Substance Abuse

Top 10 Reasons to Quit Smoking

1. I will reduce my chances of having a heart attack or stroke.
2. I will reduce my chances of getting lung cancer, emphysema, and other lung diseases.
3. I will have better smelling clothes, hair, breath, home, and car.
4. I will climb stairs and walk without getting out of breath.
5. I will have fewer wrinkles.

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain: they change its structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs.

Scientists study the effects that drugs have on the brain and on people's behavior. They use this information to develop programs for preventing drug abuse and for helping people recover from addiction. Further research helps transfer these ideas into practice in our communities.

Abuse and addiction to alcohol, nicotine, and illegal substances cost Americans upwards of half a trillion dollars a year, considering their combined medical, economic, criminal, and social impact. Every year, abuse of illicit drugs and alcohol contributes to the death of more than 100,000 Americans, while tobacco is linked to an estimated 440,000 deaths per year.

A new study out of the University of New Hampshire shows alcohol abuse is a much bigger problem than drugs in rural areas. Even worse, Dr. Robert Walker of the Robert C. Byrd center for Rural Health says it's a problem no one wants to talk about.

Rural counties, as in the state of Maine, USA, face rising rates of teen drug and alcohol abuse. Programs to help kids away from substance-related solutions to everyday problems are essential.

At a news conference in the State Capitol Building, the State Attorney General and two leading prosecutors called on Congress to reject proposed budget cuts to law enforcement and programs helping thousands of Maine kids get on the right track.

A government survey estimates that the number of adults aged 50 or older with substance abuse problems will double to 5 million in 2020 from 2.5 million in 1999, in large part due to their comfort with prescription drugs.