Alcohol and other drug abuse and addiction constitute major health and safety concerns in the United States, with costs running into the billions of dollars annually for health care, related injuries and loss of life, property destruction and loss of productivity.

Treatment is proven to be effective, but few who need it have access to and receive care. Families can be devastated and children are at increased risk for their own addiction and mental health problems.

Addiction knows no societal boundary. It affects every ethnic group, both genders, and individuals in every tax bracket, according to a press release.

What is an alcohol problem?

Researchers use the term alcohol problems to refer to any type of condition caused by drinking that harms the drinker directly, jeopardizes the drinker's well-being, or places others at risk.

Depending on the circumstances, alcohol problems can result from even moderate drinking, for example when driving, during pregnancy, or when taking certain medicines. Alcohol problems exist on a continuum of severity ranging from occasional binge drinking to alcohol abuse or alcoholism. The most common alcohol problems include binge drinking, alcohol abuse, and alcohol dependence.

Alcohol addiction symptoms or behaviors include:

• Feeling a need to regularly use alcohol. This can be daily or even several times a day.

• Failing in attempts to stop using alcohol.

• Making certain to maintain a supply of alcohol.

• Spending money on alcohol and/or drinking, even though it's not affordable.

• Feeling that alcohol is needed to face problems.

• Driving or doing other risky activities when under the influence of alcohol.

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction is a dependence on an illegal drug or a medication.

Those who are addicted may not be able to control their drug use and may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can cause an intense craving for the drug. Users may want to quit, but most people find they can't do it on their own.

For many people, what starts as casual use leads to drug addiction. Drug addiction can cause serious, long-term consequences, including problems with physical and mental health, relationships, employment and the law.

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include:

• Feeling a need to use the drug regularly. This can be daily or even several times a day.

• Failing in attempts to stop using the drug.

• Making certain to maintain a supply of the drug.

• Spending money on the drug, even though it's unaffordable.

• Doing things to obtain the drug, such as stealing, that are out of character.

• Feeling a need to use the drug to deal with problems.

• Driving or doing other risky activities while impaired.

• Focusing more time and energy on getting and using the drug.

For further information and resources, visit csifdl.org.

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