altman: And at first I called it like ASMR because it was very Zen and he doesn't talk or he hardly talks. 

[00:14:06] Anna Lembke: Right, right. 

[00:14:06] Russ Altman: But now I realize that I'm seeking this out when like I have to prepare for my interview with Dr. Lembke instead. 

[00:14:12] Anna Lembke: Right, right. Love it. 

[00:14:13] Russ Altman: And so that is like on the border. 

[00:14:14] Anna Lembke: Love it. Yeah. And you know, right after, you know, right after this, people are going to go and look for that guy, right? 

[00:14:20] Russ Altman: Yeah. 

[00:14:21] Anna Lembke: So like there's that social contagion phenomenon too. Like, well, what you're doing that I want to do, it's really fascinating.

[00:14:27] Uh, yeah. Yeah. Thanks for sharing that. 

[00:14:30] Russ Altman: So yeah, yeah. No. And we could go on because, um, well the other one I like to say is that many years ago I had some health scares and I started doing exercise, and I was very aware of, uh, of a low level addiction in the sense that I get extremely crabby and kind of a little bit cantankerous, quite cantankerous if there's anything blocking me from doing my regular kind of workout schedule.

[00:14:53] Anna Lembke: Right, right. 

[00:14:54] Russ Altman: And I'm, and you know, there's. There's the, I don't know if it's a dopamine high or whatever, kind of, wherever that high comes from, it's real. 

[00:15:01] Anna Lembke: Yeah, yeah. 

[00:15:01] Russ Altman: And I get very, um, I needed to protect that, and I need to be aware of how, if I don't feed that dopamine, uh, itch, I can really be kind of, uh, antisocial.

[00:15:13] Anna Lembke: Yeah. So that's a great little, you know, uh, sort of segue into how we treat it. Because dopamine is not only important for pleasure, reward, and motivation, it's also essential to movement. Like even the most primitive nematode will release dopamine in response to its food and its environment, allowing it to locomote.

[00:15:28] We know that in Parkinson's we have a depletion of dopamine. So um, part of what happens in addiction, or really how we're wired is to have to move and do a lot of physical work to get our rewards. But today we don't have to move, right? We can just sit there and have them come to us. So that means part of the treatment of addiction is actually getting people to reconnect to their dopamine firing, to their physical movement and body. 

[00:15:51] Russ Altman: Ahh.

[00:15:52] Anna Lembke: So we actually prescribe what we call hormesis. Hormesis is Greek for descent and motion. It's actually the science of how pain is good for us. And we ask people to intentionally do things that are physically difficult, challenging, painful, or mentally, so that they can get their dopamine indirectly. So the idea is that intoxicants spike our dopamine, followed by a dopamine deficit state, which is the state of craving.

[00:16:13] But exercise, we see a gradual rise in dopamine over the latter half of the exercise. It remains elevated for hours afterwards, and then it goes back down to baseline. And it really typically doesn't go into that dopamine deficit state. But it's also possible to get addicted to exercise right if we overdo it.

[00:16:30] Russ Altman: So I love what you said about during the second part of exercise. Because for me as like a runner and a cyclist, it's obvious why, because when you get to the halfway point, you know it's going to end soon. 

[00:16:41] Anna Lembke: Right. 

[00:16:41] Russ Altman: And so I can tell my mood getting better and better as I approach 

[00:16:46] Anna Lembke: Oh yes. 

[00:16:47] Russ Altman: The end of a run, because I know that I'm going to be in such a great mood at the end. 

[00:16:51] Anna Lembke: Yeah, yeah. 

[00:16:51] Russ Altman: And so it's kind of, of course you're happy. 

[00:16:54] Anna Lembke: Yeah. You're a man after my own heart, because sometimes I'll talk to people like, but I look forward to exercise. I'm like, really? You're in the lucky category. When I'm sitting, like standing by the edge of the pool in the morning, I would rather stab myself in the stomach than jump into the pool. You know what I mean? It's like, within half a lap, I'm already like, okay, it's better. 

[00:17:12] Russ Altman: This is great. Well, this is The Future of Everything. I'm Russ Altman and we'll have more with Anna Lembke next.

[00:17:31] Welcome back to The Future of Everything. I'm Russ Altman, your host, and I'm speaking with Professor Anna Lembke from Stanford University. 

[00:17:36] In the last segment, we discussed the general principles of addiction. We heard an interesting story about Anna's experience with romance novels, but we didn't get the end.

[00:17:45] So in this section, we're going to hear what happened to Anna's addiction. And we're also going to turn our attention to the opioid epidemic, and get an update from Anna about how it's going, and whether the future looks promising. 

[00:17:55] I want to deliver, Anna, on the promise to get the end of the story. So when we last left you were having introspection about this and maybe not being happy with your level of romance novel reading. And tell me how it ended. 

[00:18:12] Anna Lembke: Well, 

[00:18:12] Russ Altman: Or did it end? 

[00:18:13] Anna Lembke: Yeah, good question. So, you know, addiction is a chronic relapsing remitting disorder. Um, and when I finally saw my double life of addiction to romance novels, I decided to do a self-intervention like we do with our patients as a first pass, which is a dopamine fast, abstaining from our drug of choice for thirty days. Why thirty days? 

[00:18:33] ‘Cause we find experientially that's the average amount of time it kind of takes to get out of the craving state and reset reward pathways. Knowing that those first ten to fourteen days are super painful because we are in withdrawal. But then things start to get better. And so I abstained from romance novels for thirty days.

[00:18:50] I was shocked at how difficult it was for me. I had lost the art of putting myself to sleep without this particular behavior. And I had incredible insomnia, restlessness, and also just incredible anxiety. The anxiety that we get when we cannot engage in these habitual kind of protective behaviors and especially escape behaviors.

[00:19:11] Uh, and it was intense and boy, did it give me a whole new level of empathy for people with, you know, severe life-threatening addictions to people that I treat. Uh, but I was able to do it. And by the end of four weeks, I'm like, hey, I'm feeling great, better than I have in a long time, not craving romance novels.

[00:19:27] I think I'll give, give a romance novel a read this weekend. And I had something we call the abstinence violation. I binged all weekend long, went to work that Monday, bleary eyed. And I was like, oh dear, that was a disaster. I guess I have to abstain for longer. So then I committed to a year. And you know what? It was a good year. And since then, which is some decades ago, um, you know, I've tried occasionally to read romance novels and for the most part, zero pleasure. Zero pleasure. 

[00:19:57] Russ Altman: Ah. 

[00:19:57] Anna Lembke: It's like I've burned out that neurotransmitter system. I still have euphoric recall for how it felt, and I still want to read them. But they just, they're completely non pleasurable for me, which is kind of the cost, right?

[00:20:11] So that's kind of, it's like, I've sort of now deprived myself for the rest of my life of, really enjoying that. Now I have switched to other genres. I'm like a big, you know, mystery, uh, thriller. But even then I have to really watch out because once I start, it's difficult for me to stop. And I don't want to get, 

[00:20:28] Russ Altman: Do you do any of these other dopamine increasing activities, either during that month or during that first year. Like, I mean, you talked about exercise or did you flirt with a different addiction that got you a little bit of dopamine on the side? 

[00:20:41] Anna Lembke: Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I mean, 

[00:20:43] Russ Altman: You can imagine all of these strategies. 

[00:20:44] Anna Lembke: I mean, my real, so that, yes, so cross addiction is real, so we're giving up one addiction and going to another. I've always tried to start my day with pain. You know, get up, exercise because that sets me up for better, my mood just is a lot better. Um, but I don't think, especially as I've aged, I haven't really been able to do more exercise. In fact, I've had to pull back. So that's sort of been a natural protector for me.

[00:21:07] You know, workaholism is real, right? This kind of flow state that you get into when you're working. I, sometimes it's hard for me to stop working, right? 

[00:21:15] Russ Altman: Yeah. 

[00:21:15] Anna Lembke: Which is like really weird. And it's usually detrimental, you know, we're not present again for our families, we're not cultivating other activities and hobbies, um, we become sort of reliant on that, that to do list and that sense of like accomplishment and validation we get, but like, you know, at the end of my life, do I want to get, you know, look back, oh wow, I did all, no, that's not where, I know that's not where, you know, meaning and connection is. To some extent it is, to the extent that I can be altruistic at work and support other people's careers and help patients. But a lot of it's just about my own anxiety and managing my own anxiety by chunking through this to do list.

[00:21:54] Russ Altman: I think our colleagues at the, at a medical school, we're filled with people like that. Okay, I want to move to the opioid epidemic because it's the one, it's the addiction that people are thinking about the most and I think you would probably agree it deserves a lot of thought. 

[00:22:05] Anna Lembke: Oh yeah. 

[00:22:05] Russ Altman: But before that, just one quick question. Is the idea of an addictive personality a thing? 

[00:22:11] Anna Lembke: It's a thing. We don't use that terminology anymore in the field of addiction medicine. But basically what it's talking about is somebody with a big genetic load for addiction. And that is real. 

[00:22:19] Russ Altman: Wow. 

[00:22:20] Anna Lembke: People come into this world with differing degrees of vulnerability to addiction, some a lot more than others, just like some people are predisposed to bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia, anxiety, what have you. We know this from family studies. If you have a biological parent or grandparent with addiction, you're at increased risk for addiction even if raised outside of that substance using home. So that's real. The terminology we use though, instead of the addictive personality is more like vulnerable to the disease of addiction or heavy genetic load for addiction or strong family history for addiction.

[00:22:51] Russ Altman: A little gentler and a little perhaps less judgmental, so good, good. 

[00:22:55] Anna Lembke: So what I would also add, which is important is that, you know, when we think about vulnerability or innate vulnerability, it's very tied to drug of choice, which is to say, like, I'm pretty much invulnerable to alcohol. It does nothing for me. I wish it did. Caffeine, same thing. But once I discovered my drug of choice, romance novels, attachment, you know, all those social, uh, you know, sex related stuff, boy, I was off and running. So we may be exploding this idea of vulnerability as we get new, more drugs online that more people are susceptible to.

[00:23:29] Russ Altman: Yes. Yes. Okay. So in the last five minutes or so, I wanted to talk about the opioid epidemic. Uh, it, um, it had, I think you and I last spoke probably during the pandemic, maybe before the pandemic. But I think everybody has heard that the pandemic had a huge impact on the epidemic, that it is an ongoing epidemic.

[00:23:47] And as the pandemic has receded, opioids are still here. Uh, we've heard about big legal settlements and you've made some actually very optimistic statements about doctors being more aware of their role in this. So from your perspective, as somebody who has an addiction clinic, where are we? And what is the situation with the opioid epidemic? And what should people know about it? 

[00:24:07] Anna Lembke: So I think the best way to conceptualize it through time is that there were essentially three waves. The first wave was over supply of prescription opioids due to over prescribing due to the hoodwinking of the medical establishment by the pharmaceutical industry.

[00:24:21] Then as prescribing started to go down, many people who were already addicted turned to illicit sources. That was heroin, approximately 2013ish. And then fentanyl, a highly potent and lethal opioid, got introduced into the drug supply, and that's really where we still are now. Where even though prescription opioid related deaths have decreased, fentanyl related deaths are still on the rise.

[00:24:45] And this is truly, truly devastating because we've got people who are seriously addicted to opioids who are seeking out fentanyl and you know, the sort of effect of fentanyl and the lethality of fentanyl are very closely linked. It's hard to use just the right amount to get the feeling you want without also killing yourself. 

[00:25:04] Russ Altman: Yeah.

[00:25:05] Anna Lembke: But on top of that, we have fake pills out there that are laced with fentanyl and we've got people dying from a single pill, um, you know, who aren't even addicted necessarily. But just sort of, you know, got an exposure, really what some people now are referring to as poisonings rather than a quote unquote overdose. And this,

[00:25:25] Russ Altman: Are those, if I could just to clarify, 

[00:25:26] Anna Lembke: Yeah.

[00:25:26] Russ Altman: For the ones that are like, is it that those doses of fentanyl would have been okay for an experienced user who has developed a huge tolerance. But if this is a no, a novel user, a first time or second time, and that that dose is way inappropriate for them and it's therefore killing them? 

[00:25:41] Anna Lembke: Yes, yeah.

[00:25:41] Russ Altman: Or would that, would that, Okay.

[00:25:43] Anna Lembke: Yes. And yes, I mean, you can have enough fentanyl that even for an experienced user, it would be lethal. 

[00:25:49] Russ Altman: Yeah. 

[00:25:49] Anna Lembke: But what we're talking about mainly with these counterfeit pills, especially young people and experimentation is that they think they're taking a Percocet, right? That they've taken before that they got it from a doctor or whatever. But in fact, it's not a Percocet, it's got fentanyl in it, even a small amount. 

[00:26:03] Russ Altman: Wow. 

[00:26:04] Anna Lembke: And they sort of, you know, it slows the heart rate, slows breathing, uh, they fall asleep, heart stops and they don't wake up again. 

[00:26:11] Russ Altman: So it, so is it fair to say that this is still a problem of addiction, uh, because now we're talking about these kind of surprise doses that are much too high and drugs that you're not really even expecting to get any fentanyl.

[00:26:25] Anna Lembke: It's still a problem.

[00:26:26] Russ Altman: It starts, yeah. 

[00:26:27] Anna Lembke: Yeah. It's still a problem of addiction. It really, it really is. I mean, this is a scourge of addiction and overdose deaths, but it's also a problem of access. One of the biggest risk factors for addiction is simple access to a drug of choice. If you have more access, more people use it, more people get addicted, more people die from it. There are more harms. So especially for that vulnerable subset, you know, who's vulnerable to addiction or has other mental health issues. So um, you know, this is a huge addiction problem. But it's also a huge supply chain problem. 

[00:27:01] Russ Altman: So yes, good. I wanted to clarify that. So do the principles that you outlined for, um, uh, treating addiction in the first half of our conversation, do they all still apply? I, of course, we've all, we all know about the medications that are available. 

[00:27:14] Anna Lembke: Right.

[00:27:14] Russ Altman: And I, in reviewing your CV, you've published a lot on like, what's the right schedule for taking drugs over time and how long should it go and,

[00:27:23] Anna Lembke: Right, right.

[00:27:23] Russ Altman: But, um, so I know that there's a medical component to it. But are the other principles still perfectly applicable in terms of these dopamine issues and looking for other sources and all that? Or does it change? 

[00:27:34] Anna Lembke: Yeah. I mean, the brain chemistry, the basic brain chemistry of this dopamine deficit state applies to opioids as well. A difference in treatment though, is what we found is that many people with severe opioid addiction actually can't stop. Um, so the other suggestion of sort of we'll just do a dopamine fast, stop for thirty days, um, isn't really practically possible for people, some people with severe opioid use disorder.

[00:27:58] We don't know why that is, but we speculate that essentially their brains may not be plastic enough to return to that baseline level of dopamine homeostasis. Which means that they're always in that dopamine deficit state no matter how long they stop using, which is a really terrible, painful state, which is why we use opioids to treat opioid addiction, right?

[00:28:19] That's kind of counterintuitive, but that's what methadone is. That's what buprenorphine is. These are opioids that have a very long half-life, much longer than heroin, for example, or fentanyl. So you get people out of that constant cycle of intoxication withdrawal, drugs taking, intoxicating withdrawal.

[00:28:31] You get them in a steady state that allows them to be able to get their brains back online to be able to engage in other recovery work. So that's, you know, that's why we use those medications. It's not that people are getting high on them. It's that it's allowing them to restore homeostasis and kind of move on with their lives.

[00:28:53] Russ Altman: Great. And then in the final just few seconds, um, what's your sense of the outlook here? Are, is there, are there reasons for, I don't want to be Pollyanna, are there reasons to be optimistic here or are we still only now still discovering the depth of this problem? 

[00:29:07] Anna Lembke: If we're going to talk about the future of everything. 

[00:29:10] Russ Altman: Yes.

[00:29:11] Anna Lembke: I think we're looking at I think that addiction is the modern plague and we are going to be dealing with addiction to all kinds of things including digital media for the next hundreds if not thousands of years as one of the major problems that humans will face.

[00:29:25] But I am optimistic that we will figure it out because we are highly adaptive creatures and we are good problem solvers on, already now you've got people actively engaged in the discussion of like, you know, what about social media? What about video games? What about the drugification of our food supply?

[00:29:42] You know, conceptualizing these things as essentially hijacking our reward pathways, uh, depriving us or depleting our agency and our autonomy and in essence, our freedom, and then what are we going to do about it? So I'm optimistic. 

[00:29:57] Russ Altman: Thanks to Anna Lembke. That was The Future of Addiction. Thanks for tuning into this episode. We have more than 250 episodes in our archive. So you have instant access to a broad range of discussions on an amazing variety of topics. If you're enjoying the show or if you've benefited from it, please consider rating and reviewing it. A five would be nice and it will help give us some feedback. You can connect with me on X or Twitter @RBAltman and you can connect with Stanford Engineering @StanfordENG.

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