Question 1

What is addiction?

Accepted Answer

Addiction (clinically called a substance use disorder) is a long-term health condition in which a person keeps using alcohol or drugs even though it is harming their health, work, money or relationships. Repeated use changes how the brain handles reward, stress and self-control, which is why "just stopping" is so hard. Addiction is not a lack of willpower or a moral failure, and it is treatable.

Question 2

Is addiction a disease?

Accepted Answer

Most medical bodies, including the World Health Organization, treat substance use disorders as health conditions. Like diabetes or high blood pressure, addiction can be long-term, can return (relapse), and responds to treatment and lifestyle change. Seeing it as a health condition helps families replace blame with support and focus on getting proper treatment.

Question 3

What causes addiction?

Accepted Answer

There is rarely one cause. Risk rises with a family history of addiction, starting to drink or use drugs at a young age, stress, trauma, peer pressure, easy availability, unemployment or idleness, and mental health problems such as depression or anxiety. Anyone can develop an addiction regardless of education, income or religion.

Question 4

What is the difference between drug abuse and addiction?

Accepted Answer

"Abuse" or misuse means using a substance in a harmful way, for example binge drinking or taking someone else's prescription. Addiction (dependence) is when use becomes compulsive: the person has cravings, needs more to get the same effect, gets withdrawal symptoms when they stop, and keeps using despite clear harm. Misuse can lead to addiction, so it is worth acting early.

Question 5

How common is drug and alcohol use in Kenya?

Accepted Answer

According to NACADA's 2022 national survey, about 4.7 million Kenyans aged 15 to 65 were using at least one drug or substance, and about 3.2 million were currently drinking alcohol. Alcohol is the most widely used substance, followed by tobacco, miraa (khat) and bhang. NACADA estimates that over 1.3 million Kenyans urgently need treatment. Western, Coast and Central regions recorded high alcohol use.

Question 6

Which drugs are most abused in Kenya?

Accepted Answer

NACADA's 2022 survey ranks alcohol first, then tobacco, miraa/khat (including muguka) and bhang (cannabis). Prescription medicines, heroin, cocaine and inhalants are also used, with heroin concentrated in parts of the Coast, Nairobi and some central counties. Many people use more than one substance; NACADA found about 1 in 15 Kenyans aged 15-65 using multiple drugs.

Question 7

Can someone be addicted without using every day?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Someone who binge drinks every weekend, or uses drugs only when stressed but cannot stop once they start, may still have a substance use disorder. What matters is loss of control and continued harm, not how often a person uses.

Question 8

Can addiction be cured?

Accepted Answer

Addiction is usually described as treatable rather than "cured". With treatment, many people stop using completely and live full, healthy lives. Like other long-term conditions, it needs ongoing care: aftercare, support groups and healthy routines greatly reduce the chance of relapse.

Question 9

Is addiction hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Genes play a part: children of parents with addiction have a higher risk. But genes are not destiny. Environment, early exposure, stress and support all matter. If addiction runs in your family, delaying or avoiding alcohol and drugs and talking openly about the risk can protect the next generation.

Question 10

Why can't my loved one just stop?

Accepted Answer

Repeated alcohol or drug use changes brain circuits linked to motivation and self-control. Stopping can bring painful withdrawal, strong cravings and low mood, and the substance may be how the person copes with stress or trauma. That is why professional treatment, rather than threats or promises, usually works better.

What Is Addiction? A Guide for Kenyan Families

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