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Drug Addiction: Definition With Examples and Support

This form of treatment can be done at a doctor’s office or via telehealth appointment. The discovery of the mood-altering qualities of fermented fruits and substances such as opium has led to their use and, often, acceptance into society. Just as alcohol has a recognized social place in the West, so many other psychotropics have been accepted in different societies. Medical detoxification helps you safely clear the drug from your system while managing withdrawal symptoms under supervision. Physical dependence often contributes to the cycle of addiction, as a person may continue using a drug simply to avoid the pain of withdrawal. The severity of the SUD is determined by how many criteria a person meets.

Substance Use Disorders

what is drug addiction

Like treatment for other chronic diseases such as heart disease or asthma, addiction treatment is not a cure, but a way of managing the condition. Treatment enables people to counteract addiction’s disruptive effects on their brain and behavior and regain control of their lives. Environment and culture also play a role in how a person responds to a substance or behavior. A lack or disruption in what is drug addiction a person’s social support system can lead to substance or behavioral addiction.

Stop Overdose

As your drug use increases, you may find that it’s increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill. Medications can help modify your brain chemistry to help treat certain SUDs. It’s common to have more than one SUD at a time, like alcohol use disorder and tobacco use disorder.

Please note, this is only a quote of benefits and/or authorization. We cannot guarantee payment or verification eligibility as conveyed by your health insurance provider will be accurate and complete. Payment of benefits are subject to all terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the member’s contract at time of service. Withdrawal symptoms include muscle pain, nausea, and mood swings lasting a week or more.

What are the signs of a substance use disorder?

what is drug addiction

Drugs known to produce physical dependence are the opiates (i.e., opium and its derivatives) and central-nervous-system depressants such as barbiturates and alcohol. Psychological dependence is indicated when the user relies on a drug to produce a feeling of well-being. This type of dependence varies widely with both substance and user. In its most intense form the user becomes obsessed with the drug and focuses virtually all his interest and activity on obtaining and using it. Typical drug addiction treatment combines medical monitoring with behavioral therapies in either an inpatient Halfway house rehab or outpatient setting.

Additionally, neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home signals a growing dependence on drugs. Addressing these early signs is essential, as early intervention significantly improves the chances of recovery and prevents the situation from escalating. The effects of drug addiction include impact on physical health, mental well-being, finances, relationships, and legal standing. Polysubstance addiction is the dependency on more than one substance simultaneously, involving a combination of drugs like alcohol, opioids, and stimulants.

  • We are available day and night to provide confidential support and answer all inquiries.
  • Inpatient rehabilitation at a full-time facility provides a supportive environment to help people recover without distractions or temptations.
  • The CRAFFT (Car-Relax-Alone-Forget-Family and Friends-Trouble) is a screening tool that is used in medical centers.
  • SUD affects a person’s mental and physical health in profound ways.

In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms happen when you suddenly stop a substance. Tolerance happens when a dose of a substance does not work well enough over time. Addiction is a disease that affects your brain, body, and behavior.

  • Misuse refers to the misuse of a substance at high doses or in inappropriate situations that could lead to health and social problems.
  • Drug addiction is a brain disease that falls into the category of substance use disorders.
  • The prevalence of addiction costs the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars every year.
  • That’s because the brain is still developing and more exposed to change.
  • About 18.3 million persons (6.8%) aged 12 or older have used ecstasy in their lifetime, according to a report by the Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality (CBHSQ) in 2016.

What Are the Effective Treatment Options for Drug Addiction? Medical and Behavioral Approaches

By understanding the nature of substance use disorder, recognizing signs, addressing root causes, and engaging in integrated treatment, individuals and families can reclaim health and hope. For a structured, supportive environment tailored to both addiction and mental health needs, consider exploring Beachview Recovery’s programs today. This standardized definition guides diagnosis and treatment planning by mental health professionals. For instance, meeting criteria for tolerance and continued use despite harm confirms a moderate to severe substance use disorder. Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs.

Socially, addiction damages relationships, leading to isolation, legal troubles, and financial difficulties. These effects not only harm the individual but also their loved ones and community, underscoring the need for comprehensive care and support. A number of different prevention approaches are effective in decreasing the risk of drug abuse and addiction disorders.

Substances or behaviors that can trigger addiction

Genetics also increase the likelihood of an addiction by about 50 percent, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine. Outpatient counseling can help people understand addiction, their triggers, and their reasons for using drugs. This form of treatment can be done at a doctor’s office or via telehealth appointment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy seeks to help patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they’re most likely to use drugs. Both disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of an organ in the body, both have serious harmful effects, and both are, in many cases, preventable and treatable.

Methadone causes both physical and psychological addiction, with withdrawal symptoms including nausea, sweating, and cravings that last from a week to several months. Methadone is legally prescribed in the U.S. for opioid dependency treatment. A study by Hudgins et al., published in November 2019 in PLoS Medicine, found that 7.8% of young adults (18–25 years) and 3.8% of adolescents (12–17 years) misused opioids, including methadone.

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