| Alcoholism, drug
dependence and addiction, known as substance use disorders, are
complex problems. People with these disorders once were thought to have
a character defect or moral weakness; some people mistakenly still
believe that. However, most scientists and medical researchers now
consider dependence on alcohol or drugs to be a long-term illness, like
asthma, hypertension (high blood pressure), or diabetes. Most people who
drink alcohol drink very little, and many people can stop taking drugs
without a struggle. However, some people develop a substance use
disorder—use of alcohol or drugs that is compulsive or dangerous (or
both). |