What is Drug Addiction?

Drug addiction is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and drug use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences. Drug addiction is drug dependence, characterized by physiological changes that cause tolerance to develop and that lead to withdrawal symptoms if use of the drug is stopped abruptly. Addiction is the repeated involvement with any substance or activity, despite the excessive costs of this involvement, because of a craving (intense desire). Drug addiction includes psychological and physiological substance dependence.

The path to drug addiction usually starts with experimentation. You or your loved one may have tried drugs out of curiosity, because friends were doing it, or in an effort to erase another problem. Regardless of the drug of choice the pattern of drug addiction is the same: The person tries to escape some physical or emotional pain by taking drugs. The individual recognizes that the drugs offer temporary relief, so they continue to use them. With continued use of the drug, the body's ability to produce certain chemicals is diminished because these chemicals are replaced by the drug. The body now uses the drug as a substitute for its own natural chemicals. Because of the drug abuse, the body has now been deprived of its own resources, and the ability to create them. At this point the body perceives that it needs the drug to function and demands the drug, through physical cravings. The cravings drive a person to get more drugs in order just to be able to function. Drug cravings become so severe that the addict will do almost anything (in many cases, abandoning all previous moral teachings) to get more of the drug. People who are addicted will find themselves doing things they would never have contemplated before. As the addiction progresses, getting and using the drug becomes more and more important and your ability to stop using is compromised. What begins as a voluntary choice turns into a physical and psychological need.

Common signs and symptoms of drug addiction

You've built up a drug tolerance. You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to with smaller amounts.
You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
Your life revolves around drug use. You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug's effects.
You've abandoned activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.
You continue to abuse drugs, despite knowing it's hurting you. It's causing major problems in your life.blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia.but you use anyway.
You feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences.

The physical signs of drug abuse may include slurred speech, impaired coordination, bloodshot eyes, and an overall deterioration of an individual's physical appearance, including personal grooming habits. When an individual is addicted to drugs, it is common for them to experience changes in appetite or sleep patterns.

Drug addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug g use. Drug addiction interferes with an individual's ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, or control their behavior. A person who is addicted to drugs cannot feel normal without the drugs. The good news is that drug addiction is treatable. With drug rehab and support, you can counteract the disruptive effects of addiction and regain control of your life. Are you struggling with a drug problem that has spiraled out of control? If so, you may feel isolated, helpless, or ashamed. Or perhaps you're worried about a friend or family member's drug use. In either case, you're not alone. Addiction is a problem that many people face. The good news is that you or your loved one can get better. There is hope.no matter how bad the drug addiction is. When you choose a drug treatment program with a proven track record, you will receive the support and tools that are needed to recover from drug addiction.