In 2010, approximately 23.5 million Americans were dependent on alcohol and/or drugs and in need of treatment or support services (Partnership for drug free kids). Most people assume that those who are addicted to a substance are simply making bad choices. I will have to admit that I was one of those people who thought it should be easy to walk away from something so toxic. It wasn't until I did the research myself that I discovered that addiction is actually a disease. It takes more than willpower to stop using something that a person's brain is so accustomed to. With all the advances in science we now have a better idea of ​​what leads to addiction. This does not mean that poor choices and life decisions are not attributable to addiction, but these causes increase the likelihood that an individual will become dependent on a substance. Most individuals who abuse drugs or alcohol will admit to having a history of childhood trauma, alcoholics in the family, or drug use in their social circle. Genetics predisposes an individual to have a greater chance of becoming codependent on drugs or alcohol. Studies of twins and families predisposed to addiction suggest that approximately 50% of the risk of drug addiction has a genetic basis (EBSCOhost). A well-characterized relationship between genes and alcoholism is the result of variation in alcohol-metabolizing liver enzymes (NIH). The result of the liver breaking down alcohol more quickly is increased tolerance. Individuals with a higher alcohol tolerance need to drink more than the average person to achieve the same biological effect. When heavy drinkers suddenly stop or significantly reduce their alcohol consumption, the neurotransmitters precede the development of some of the same habits in their families. Drugs and alcohol can be used as emotional crutches in these types of situations and turn into addiction. Childhood trauma and mental illness are directly related to both addiction and each other. Mental illness refers to a broad range of mental health conditions or disorders that affect mood, thinking, and behavior (“mental illness”). Mental disorders are commonly left untreated for long periods of time due to the stigma our society has placed on mental problems. This forces individuals with mental illnesses to self-medicate, often resulting in addictive behaviors. People with mental disorders look for ways to alleviate their distress and suffering. Marijuana can be used to treat an individual's depression or to relieve pain. Stimulants can be used to motivate an otherwise sluggish person.