Drug addiction is a complex brain disease both created by and characterized by a dependence on drugs or medications. Compulsive behavior associated with drug addiction includes uncontrollable drug use that persists even when extremely negative consequences result. It is well-known that drug addiction often causes serious, long-term mental and physical health problems as well as problems with relationships, employers and law enforcement.
Drug addicts are not able to control their drug use and will continue using a drug regardless of the damage their habit may cause. Drug addicts usually have intense cravings, and despite desires to quit, they find they cannot stop alone. Obviously not everyone who takes drugs becomes addicted, but casual drug use is often the start of drug addiction. Overcoming a drug habit can require inpatient treatment in a hospital along with counseling and support from family, friends and professionals.
Part of the disease of drug addiction is that in time the behavior of seeking and taking a drug becomes compulsive. Long term use leads to permanent effects on brain function and results in persistent addiction that is difficult to treat and may return even after prolonged periods of abstinence.
Although different drugs have different effects, most drug habits involve repeated and excessive use of substances to yield a desired effect. Illegal street drugs have a high potential for addiction and are the most commonly abused substances that result in addiction. Prescription drugs abused for pleasurable effects instead of valid medical purposes also present a huge addiction problem today.
Most addiction behavior involves constant overuse and overstimulation of certain areas of the brain. The addiction means the chemistry of the brain has changed and now requires on a constant supply of the drug. The obsessive urge to use the drug quickly becomes the most powerful force in an addict’s life, disrupting relationships, jobs and health. Sudden removal of the drug results in extremely uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and in serious cases can cause seizures or death.
Some addicts prefer stimulant drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine that produce intense feelings of energy. Others may prefer sedative/narcotic drugs like heroin, benzodiazepines (Valium) or other prescription tranquilizers that produce feelings of extreme relaxation. Prescription drugs can be just as addictive as street drugs. The abuse of prescription drugs presents unique prevention problems due to their often easy access for friends and family members.
Because drug use makes fundamental changes within the brain, a person can start the slide into drug addiction without realizing it and it may only take a few incidents of exposure to a drug to become addicted. A person’s inability to get relief from mental or physical pain, stress, loneliness and depression, can make drugs look like an attractive way to deal with the problem despite the negative consequences of addiction. Without proper treatment and support, drug addicts are in danger of losing their homes, families, jobs and even their lives.
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