ABSTRACT
The most common throughout history is addiction to certain chemicals or substances, such as alcohol and other drugs. This form of addiction typically is associated with physiological dependence and involves a craving state or compulsive engagement, impaired control over substance-related behaviors, and continued engagement in substance-related behaviors despite adverse consequences. Because addiction to alcohol and other drugs is the most common and researched form of addiction. Addiction is difficult to define and its understanding changes with new scientific discoveries. Addictions counseling in the United States continues its transition from being a rather ingrown, isolated, and loosely regulated practice that once relied primarily on personal evidence, subjective testimony, and the sufficiency of mutual support, to being a sophisticated practice informed by science, integrated into mainstream health care, and offering a menu of evidence-based practices. Involving family members in prevention and treatment efforts of an adolescent or adult struggling with problematic substance use is now standard practice in addictions.
