Addiction is a brain disease because drugs actually change the brain and how it works. People who are addicted can't stop using drugs even when they really want to and even after it causes terrible consequences to their health and other parts of their lives. Addiction can be treated, but it is common for people to need treatment more than once after relapsing (starting to use again).
Over time, drugs change the brain's wiring and become less pleasurable. Areas of the brain involved in decision making, learning, memory, sleep, emotion, and control over behavior are affected.
Marijuana use that begins during teen years and continues into adulthood has been linked to poor grades and lower IQs.
Marijuana and
alcohol can affect a person's coordination and impair sports and driving abilities. Intoxicated people risk losing control of what happens to them and can find themselves in danger.
Abusing
cocaine,
methamphetamine,
steroids, or
prescription stimulants can cause anxiety, hostility, and paranoia.
Smoking or ingesting
marijuana can make it hard to remember what you just said or did. Drinking large amounts of
alcohol quickly (known as binge drinking) can cause a "blackout"—when you can't remember key details about a specific event or the event itself.
MORE ABOUT DRUGS + THE BRAIN »
Mission Control
Meet your brain. It's who you are. It's what allows you to think, breathe, move, speak, and feel. Move your mouse over the brain areas to see what each controls.