We all know drug and alcohol addiction occurs. We also know some people can use and not get addicted. We all know that they are both injurious to our health. Then why is it that the addiction to drugs and alcohol is increasing everyday? Why do people still destroy their lives and family? Is drug and alcohol addiction a matter of will power, choice or is it a disease?

Let's examine these questions in detail.

First it's important to understand the cycle of addiction. When a person takes things like alcohol or drugs, these substances alter the chemical composition of the brain. The drug or the alcohol induces the brain to release endorphins or the pleasure causing substances. Therefore, the user can drop their inhibitions and achieve the 'high'. The process of addiction is a sine wave phenomenon with sharp peaks and troughs. Once the "high" wears off, the person starts to feel low and depressed. The phenomena of craving occurs because of the body's physical demands. He becomes focused on just one thing and that is getting high again. He spends all his energy in getting the drug or the alcohol and nothing else matters.

In other words addiction is not a behavior issue, In fact it is a disease. Will power may be important in refusing the drug or the alcohol initially, however once the person is addicted then it does not remain only their will anymore, instead it actually becomes a conditioned reflex.

Who are at risk for addiction? Almost everyone is at a risk; however some people are at a greater risk of addiction than the others. A lot of factors come into play as far as addiction is concerned:

1. Genetics: When drug or substance abuse runs in the family, then there is a greater chance of the person getting addicted since the chemically altered nature of the brain may be hereditary.

2. Low self-esteem: low self esteem or depression tendency may also lead to addiction. The reason for this is quite simple. People who have low self-esteem or self-confidence are constantly looking for ways to make them feel better. Drugs/alcohol gives them that high, which makes them feel that they are better than anyone else.

3. Emotional factors: There is a high risk for addiction for people who have not had their needs for love met, or known unconditional love. Such children want to be needed and loved, which they do not find at home and hence seek in peers. Most of the times, just to please their friends, they get into drugs or alcohol and oft time develops an addiction.

Addiction is a disease that ruins a capable and intelligent human being. This disease needs treatment like all the other diseases. The catch in this situation is that the patient is unaware of his problem and may even deny it. Therefore it is crucial to handle the patient with understanding and love. With the right treatment addiction to drugs and alcohol can be cured and the persons' life put back in order.