What are addictive disorders?

Addictive disorders, such as substance abuse and dependence, are common disorders that involve the overuse of alcohol and/or drugs. Addiction develops over time and is a chronic and relapsing illness.

Substance abuse

Substance abuse, as a disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances or the abusive use of legal substances. It is an addictive disorder that describes a pattern of substance (usually drug or alcohol) use leading to significant problems or distress, such as failure to attend school, substance use in dangerous situations (like driving a car), substance-related legal problems or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and/or family relationships. Alcohol is the most common legal drug to be abused.

Substance dependence

Substance abuse, as a disorder, refers to the abuse of illegal substances or the abusive use of legal substances. It is an addictive disorder that describes a pattern of substance (usually drug or alcohol) use leading to significant problems or distress, such as failure to attend school, substance use in dangerous situations (like driving a car), substance-related legal problems or continued substance use that interferes with friendships and/or family relationships. Alcohol is the most common legal drug to be abused.

Chemical dependence

Chemical dependence is also an addictive disorder that describes the compulsive use of chemicals (usually drugs or alcohol) and the inability to stop using them despite all the problems caused by their use.The substances frequently abused, particularly by adolescents with addictive disorders.

Causes?

Addictive disorders are caused by multiple factors, including genetic vulnerability, environmental stressors, social pressures, individual personality characteristics and psychiatric problems..

Some adolescents are more at risk of developing addictive disorders, including adolescents with one or more of the following conditions present: