Drug addiction is something that most people hardly think about until they are either affected or someone close to them is. It is a rarely spoken about topic and some communities view it as a taboo.
The biggest challenge is that drug addiction is a problem that can affect anyone. Therefore, it’s important to know more about it.
When you are well-informed, you will not only be able to protect yourself and your loved ones but you will also know how an addicted person can be assisted.
What is drug addiction?
Drug addiction is also known as substance use disorder. The affected person is unable to control the use of both legal and illegal drugs. That’s because the drug affects a person’s brain and behaviour.
There are so many drugs which can lead to drug addiction. Some include nicotine, marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, bhang etc.
Also, long use of certain medication can lead to addiction whereby a person is unable to lead a normal life without using them.
When one is addicted to drugs, it becomes extremely hard to discontinue using the drugs because the willingness to stop is not enough.
In fact, when one reaches to that level, attempts to stop may lead to intense cravings referred to as withdrawal symptoms and one may feel terribly ill.
That’s why addicted people continue to use the drugs despite the harm they are causing to their bodies.
There are so many ways you can get hooked up to drug addiction. Some begin with experimental use at social activities. The usage becomes more frequent and within no time they become addicted.
To others, addiction can result from exposure to prescribed medications or receiving medication from other people who have been prescribed the medication.
Symptoms of drug addiction
Drug addiction can present it in different behaviours. Here are some of the signs.
Inability to stop usage
If you have been using a certain drug and now you feel it is time to stop but the body keeps wanting more, you could be addicted to the drug.
In other words, if you are dependent on drugs such as cocaine to feel normal and when you try to stop you experience withdrawal symptoms, then you are already addicted to that drug.
Continuous usage despite the health risk
If you already know what you are using is affecting your health but can’t just stop, it’s because you are addicted to whatever you are using.
For instance, a smoker may be unable to discontinue smoking even after being diagnosed with heart or lung disease…
Continue reading the article and learn more about drug addiction on Mike Myers’ blog.