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This material is for information and support; not a substitute for professional advice. Drug Abuse and Addiction ========================
Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drug Problems and Substance Abuse --------------------------------------------------------------- Drug Abuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, Effects and Testing
Are you struggling with a drug problem that’s spiraled out of control? If so, you may feel isolated, helpless, and 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 substance abuse problem and no matter how powerless you feel. Learning about the nature of addiction—how it develops, what it looks like, and why it has such a powerful hold—will give you a better understanding of the problem and how to deal with it.
In This Article: Understanding addiction
Effects of drug abuse and addiction Signs and symptoms
Warning signs in others Drug addiction and denial
Getting help for drug abuse and addiction When a loved one has a drug problem
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Normal Text SizeLarger Text SizeLargest Text SizeText Size Understanding drug addiction ----------------------------
Other common addictions: Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse
Smoking Gambling Addiction
Internet Addiction Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences. This self-destructive behavior can be hard to understand. Why continue doing something that’s hurting you? Why is it so hard to stop?
The answer lies in the brain. Repeated drug use alters the brain—causing long-lasting changes to the way it looks and functions. These brain changes interfere with your ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and feel normal without drugs. These changes are also responsible, in large part, for the drug cravings and compulsion to use that make addiction so powerful. How addiction develops
The path to drug addiction 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. At first, the substance seems to solve the problem or make life better, so you use the drug more and more. But 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. The good news is that drug addiction is treatable. With treatment and support, you can counteract the disruptive effects of addiction and regain control of your life.
- Myths about Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse
MYTH 1: Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You can stop using drugs if you really want to. Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will. MYTH 2: Addiction is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it. Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease, but that doesn’t mean you’re a helpless victim. The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments.
MYTH 3: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better. Recovery can begin at any point in the addiction process—and the earlier, the better. The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to treat. Don’t wait to intervene until the addict has lost it all. MYTH 4: You can’t force someone into treatment. They have to want help. Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful. People who are pressured into treatment by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own. As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly resistant addicts decide they want to change.
MYTH 5: Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point trying again. Some cases are hopeless. Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has failed or that you’re a lost cause. Rather, it’s a signal to get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment approach. The far-reaching effects of drug abuse and drug addiction ---------------------------------------------------------
While each drug of abuse produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common. They hijack the brain’s normal “reward” pathways and alter the areas of the brain responsible for self-control, judgment, emotional regulation, motivation, memory, and learning. Whether you’re addicted to nicotine, alcohol, heroin, Xanax, speed, or Vicodin, the effect on the brain is the same: an uncontrollable craving to use that is more important than anything else, including family, friends, career, and even your own health and happiness.
Using drugs as an escape: A short-term fix with long-term consequences Using drugs as an escape: A short-term fix with long-term consequencesMany people use drugs in order to escape physical and emotional discomfort. Maybe you started drinking to numb feelings of depression, smoking pot to deal with stress at home or school, relying on cocaine to boost your energy and confidence, using sleeping pills to cope with panic attacks, or taking prescription painkillers to relieve chronic back pain.
But while drugs might make you feel better in the short-term, attempts to self-medicate ultimately backfire. Instead of treating the underlying problem, drug use simply masks the symptoms. Take the drug away and the problem is still there, whether it be low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, or an unhappy family life. Furthermore, prolonged drug use eventually brings its own host of problems, including major disruptions to normal, daily functioning. Unfortunately, the psychological, physical, and social consequences of drug abuse and addiction become worse than the original problem you were trying to cope with or avoid. Why do some drug users become addicted, while others don’t?
As with many other conditions and diseases, vulnerability to addiction differs from person to person. Your genes, age when you started taking drugs, and family and social environment all play a role in addiction. Risk factors that increase your vulnerability include: Family history of addiction
Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in childhood Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
Early use of drugs Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and drug addiction ---------------------------------------------------
Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are the same no matter the substance. The more drugs begin to affect and control your life, the more likely it is that you’ve crossed the line from drug use to abuse and drug addiction. Unfortunately, when you’re in the middle of it, you may be in denial about the magnitude of the problem or the negative impact it's had on your life. See if you recognize yourself in the following signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction. If so, consider talking to someone about your drug use. You’re on a dangerous road, and the sooner you get help, the better. Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse
You’re neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of your drug use. You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.
Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit. Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.
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. You’ve lost control over your drug use. You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.
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 use 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. What drugs are most commonly abused and what are the signs and symptoms?
Almost all drugs have the potential for addiction and abuse, from caffeine to prescription medication. However, the majority of non-alcohol related addictions are due to a short list of drugs including sleeping pills, painkillers, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and heroin. Click here for a PDF factsheet on the symptoms and effects of commonly abused drugs.
Warning signs that a friend or family member is abusing drugs ------------------------------------------------------------- Drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. If you’re worried that a friend or family member might be abusing drugs, look for the following warning signs:
Physical warning signs of drug abuse Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain. Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing. Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.
Behavioral signs of drug abuse Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it. Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies. Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).
Psychological warning signs of drug abuse Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts. Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.
Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.” Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.
Warning Signs of Teen Drug Use There are many warning signs of drug use and abuse in teenagers. The challenge for parents is to distinguish between the normal, sometimes volatile, ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance abuse.
Being secretive about friends, possessions, and activities. New interest in clothing, music, and other items that highlight drug use.
Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around. Skipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school.
Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions. Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, or depressed.
Using incense, perfume, or air freshener to hide the smell of smoke or drugs. Using eyedrops to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.
Drug addiction and denial ------------------------- Drug addiction and denialOne of the most dangerous effects of drug abuse and addiction is denial. The urge to use is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize the addiction. You may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs you’re taking, how much it impacts your life, and the level of control you have over your drug use.
Denial is an unconscious defense mechanism. Minimizing and rationalizing the addiction is less scary than admitting that your drug use is dangerously out of control. But the cost of denial can be extremely high—including the loss of important relationships, your job, financial security, and your physical and mental health. Do you have a substance abuse problem?
Do you feel like you can’t stop, even if you wanted to? Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?
Do you need to use drugs to relax or feel better? Do your friends or family members complain or worry about your drug use?
Do you hide or lie about your drug use? Have you ever done anything illegal in order to obtain drugs?
Do you spend money on drugs that you really can’t afford? Do you ever use more than one recreational drug at a time?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of the questions, you may have a drug problem. Getting help for drug abuse and drug addiction ----------------------------------------------
Finding help and support for drug addiction Visit Narcotics Anonymous to find a meeting in your area.
Call 1-800-662-HELP to reach a free referral helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. If you’re ready to admit you have a drug problem, congratulations! Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step on the road to recovery, one that takes tremendous courage and strength.
Facing your addiction without minimizing the problem or making excuses can feel frightening and overwhelming, but recovery is within reach. If you’re ready to make a change and willing to seek help, you can overcome your addiction and build a satisfying, drug-free life for yourself. Support is essential to addiction recovery
Don’t try to go it alone; it’s all too easy to get discouraged and rationalize “just one more” hit or pill. Whether you choose to go to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. Recovering from drug addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance. Support can come from:
family members close friends
therapists or counselors other recovering addicts
healthcare providers people from your faith community
Recovering from drug addiction Addiction is a complex problem that affects every aspect of your life. Overcoming it requires making major changes to the way you live, deal with problems, and relate to others. It’s not just a matter of willpower or simply wanting to quit. Getting off drugs for good is difficult without treatment and ongoing support. The good news is that there are many tools that can help you on your journey to sobriety.
Read: Overcoming Drug Addiction: Drug Abuse Treatment, Recovery, and Help When a loved one has a drug problem -----------------------------------
If you suspect that a friend or family member has a drug problem, here are a few things you can do: Speak up. Talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support. The earlier addiction is treated, the better. Don’t wait for your loved one to hit bottom! Be prepared for excuses and denial with specific examples of behavior that has you worried.
Take care of yourself. Don’t get so caught up in someone else’s drug problem that you neglect your own needs. Make sure you have people you can talk to and lean on for support. And stay safe. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. Don’t cover for the drug user. Don’t make excuses or try to hide the problem. It’s natural to want to help a loved one in need, but protecting them from the negative consequences of their choices may keep them from getting the help they need.
Avoid self-blame. You can support a person with a substance abuse problem and encourage treatment, but you can’t force an addict to change. You can’t control your loved one’s decisions. Let the person accept responsibility for his or her actions, an essential step along the way to recovery for drug addiction. Related articles ----------------
Overcoming Drug AddictionOvercoming Drug Addiction Drug Abuse Treatment, Recovery, and Help Alcohol Treatment, Rehab, and DetoxAlcohol Treatment, Rehab, and Detox How to Stop Drinking and Start Recovery
More Helpguide Articles: Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse: Signs, Symptoms, and Help for Drinking Problems
Understanding Depression: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Help Anxiety Attacks and Disorders: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
Feeling Suicidal? Coping with Suicidal Thoughts and Getting Help Related links for drug abuse and drug addiction -----------------------------------------------
Understanding drug addiction and its effects 13 Myths About Drug Abuse and Treatment – Article sets the record straight on thirteen commonly believed myths about drug abuse and addiction. (The Partnership for a Drug-Free America)
Addiction and the Brain's Pleasure Pathway: Beyond Willpower – Describes how the brain becomes addicted and why relapse is so common. (HBO.com) Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction (PDF) – Booklet on drug addiction, including its effects on the brain and new approaches to preventing and treating the disease. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and drug addiction Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use – Covers physical and behavior signs and symptoms of drug use, as well as drug specific symptoms. (American Council for Drug Education)
Substance Abuse Symptoms Checklist – Checklist of substance abuse and drug addiction warning signs. Also see signs and symptoms in teens. (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the San Fernando Valley) Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use – Includes general signs and symptoms of drug use, as well as links to more detailed, drug-specific information. (Narconon International)
Common drugs of abuse StreetTalk Pamphlets – Series of straight-talking pamphlets on the ever-changing world of street drugs. Includes articles on crystal meth, ecstasy, heroin, and club drugs, among others. (Do It Now Foundation)
Prescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction (PDF) – Government guide to the growing problem of nonmedical use or abuse of prescription drugs. (National Institute on Drug Abuse) Drug abuse and drug addiction in teens and young adults
TeensHealth: Drugs and Alcohol – Straightforward talk on drug and alcohol abuse in a question and answer format, written for teens. (Nemours Foundation) Is Your Teen Using? Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use – Guide for parents on spotting the warning signs and symptoms of drug use in teens. (The Partnership for a Drug-Free America)
Melinda Smith, M.A., and Joanna Saisan, MSW, contributed to this article. Last reviewed: February 2010.
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