Development. The risk of developing addiction is affected by the combination of genes, environment and critical developmental periods that occur throughout a person's life. Genetics. Drug addiction can happen at any age. However, the likelihood of becoming addicted increases as you use more drugs. This is especially true for teenagers. Teenagers may be more likely to engage in drug experimentation or other dangerous behaviours, as their brains are still developing. These behaviors include poor judgment, lack of self-control and poor decision-making.
As with many chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction does not always result in complete recovery. However, it is possible to manage the symptoms and treat the problem. People who attempt to overcome addiction risk relapsing over a prolonged period of time, or even their entire lives. Mixing medicine with behavioural therapy is the best way to treat addiction. To maintain sobriety, each person's drug history must be taken into consideration, along with any other underlying medical, mental or social conditions.
This information may help to prevent drug abuse and addiction. Programmes that included families, schools and communities were effective in reducing drug use and addiction. This was confirmed by NIDA-funded research. Research shows that drug use patterns are affected by many factors. However, research has shown that young people will reduce their drug use when they feel it is unsafe. Education and outreach are crucial to helping people understand the dangers of drug abuse. Teachers, parents, and medical professionals all play a part in the education of our next generation regarding the dangers and consequences of drug addiction and use.
