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Substance Addiction FAQ
Understanding addiction can be overwhelming, especially when you or someone you love is struggling with substance use. This comprehensive FAQ is designed to give you clear, clinically accurate answers to the most common questions about drug and alcohol addiction, withdrawal, brain science, treatment options, and recovery.
Using the latest data from national health organizations, we explain how addiction develops, why it’s so difficult to overcome alone, and when it’s time to seek professional support. Whether you’re looking for early guidance or preparing for treatment, this resource will help you make informed, confident decisions about the next steps.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is addiction?
Addiction is a chronic and relapsing brain disorder that impairs a person’s ability to control substance use even when it causes harm. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), nearly 48.7 million Americans met the criteria for a substance use disorder in the last year. Addiction alters reward pathways in the brain, making quitting extremely difficult without structured medical and behavioral support.
How common is substance abuse in the United States?
Substance misuse is more widespread than most people realize. The 2022 NSDUH reports that 24.9% of Americans aged 12 or older used illicit drugs in the past year, and 16.5% had an alcohol use disorder or binge-drinking-related impairment. These numbers reflect how common substance-related struggles are, and how essential early intervention and treatment have become.
What is a substance use disorder?
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition defined by compulsive drug or alcohol use despite negative consequences. In 2022, 17.3% of U.S. adults met diagnostic criteria for a SUD, making it one of the most prevalent behavioral health issues nationwide. SUDs range from mild to severe and can involve physical dependence, cravings, withdrawal, and impaired daily functioning.
Why can’t people with addiction “just stop”?
Once addiction develops, stopping is not a matter of willpower. Drugs and alcohol physically change the brain’s reward and stress-response systems. NIDA research shows that chronic substance use reduces natural dopamine production, disrupts impulse control, and strengthens compulsive patterns. This is why professional treatment, especially detox and inpatient care is often necessary to interrupt these changes and support recovery.
What causes substance abuse addiction?
Addiction develops through a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Genetics alone account for 40–60% of a person’s risk, according to NIDA. Trauma, chronic stress, early exposure to substances, mental health disorders, and family history all significantly increase vulnerability. No single factor causes addiction, but multiple factors together can dramatically raise risk.
What are withdrawal symptoms, and why are they dangerous?
Withdrawal occurs when the body becomes dependent on a substance and reacts to its absence. Withdrawal can range from mild anxiety and insomnia to dangerous complications. For example, alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures and delirium tremens, while opioid withdrawal can lead to severe dehydration, blood pressure instability, and heart strain. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening without medical supervision. This is why medical detox is strongly recommended.
Is addiction a mental health disorder?
Yes. Addiction is recognized as a chronic mental health condition, and it frequently co-occurs with psychiatric disorders. SAMHSA reports that 9.2 million Americans experience both a substance use disorder and a mental illness each year. This combination, known as a dual diagnosis, requires integrated treatment to address both conditions simultaneously for the best outcomes.
How many people relapse, and what does relapse mean?
Relapse is common and does not mean treatment has failed. According to NIDA, 40–60% of people treated for substance use disorders experience at least one relapse, similar to other chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. Relapse signals that ongoing support, behavioral therapy, or adjustments in treatment may be needed, not that recovery is impossible. Getting professional help drastically reduces the chance of relapse.
Can addiction be hereditary?
Yes. Research consistently shows a strong genetic component to addiction. Individuals with a family history of substance use disorders are significantly more likely to develop one themselves. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) estimates that nearly half of the risk for addiction is inherited, due to genes affecting dopamine regulation, stress sensitivity, and impulse control.
How does addiction affect the brain?
Substances overstimulate neurotransmitters like dopamine, causing the brain to adapt by reducing its natural production. Over time, areas responsible for judgment, memory, emotion, and decision-making, including the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, become impaired. These changes make cravings stronger, stress harder to manage, and sobriety extremely challenging without structured treatment. Get help as soon as first signs show up.
Can people fully recover from substance addiction?
Yes. Millions of Americans achieve long-term recovery every year. Recovery typically involves medical detox, behavioral therapies, dual diagnosis treatment, relapse-prevention planning, and ongoing support. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimates that 75% of people who experience addiction eventually recover, which is an important reminder that treatment works and recovery is absolutely possible.
When should someone seek professional help for substance abuse?
Professional help is recommended when substance use begins affecting health, relationships, work, mood, or daily functioning (or immediately if illicit substance). SAMHSA data shows that 94% of people who needed treatment did not receive it, often because they underestimated the severity of their condition. If someone is experiencing withdrawal, using daily, or losing control over their use, it’s time to seek medical detox and assessment.
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What We Treat at Wellness Detox LA
Wellness Detox LA provides medically supported care for individuals facing all types of substance use disorders. Our detox and residential services are designed to help clients safely manage withdrawal, address the physical and emotional effects of addiction, and begin a clear path toward recovery. Located in the greater Los Angeles area, we support clients throughout LA, Hollywood, and nearby communities who are struggling with alcohol use, drug dependence, or prescription medication misuse.
We offer specialized treatment for a broad range of substances, including but not limited to:
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