Addiction is a brain disorder characterized by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It is most common in adolescents and those with mental health disorders. Genetics account for 40-60% of addiction risk. Treatment involves detox, therapy, support groups, and sober living. With continued support, many addicted individuals can achieve long-term sobriety.

1. Addiction
Conner Brown, Arianne Inawat, Amy O’Hearn, Chad Thomas

2. What is Addiction?

3. Addiction is a brain
disorder characterized by
compulsive engagement
in rewarding stimuli
despite adverse
consequences.

4. Social Signs of Addiction
1. Dropping hobbies and activities
2. Secrecy and solitude in order to hide their addiction
3. Denial
4. Financial difficulties
5. Sacrificing time with family/friends in order to abuse drugs

5. Who is Most at Risk?
● Adolescence and people with with mental
health disorders are most at risk for drug
abuse.
● Certain environmental factors like an abusive
home can also increase the chances of
addiction.
● Genetics account for about 40% to 60% of a
person’s risk of addiction.

6. Symptoms of Drug Addictions

12. Treatment
The good news
is that recovery
from addiction is
possible!

13. Addiction is a chronic disorder that requires
lifelong treatment, luckily there are many
resources available...

15. The first step to getting help is often opening up to
friends and family about the problem...

16. The initial detox phase can be psychologically challenging
and even physically dangerous...
… staying in a residential center for medical and
psychological support can help with this stage

17. After initial rehabilitation, individuals can use the
following to continue treatment:
● Therapy (individual, family, group, CBT)
● Support groups (like 12 step programs)
● Sober living homes
● Sober community

18. With continued support of friend and family, sober
communities and therapeutic treatment, many go on to
live healthy, substance free lives!

19. For help today, call the substance abuse and
mental health services administration help line

20. References
Addiction Treatment - Options for Addiction Recovery. (2020, June 22). Retrieved July 02,
2020, from https://www.addictioncenter.com/treatment/
Adinoff B. (2004). Neurobiologic processes in drug reward and addiction. Harvard review of
psychiatry, 12(6), 305–320. https://doi.org/10.1080/10673220490910844
Goldstein, R. Z., & Volkow, N. D. (2011). Dysfunction of the prefrontal cortex in addiction:
neuroimaging findings and clinical implications. Nature reviews.
Neuroscience, 12(11),652–669. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn3119
Legg, T., 2020. Addiction: symptoms, effects, and what to look for.Medicalnewstoday.com.
Https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323459#overview.
National Helpline: SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
(n.d.). Retrieved July 02, 2020, from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-
helpline
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, June 19). Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
DrugFacts. Retrieved July 02, 2020, from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/treatment-approaches-drug-
addiction