Get the Facts

Addiction is a long-term health condition resulting from changes in the brain that arise from repeated exposure to an addictive substance or behavior. It can lead someone to keep using a substance or repeating a behavior even when it causes harm or no longer feels good. 

Over time, substances and certain behaviors change brain chemistry, especially the parts that control reward, stress, and decision-making. This can make cravings stronger and stopping the behavior harder, even when someone wants to. 

These signs can help you notice when substance use is starting to cause harm or take up more space in your life. Awareness is often the first step toward change.  

• Using more substances, or for longer, than planned 
• Wanting to cut back or stop but not being able to 
• Spending a lot of time thinking about, getting, or using a substance 
• Having strong cravings or urges 
• Missing work, school, or responsibilities 
• Continuing use even when it causes problems in relationships or health 
• Needing more to feel the same effect (tolerance) 
• Feeling sick, anxious, or irritable when not using (withdrawal) 
• Losing interest in things that used to matter 

Addiction doesn’t have one cause. Risk increases when several factors overlap. 

Biology and brain chemistry 

• Family history of addiction 
• Some people have genes that influence how the brain responds to dopamine (the chemical linked to pleasure, motivation, and reward), which can lead to stronger effects from the substance or more cravings 

Mental and emotional health 

• Depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), or other mental health conditions 
• Using substances to cope with stress, pain, or emotions 

Life experiences 

• Trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) 
• Chronic stress, loss, or major life changes 

Environment 

• Easy access to substances 
• Peer or household substance use 
• Certain prescription medications (like opioids, stimulants, or sedatives), especially when taken long-term, at high doses, or without close medical support 

Having risk factors does not mean someone will develop an addiction. It means support, coping skills, and early care can be especially important. 

Anxiety is a normal response to stress, change, or uncertainty. It can help keep us alert and prepared, like before giving a presentation or when driving in traffic. Anxiety becomes a concern when fear or worry feels intense, lasts a long time, or makes daily life harder. 

Anxiety can affect thoughts, emotions, and the body. It may show up as  ruminating, which is repetitive negative thoughts. It can also show up as tension, trouble sleeping, or feeling on edge. Support and grounding tools can help reduce anxiety and make it more manageable.  

Talk to your health care provider if your anxiety is negatively impacting you.  

Learn more from NAMI: Anxiety  

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that affects focus, energy, and self-control. People with ADHD may be easily distracted, act without thinking, or feel restless. ADHD often starts in childhood but can continue into adulthood. 

ADHD can make daily tasks, school, or work feel harder, but there are ways to manage it. Strategies like breaking tasks into smaller steps, keeping routines, using reminders, and practicing self-care can help. Support from teachers, family, or mental health professionals also makes a big difference. 

Treatment can include therapy, self-management strategies, or sometimes medication. With support and tools, people with ADHD can succeed in school, work, and everyday life. 

Learn more from NAMI: ADHD

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes big changes in mood, energy, and focus. People with bipolar may have very high moods called mania and very low moods called depression. These mood changes are stronger and longer than normal ups and downs. 

Bipolar disorder can start in the teens or young adulthood. With treatment and support, people with bipolar can live full and productive lives. Treatment can include therapy, medication, and learning to notice early signs of mood changes. 

Learn more from NAMI: bipolar disorder

Feeling low or sad sometimes is part of being human. Depression is more than these normal feelings. It is a mental health condition that affects mood, energy, and motivation. People with depression may feel hopeless; have low energy; lose interest in things they usually enjoy; or have trouble functioning at school, work, or home. 

Depression can last for weeks, months, or even years. Some people experience only one episode in their lifetime, while others have recurring episodes. Depression can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or background.  

Repeatedly thinking about negative events or feelings is common in depression and can make daily life harder. Many people can feel better with early help and treatment that could include therapy, medication, and healthy habits. 

If you think you may be experiencing depression, talk with a health care professional. 

Learn more from NAMI: Depression 

Eating disorders happen when thoughts about food, weight, or body shape start to take up too much of daily life. They often appear in teens and young adults. Eating disorders can affect anyone, no matter age, sex, or background. They can affect emotional well-being and harm the body. 

With support and treatment, many people can recover and live healthy lives. Treatment often includes therapy, nutrition support, and sometimes medication. 

Learn more from NAMI: Eating Disorders

OCD is a mental health condition that involves unwanted thoughts and strong urges to repeat certain actions. These thoughts and behaviors can feel hard to control and may take up a lot of time or cause stress. OCD often begins in childhood, the teen years, or young adulthood. It can affect anyone. Repetitive, intrusive thoughts also appear in OCD.  

With the right support and treatment, many people with OCD learn ways to manage symptoms and live healthy, full lives. Talking with a health care provider can help you find the right support. 

Learn more from NAMI: OCD

PTSD can happen after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Trauma can include accidents, violence, natural disasters, abuse, or ongoing stress like discrimination. Some people recover quickly, but some have lasting symptoms that affect daily life. 

Common symptoms of PTSD include: 

• Reliving the trauma through memories or nightmares 
• Avoiding reminders of the event 
• Feeling on edge or anxious 
• Changes in mood or thinking 

With treatment, people can recover and live healthy lives. Talk with a health care provider for help. 

Learn more from NAMI: PTSD