Drug Addiction (Substance Use Disorder)

Substance use disorder, or addiction, is a serious illness that affects how your brain and body work. It makes it hard to stop using a drug or medicine, whether it's legal or illegal. This includes substances like alcohol, marijuana, nicotine, and even some prescription medications. Someone with addiction might keep using a substance even when it's hurting them.

Addiction can begin in different ways. Sometimes, it starts with trying a drug for fun in social situations. Over time, that use can become more frequent. For other people, especially those using opioids, addiction can begin with taking prescription pain medications, or getting them from someone else.

Different drugs have different risks for addiction. Some drugs, like opioid painkillers, make it easier and faster to become addicted than others.

As addiction progresses, a person might need more and more of the drug to feel the same effects. Eventually, they might need the drug just to feel normal. Stopping use can be very difficult, leading to intense cravings and physical discomfort, called withdrawal symptoms.

Getting help is key to overcoming addiction. Talking to your doctor, seeking support from family, friends, or support groups, or joining a treatment program can all help you get better and stay healthy.

Recognizing Drug Use: Signs and Symptoms

Drug use can have serious consequences for a person's physical and mental health, and relationships. It's important to recognize the signs of drug use, both in ourselves and others. This article provides a guide to common symptoms and behaviors associated with various types of drug use.

General Signs of Drug Addiction

Recognizing addiction often involves noticing a pattern of behaviors, rather than a single event. These behaviors often indicate a struggle with drug use:

• Increased frequency of use: Using the drug regularly, perhaps daily or multiple times a day.
• Overpowering cravings: Intense urges to use the drug that take over other thoughts and feelings.
• Needing more for the same effect: Gradually needing larger amounts of the drug to achieve the desired effect.
• Using more than intended: Using the drug in larger quantities or for longer periods than originally planned.
• Maintaining a supply: Making sure you always have the drug available.
• Financial problems: Spending money on drugs, even when it's difficult to afford them.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or other obligations due to drug use. This might also include reduced participation in social and recreational activities.
• Continuing despite problems: Continuing to use the drug, even when it's causing problems in your life, such as physical or emotional harm.
• Engaging in risky behaviors: Doing things you wouldn't normally do to get the drug, like stealing. This could also include driving or engaging in other dangerous activities while under the influence.
• Significant time spent on drug use: Spending a considerable amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug.
• Unsuccessful attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying to stop using the drug but failing.
• Withdrawal symptoms: Experiencing physical or emotional symptoms when trying to stop using the drug.

Recognizing Drug Use in Teenagers and Others

It can be difficult to distinguish typical teenage behaviors, like mood swings or anxiety, from signs of drug use. Pay attention to these possible warning signs:

• Problems at school or work: Frequent absences, loss of interest, or a drop in grades or performance.
• Changes in physical health: Loss or gain of weight, lack of energy, changes in appetite, or noticeable physical symptoms such as red eyes.
• Changes in appearance: Less interest in personal hygiene, clothing, or overall appearance.
• Changes in behavior: Secrecy about their activities, unwillingness to let family members into their room, or a major shift in their behavior and relationships with family and friends.
• Financial issues: Sudden requests for money without explanation, missing money or items from the home, or unusual purchases.

Different Types of Drugs and Their Effects

The specific signs and symptoms of drug use can vary depending on the type of drug. Here are some examples:

• Cannabis (Marijuana): Often used as a gateway drug. Short-term effects include feeling "high," altered senses, red eyes, dry mouth, and decreased coordination. Long-term use can lead to decreased mental function, poor school or work performance, and potential respiratory problems.

• Synthetic Drugs (K2, Spice, Bath Salts): These are illegal and often contain unknown chemicals, making their effects unpredictable and dangerous. Symptoms can include euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, and violent behavior.

• Depressants (Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Hypnotics): These drugs slow down the central nervous system. Signs include drowsiness, slurred speech, lack of coordination, mood changes, and memory problems.

• Stimulants (Amphetamines, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Ritalin, Adderall): These drugs increase alertness and energy. Signs include euphoria, increased energy, restlessness, changes in behavior, rapid speech, dilated pupils, and potential for severe health problems and addiction.

• Club Drugs (MDMA, GHB, Ketamine, Rohypnol): These drugs are often used at social gatherings. GHB and Rohypnol can cause sedation, confusion, and memory loss, increasing the risk of sexual assault. Symptoms include hallucinations, paranoia, dilated pupils, tremors, and changes in behavior.

• Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP): These drugs distort perception and reality. Symptoms can include hallucinations, distorted senses, impulsive behavior, mood swings, and potential for long-term mental health issues.

• Inhalants (Glue, Paint Thinners, Aerosols): These substances are incredibly dangerous and can lead to brain damage or even death. Signs include altered behavior, drunkenness, aggression, dizziness, and a strong odor.

• Opioids (Heroin, Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, Fentanyl): These drugs are highly addictive painkillers. Symptoms include feeling "high", reduced pain, drowsiness, slurred speech, and problems with attention and memory.

Important Note: This list is not exhaustive and there may be other signs or symptoms not mentioned here. If you are concerned about someone's drug use, seek professional help. There are resources available to provide support and guidance.

If you're struggling with drug use that's getting out of hand or causing problems in your life, please get help. Early intervention significantly increases your chances of long-term recovery. Talk to your doctor, a mental health professional specializing in addiction (like an addiction psychiatrist or doctor), or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

You should schedule an appointment if:

• You can't stop using drugs: This means you're having trouble controlling your drug use, even when you want to.
• You continue using drugs despite the harm they cause: This might involve problems at work, in relationships, or with your health.
• Your drug use has led to risky behavior: This includes unsafe practices like sharing needles or having unprotected sex.
• You think you might be experiencing withdrawal symptoms: Withdrawal can be a sign of a serious problem and needs professional attention.

If you or someone you know has used drugs and are showing any of these signs, seek immediate emergency help:

• Possible overdose: Signs of an overdose can include changes in breathing, loss of consciousness, seizures, or other unusual physical or mental changes.
• Changes in consciousness: This includes anything from confusion to loss of awareness.
• Trouble breathing: Difficulty breathing is a very serious symptom.
• Seizures or convulsions: These are very serious and require immediate medical attention.
• Any unusual or disturbing physical or mental reactions: This includes any reaction that worries you or someone else.

Many people struggling with addiction have a hard time admitting they need help. Sometimes, a carefully planned intervention can be very helpful. An intervention is a structured conversation designed to encourage someone to seek or accept treatment. It's a process that brings together loved ones – family, friends, and sometimes co-workers, clergy, or others who care about the person – to directly talk to the person about the negative consequences of their addiction and encourage them to get help.

Interventions are best when they're planned and carried out by family and friends in consultation with a healthcare provider or mental health professional, like an addiction counselor. This professional can help everyone involved understand how to approach the situation effectively and support the individual seeking treatment. The goal is a supportive discussion, not an argument. The conversation should focus on the person's well-being and the desire for them to get better.

Drug addiction, like many mental health problems, isn't caused by one thing. Several factors can contribute. Here are some key ones:

• Your surroundings (environment): How your family thinks and feels about drugs, and the influence of friends who use drugs, can significantly affect whether you start using them in the first place. For example, if your friends constantly use drugs and encourage it, you might be more likely to try them. A supportive family who discourages drug use can have a positive impact.

• Your genes: Once you've started using drugs, your genes—traits passed down from your parents—might play a role in how quickly or slowly you develop a problem with them. Some people might be more or less likely to become addicted based on their genetic makeup.

Drug use can change how your brain experiences pleasure. Repeated use of a drug changes the way some brain cells (neurons) work. These brain cells communicate using chemicals called neurotransmitters. This process leads to changes in the brain that can last long after you stop using the drug. These changes are the physical part of addiction.

Addiction can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or how much money they have. Several things can make it more likely for someone to become addicted, or make it happen faster.

• Family history: If your family has a history of drug or alcohol addiction, you might be more likely to become addicted yourself. This is often because shared genes can play a role. Having a parent, sibling, or other close relative with addiction increases your risk.

• Family relationships: Difficult family situations, such as a lack of close relationships with family members or insufficient parental supervision, can also increase the risk of addiction. Feeling unsupported and lacking strong family bonds can make it harder to avoid harmful choices.

• Starting young: Using drugs when you're young can change how your brain develops, making it more likely that you'll become addicted later. Your brain is still growing and developing during adolescence, and drug use can disrupt this process.

• The type of drug: Some drugs are more addictive than others. Stimulants like cocaine, opioid painkillers, and certain other strong drugs can lead to addiction more quickly than other substances. The way a drug is taken (smoked or injected, for example) can also increase the risk of addiction. Even drugs often considered "less addictive" can still be a gateway to problems with drug use and addiction.

Drug use can have serious short- and long-term consequences. Certain drugs are especially dangerous, particularly when taken in high doses or combined with other substances like alcohol.

Specific Examples of Dangerous Drugs:

• Methamphetamine, Opiates, and Cocaine: These drugs are highly addictive and can lead to a range of serious health problems. Short-term effects include erratic behavior, seizures, and even death from an overdose. Opiates are particularly dangerous because they affect the part of the brain that controls breathing. Combining them with alcohol significantly increases the risk of overdose death.

• GHB and Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol): These drugs are sometimes called "date rape drugs" because they can cause sedation, confusion, and memory loss. This can impair a person's ability to resist unwanted contact or remember what happened. High doses can lead to seizures, a coma, or death. Mixing them with alcohol dramatically increases the danger.

• MDMA (Molly, Ecstasy): MDMA can disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature. A dangerously high body temperature can damage the liver, kidneys, or heart, and can be fatal. Severe dehydration is also a risk, potentially leading to seizures. Long-term use can harm the brain.

• Club Drugs: A significant danger with many club drugs is that street-bought versions often contain unknown substances, including other illegal drugs or prescription medications, which can be extremely harmful.

How Drug Addiction Creates Further Problems:

Drug addiction can lead to a cascade of dangerous complications:

• Infectious Diseases: People addicted to drugs are more likely to contract infectious diseases, such as HIV, due to unsafe sexual practices or sharing needles.

• Other Health Problems: Drug use can lead to a wide range of short- and long-term physical and mental health issues. The specific problems depend on the type of drug used.

• Accidents: Drug users are more prone to accidents, including car crashes, when they are under the influence.

• Suicide: Sadly, drug addiction is linked to a higher risk of suicide attempts.

• Family Problems: Drug addiction can severely strain relationships with family and friends. Changes in behavior often lead to conflict, and in some cases, legal battles over child custody.

• Work and School Issues: Addiction can negatively impact work performance, leading to absenteeism and job loss. Similarly, drug use can hurt academic performance and motivation in school.

• Legal Issues: Drug users face a higher risk of legal trouble, from possession of illegal substances to theft to driving under the influence, and sometimes even legal battles related to child custody.

It's crucial to remember that these risks are significant and can have devastating consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, help is available. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a professional.

Preventing drug addiction starts with avoiding drugs altogether. If a doctor does prescribe a potentially addictive medication, it's crucial to use the medicine carefully and exactly as directed. Doctors should prescribe these medicines at safe levels and for a limited time, closely monitoring their use. If you feel you need more than the prescribed amount, talk to your doctor immediately.

To help prevent drug use in your children, open communication is key. Talk to them about the dangers of drug use and misuse. It's also vital to set a good example. Children whose parents misuse drugs are more likely to develop drug problems themselves. Building a strong and supportive relationship with your child is essential. A close bond can significantly lower their risk of drug use.

If you've already struggled with drug addiction, you're at higher risk of relapsing. Even after treatment and a period of sobriety, you might lose control again if you start using the drug.

To stay free from drugs, it's important to stick to your treatment plan. Pay attention to cravings, and remember that recovery is an ongoing process. Don't assume you're cured and don't need ongoing support. Regular therapy sessions, support group meetings, and any prescribed medication are crucial for maintaining sobriety.

Avoiding places and people associated with past drug use is also important. Stay away from old hangouts and friends who might encourage drug use.

Crucially, if you relapse and start using drugs again, get help right away. Contact your doctor, therapist, or any other trusted professional for immediate support and guidance.

Many mental health professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), to identify substance use disorders. This manual, published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides a set of guidelines for recognizing these problems. Essentially, the DSM-5 lists specific criteria that help professionals determine if someone has a substance use disorder.

Dealing with Drug Addiction: A Guide to Treatment and Recovery

There's no magic cure for drug addiction, but effective treatments can help you overcome it and stay clean. The best treatment plan depends on the drug you're addicted to, and any mental or physical health issues you might have. Crucially, ongoing support is vital to prevent relapses.

Treatment programs typically include:

• Therapy: Individual, group, or family therapy sessions help you understand addiction, how to stay drug-free, and what to do if you experience a setback.
• Different Levels of Care: Treatment can happen in various settings, such as outpatient programs (where you attend sessions but live at home), residential programs (where you live at the treatment center), or inpatient programs (where you stay at the facility full-time). The right level depends on your individual needs.
• Detoxification (Detox): Detox, or withdrawal therapy, helps you safely stop using the drug. Some people can safely detox at home, while others need a hospital or residential treatment center. This is often a crucial first step, but it's important to remember that detox alone isn't a complete solution.

Overcoming Overdoses:

In cases of opioid overdose, a life-saving medication called naloxone (often called Narcan) can be administered by emergency responders or even by someone witnessing the overdose. Naloxone temporarily reverses the effects of opioid drugs. While naloxone has been around for a while, nasal spray and injectable forms are now available. However, these can be costly. After using naloxone, seek immediate medical attention.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):

Your doctor may recommend medication as part of your opioid addiction treatment. These medications don't cure addiction but can significantly help recovery. They can reduce cravings and lower the risk of relapse. Examples include buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and combinations like buprenorphine and naloxone.

Therapy and Counseling:

Psychotherapy, a type of talk therapy, can be provided by psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed alcohol and drug counselors. This therapy can:

• Help you manage cravings: Learning healthy coping strategies for cravings is crucial.
• Develop relapse prevention plans: Creating a plan to avoid relapses is a key part of recovery.
• Address other issues: Therapy can help you deal with issues like job problems, legal troubles, and relationship difficulties with family and friends.
• Support family members: Therapy can help family members communicate better and provide supportive environments.
• Tackle underlying mental health issues: Addiction often co-exists with other mental health conditions. Therapy can address these conditions alongside addiction treatment.

Self-Help Support Groups:

Many support groups, like Narcotics Anonymous, use the 12-step model, originally developed by Alcoholics Anonymous. These groups offer a sense of community and shared experience, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and shame often associated with addiction. They emphasize that addiction is a chronic disease, and relapses are possible. Your therapist or counselor can help connect you to local or online support groups.

Ongoing Support and Prevention:

Even after completing initial treatment, continued support is vital. This could include regular check-ins with your counselor, ongoing participation in self-help groups, or attending support group meetings. If you relapse, seek help immediately.

Taking Action Towards Recovery:

Recovery is a journey, not a destination. To effectively manage your addiction, consider these steps:

• Seek Professional Help: Licensed therapists and counselors can address the underlying issues contributing to your addiction, such as mental health concerns or relationship problems. They can also help you develop coping mechanisms and support networks.
• Join a Support Group: Support groups like Narcotics Anonymous offer a network of understanding individuals who can provide valuable encouragement and a sense of community. Sharing experiences and building connections is often a powerful tool in overcoming addiction.

Recovery is a sustained effort. Learning new coping skills and having access to support are essential components of a successful journey to sobriety.