Signs of Addiction to Legal Substances

Addictions to alcohol and tobacco are some of the most common in the United States, in part because these substances can be sold and acquired legally to people of age. Because these products are sold in many locations, minors are also able to obtain them with relative ease through fake IDs, older friends, shoplifting, or taking them from their parents or other adults. More than half of Americans use alcohol, nearly a quarter engage in binge drinking, and roughly 7% binge drink on a regular basis (5 or more times a month).  The numbers for tobacco use in 2009 were similarly high with about 70 million people in the U.S. having used tobacco within the month prior to the survey. Another reason for the high rates of addiction to these substances is that, because they are legal, there is a much lower social stigma attached to their use.  Loved ones may be less likely to suspect an addiction or be concerned about use of these substances until the addict begins to be subject to the negative effects of these addictions. 

Although many people can use alcohol without becoming addicted, tobacco contains more than one addictive substance (including nicotine and acetaldehyde) and can make quitting extremely difficult for individuals who have used cigarettes, cigars, or other tobacco products for an extended period of time.  There is a particularly high rate of relapse associated with those who smoke tobacco. For these reasons, it can be quite challenging to end alcoholism or tobacco addiction without professional help.  For more information on the signs of addiction to alcohol or tobacco, please use the links below.