Overview
Drug addiction is a disease that affects your brain and thus your behavior.
It also leads to an inability to control your use of medication or drugs.
You can become addicted to illegal drugs like heroin and meth, or legal drugs like alcohol, anti-anxiety medications, or even painkillers.
Over time, you might need higher and higher doses of drugs to get the same high.
Once you become addicted to the drug, you might have difficulty avoiding it.
Attempts to stop using drugs may result in intense cravings, or withdrawal symptoms.
Symptoms and behavior when using drugs
Each patient may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms include:
Wanting to use the drug frequently
Avoiding work and social responsibilities
Being overly spontaneous
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when off the drug
Possible indications of drug addiction
Problems at work or school – quitting work or school, a drop in grades or performance, a sudden change in interest in school and work.
Physical health issues – weight loss or gain, red eyes, a lack of energy or motivation.
Changes in behavior – a drastic change in behavior or relationships with family and friends
Money issues – sudden and possibly frequent requests for money without proper reasons.
Examples of drugs or medications
Opioids
Opioids are narcotics, or painkilling drugs derived from opium or similar synthesized chemicals.
Some drugs in this class consist of heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, and oxycodone.
Inhalants
Glue, paint thinners, correction fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluids, and household aerosol products are some of the most commonly inhalant drugs.
Because of the toxicity of these substances, users may suffer from brain damage or eventually death.
Hallucinogens
The most common hallucinogens are lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and phencyclidine (PCP).
When to see a doctor
You can’t stop using drugs
Your drug use leads to unsafe behavior
You are experiencing withdrawal symptoms
Intervention and treatment
Interventions should be carefully planned, and they can be carried out by family and friends in consultation with a doctor or professional.
During the intervention, these individuals gather to have a conversation with the individual to invite them to undergo treatment.
Sources
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