Drug addiction is a complex illness
The path to drug addiction begins with the act of taking drugs. Over time, a person's ability to choose not to take drugs is compromised. This, in large part, is a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning, and thus on behavior.
Addiction, therefore, is characterized by compulsive, drug craving, seeking and use that persist even in the face of negative consequences.
How can we tell if someone is abusing or addicted to drugs?
At least three of the following are necessary; some of the symptoms of the disturbance must have persisted for at least one month or have occurred repeatedly over a longer period of time:
- Substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than intended.
- Persistent desire or one or more unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to get the substance (e.g., theft), taking the substance (e.g., chain smoking) or recovering from its effects.
- Important social, occupational or recreational activities given up or reduced because of substance abuse.
- Continued substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, psychological or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by use of the substance.
- Marked tolerance: need for markedly increased amounts of the substance (greater than 500 percent increase) in order to achieve intoxication or desired effect or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.
Characteristic withdrawal symptoms
Substance often taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
Frequent episodes of intoxication or withdrawal symptoms happen at inappropriate times (e.g., when one is expected to fulfill major role obligations), or when use is physically hazardous.
Types of addictive drugs