This can begin at a very early age. Some are more prone to it, while as some drugs are highly addictive, so much so that on the first try may alter the brain into wanting more right away. Addiction is a sad and horrible thing, but with the help of family and friends, a person may be able to overcome. I know that in the new AA they tell you not to bother, but when AA originated, you would go to any lenghts to help the person. As well, more is medically understood about addiction that ever before. There are more professionals who specialize and realize that it is not only a matter of will power