Alcohol and illicit drugs are all psychoactive drugs. Psychoactive drugs are drugs that affect the Central Nervous System, altering its regular activity. They cause changes in a person’s mood, behavior, and awareness. Psychoactive drugs are usually broken down into four categories: depressants, stimulants, opioids, and hallucinogens. They also include antidepressants, anxiety-relieving medicines, and other psychiatric medications.

It’s normal to think of addiction as a personal illness; one that does damage to the user and their immediate family. Addiction affects much more than this as it puts a huge strain on several aspects of society; from healthcare to employment to prisons and jails. Drug abuse is one of the connecting fibers that join Americans, and one we can’t hide from.