Addiction is a difficult disease that involves several factors including biological, psychological and sociological aspects. Anderson (1997) states that substance use generally refers to the ingestion of illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, PCP, amphetamines, etc. The use of illicit drugs, such as alcohol and nicotine, is less frequently included in this definition, despite their widespread use and undisputed harmful potential. Substance abuse, however, is a more value-laden term that involves substance use, likely over time, that is harmful or harmful in some way. Therefore, substance use does not necessarily constitute substance abuse, although they often coexist. Wormer, Davis (2010) indicates that addiction is often defined as a disease not only of the individual but of the entire family. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed that approximately 22 million Americans ages 12 and older suffered from substance dependence or abuse due of alcohol, illicit drugs, or both. There are many different social aspects related to drug use and it poses a challenge to the stability and influence of any family. Wormer Davis (2010) states that for every alcoholic, compulsive gambler, and cocaine addict, the lives of at least four other people are constantly altered. These other individuals may suffer just as much as the addict; they may also need help with how to deal with the addict or with their own powerful feelings. The family is often seen as the ultimate source of strength, providing nourishment and support to its individual members, as well as providing stability and generational continuity to the community and culture.I bel...... middle of paper .... .Bstance Abuse TreatmentVolume 14, Issue 5, September-October 1997, pages 481-486Article: Social, ethical and practical aspects of perinatal substance use.Author: Anderson, MelJournal: Journal of drug abuse TreatmentISSN: 0740-5472 Date: 09/01 /1997 Volume: 14 Number: 5 Page: 481Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2002). The Dasis Report: Black Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment: 1999. Rockville, Md.: Office of Applied Studies.4. Clucas, A., & Clark, V. (1992). Module II 7: Drug and alcohol problems in special populations. In M. A. Naegle (Ed.), Substance abuse education in nursing, vol. 2, pp. 531-547. New York: National League for Nursing.5. Williams, R., & Gorski, T. T. (1997). Relapse prevention counseling for African Americans: A culturally specific model. Independence, Missouri: Herald House/Independence Press.