Addiction Epidemiology Open Access Journals

and also among specific demographic subgroups. The section on Etiology summarizes the risk factors for the development of a substance use disorder, and the protective factors that help guard against one development. Epidemiological research provides essential information for identifying populations at risk in order to define the scope of the problem. Epidemiological evidence on patterns in the use and misuse of illegal drugs over time help assess the efficacy of the national drug prevention programme. Addiction is a dynamic disorder, a brain illness that, given its negative effects, is conveyed by compulsive drug use. People with addiction (severe substance use disorder) focus heavily on using a certain substance(s), such as alcohol or narcotics, to the point that it takes over their lives.