People do not become addicted drugs over night; actually Drug addiction is a complex illness. The path to drug addiction begins with the act of taking drugs. Over time, a person's ability to choose not to take drugs is compromised. This in large part is a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning, and thus on behavior. Addiction, therefore, is characterized by compulsive, drug craving, seeking, and use that persists even in the face of consequences that could put them in danger.

Many people think that they can temporarily use drugs and quit when they want or need, howev

Some drugs lock onto the neuron and act like a pump, so the neuron releases more neurotransmitter. Other drugs block reabsorption or reuptake and cause unnatural floods of neurotransmitter” (Stanley). All drugs of abuse, such as nicotine, cocaine, and marijuana, primarily affect the brain's limbic system. Scientists call this the "reward" system. Normally, the limbic system responds to pleasurable experiences by releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine, which creates feelings of pleasure.

Parents are a good way to stop drug abuse and addiction, especially since they once faced similar situations, but our society and community also plays a big role on what our youth sees. Unfortunately, the fashions and fads that thrive in our culture are sometimes the ones with the most shock value. Children today are surrounded by both subtle and outright messages telling them what is "good" about alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Your children may see TV characters living in wealth and splendor off drug money, may stumble onto a Web site urging legalization of marijuana, may see their favorite movie stars smoking in their latest films, or may hear their favorite music artists expressing how they are into certain drugs. Because of the increasing role of media and television in the lives of people, the problem of drugs will be much harder to combat and control. A drug abuser cannot quit with all of the help in the world, if he or she does not truly want to quit inside their heart and mind.

Another possible way to clue in children is by making them aware of real life situations. “To guide our children’s decisions about drugs, we can now draw on credible real-life examples of friends who had

Some topics in this essay:
, drug addiction, limbic system, alcoholism drug, try drug, neurotransmitter drugs, alcohol drugs, drug abuse, drugs lock, drug abusers,