What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized
by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking,
and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative
consequences.
Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result
of the effects of prolonged drug abuse on brain functioning
and on behavior. For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic,
with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence. How Do I Recognize Drug Abuse?
If a person is compulsively seeking and using a drug despite
negative consequences, such as loss of job, debt, physical or
mental problems brought on by drug abuse, or family problems,
then he or she is probably addicted. We don't have a perfect
screening tool quite yet, but health care professionals who
screen for drug use often ask questions like these to detect
substance abuse in their adolescent patients:
- Have you ever ridden in a car driven by someone (including yourself) who had been using alcohol or drugs?
- Do you ever use alcohol or drugs to relax, feel better about yourself, or fit in?
- Do you ever use alcohol or drugs when you are alone?
- Do you ever forget things you did while using alcohol or drugs?
- Do your family or friends ever tell you to cut down on your drinking or drug use?
- Have you ever gotten into trouble while you were using alcohol or drugs?
What Are the Physical Signs of Drug Abuse
or Addiction?
The physical signs of drug abuse or addiction
can vary depending on the person and the drug being abused.
In addition, each drug has short-term and long-term physical
effects. For example, someone who abuses marijuana may have
a chronic cough or worsening of asthmatic conditions. Stimulants
like cocaine increase heart rate and blood pressure, whereas
opioids like heroin may slow the heart rate and reduce respiration.
Contact us for information on drug abuse and rehab treatment!
|
