Celebrities hitting rehab centers is a topic of much debate these days. But substance abuse is hardly a problem unique to the world of celebrities. Many people face addictions to drugs, smoking, and alcohol. Each of these problems causes serious emotional and physical consequences for the person who is addicted. Substance abuse is a problem with hard-to-understand causes. Many people’s addictions start in adolescence as a result of giving in to peer pressure. Another child or teen offers the person alcohol or drugs, saying that they would be “cool” and “fit in” if they participated. Many children are recreational drug users, and don't believe that they could become addicted. However, a few doses later, the person is addicted to drugs or alcohol. The problem is these addictions follow these people into adulthood, and result in alcoholism and problems with drugs and smoking. Other turn to drugs and alcohol as a result of an emotional trauma they experience as an adult. They feel comforted by the release they receive when taking the drugs or drinking the alcohol. Before they know it, they are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Because of these deep psychological causes of these problems, doctors and psychologists have trouble finding an option for treatment. Alcohol and drug rehab centers attempt to treat the psychological causes of substance abuse. At the same time, drug and alcohol rehab centers do not allow the patient access to their drugs or alcohol, and therefore their body is given the chance to go through drug or alcohol withdrawal in a safe environment. The best way to treat substance abuse is to prevent it from starting. This is why schools are trying to educate children about the dangers of alcoholism and drug use. Kids are taught from an early age the dangers of addictions, and offer anti-smoking and quit smoking campaigns. What are the dangers of drug or alcohol addictions? Obviously there must be dangers for this to be such a concern among health professionals today. Substances such as drug and alcohol take a huge toll on the body. They damage the liver, digestive track, and kidneys. This damage is usually irreversible. Alcoholism is the number one cause of liver cancer. The same can be said for smoking and lung cancer. Isn’t it the person’s choice to take these risks, though? Not really. Substance abuse also puts people around the addicted individual at risk as well. Drunk drivers kill thousands each year. People who are drunk also are more likely to abuse their spouses and children. Second hand smoke causes many cases of lung cancer in people who have never smoked. The buzz created by most recreational drugs makes a person feel invincible and uninhibited, which leads to poor choices in behavior, often resulting in injury to others. Because substance abuse affects everyone, it is a serious problem that needs to be addressed.