Physical & Emotional Addiction of Drug Abuse

If you or someone you love has a problem with drug abuse or addiction, you know it isn't an easy problem to solve. Drug dependence and addiction can be fatal. It is important to understand what drug abuse is, when it becomes addiction, and what to do if you believe you or someone you know is addicted.

Definition

• Drug abuse is in it's most basic form the misuse of any mind-altering substance. This includes prescription or over-the-counter medications, alcohol, illegal drugs, or other chemicals used to get "high." Drug addiction is that point when a person moves past abuse and becomes mentally or physically dependent on the substance. Addiction is a mental and physical disease that requires medical treatment.

Causes

• The most common causes that lead to drug abuse or addiction are trauma, physical or emotional pain, personal environment and---according to some, genetics.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of a drug abuse or addiction problem might be subtle at first, but the earlier they are detected, the better a person's chance at overcoming the problem. Some of the most common symptoms are depression, feeling the need to use the substance every day, physically needing more of a substance to reach the same "high," acting out of character, becoming obsessive about getting the drug, mood swings, or a sudden lack of interest in other areas of life.

Misconceptions

• There are misconceptions about drug abuse or addiction. The most common is that people believe the addicted individual has control over their disease. When a person becomes emotionally or physically dependent on a substance, however, he is unable to stop using the substance. Other misconceptions include the belief that addicts are lazy, stupid or worthless. People who abuse substances may lead seemingly normal lives.

Treatment

• Treating a drug abuse or addiction problem should begin by seeing a doctor or licensed mental health professional in order to be properly diagnosed and for assistance in detoxing from the drug safely. Once a diagnosis is made, continued treatment is required, most often in the form of medications, therapy and additional medical attention.

Warning

• A person addicted to a substance may be experiencing an underlying condition, such as depression, mental illness, post traumatic stress or other issues. Full disclosure of such experiences to the treating physician or mental health care professional may be essential to proper diagnosis and care.