Is continued drug abuse a voluntary behavior?

[usarmymedic1]

Is continued drug abuse a voluntary behavior?
The initial decision to take drugs is mostly voluntary. However, when drug abuse takes over, a person's ability to exert self control can become seriously impaired. Brain imaging studies from drug-addicted individuals show physical changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decisionmaking, learning and memory, and behavior control.7 Scientists believe that these changes alter the way the brain works, and may help explain the compulsive and destructive behaviors of addiction.


No single factor determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs.

I posted the full article / pamphlet in my journal

[122 Tactical Fighter Group]

Bud - even though everyone knows that all USAF does is protect groundounders 24/7 -  you need to keep up with the excellent posts and information. You bring a great perspective to thus forum..........................best to you

[house1]

You are right the choice that you have is early in using. Once you come dependent your in big trouble. When you get out of bed and the first thing on your mind is drugs your gone.
I have seen MRI images of an addicts brain compared to a straight persons brain after doing an opiate like cocaine or Heroin. The addicts brain lights up like the fourth of July as for the straight persons images stay dark.
It is a disease and hopefully one day everyone will agree so that the addicts can get the help and the funding they need to get to recovery.

Good Post