Drug addiction is an issue that affects millions of people every year. It can be difficult to know if someone you know has a drug addiction because there are many symptoms and signs of substance abuse. This blog post will provide information on what symptoms and signs to look for, as well as the effects of drug addiction on brain function and why this matters when it comes to treating the disease.
What is Drug Addiction?
The effects of drug addiction on brain function can be dangerous. Substance abuse of drugs can cause changes in the way the brain functions, which can lead to mood swings and problems with thinking and judgment. These changes can also make it difficult for someone with a drug addiction to stop using drugs, even if they want to.
When it comes to treating drug addiction, it is important to remember that the disease affects the whole person. This means that treatment should address all aspects of the person’s life, including their physical health, mental health, and social support system. Treatment options include medication-assisted treatment as well as behavioral therapies. Behavioral therapies are designed to help people change their thoughts and behaviors related to drug use.
What is Drug Addiction Treatment?
There are many different types of drug addiction treatment available. Treatment options include medication-assisted treatment as well as behavioral therapies. Behavioral therapies are designed to help people change their thoughts and behaviors related to drug use. Some common behavioral therapies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and family-based treatment.
What Are Signs of a Drug Addiction?
There are many symptoms and signs that can indicate a person is struggling with drug addiction.
- Physical: Shaking, sweating, vomiting, breathing issues (e.g., shallow or slowed), clammy skin, fever/sweating at night
- Behavioral: Irritability when not taking drugs or after relapse. Spending more time getting and using the drug than in other activities like work or school. Neglecting responsibilities such as family obligations and childcare to use drugs. An increased tolerance for the drug over time which means they need higher doses to get high; increased amounts of drug use over time. Increased risk-taking behaviors, including trying to get drugs in dangerous situations or taking drugs while alone
- Psychological: cravings for the drug; hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real) when coming down from a high; decreased motivation and interest in activities like work, school, family/friends.
Drug addiction can also lead to problems with thinking and judgment which may cause someone struggling with addiction to act impulsively without considering the consequences of their actions. This can put them at an increased risk for engaging in risky behavior such as unsafe sex or sharing needles when injecting drugs.
What Are The Complications That Come With It?
Drug addiction can also lead to a number of complications. These include:
- Relationship problems: substance abuse can cause people to behave in ways that are harmful to their relationships with others. This may be because they are spending more time getting and using drugs than they are spending with friends and family. Drug use can also lead to financial problems.
- Legal problems: It can lead to legal problems such as arrests for drug-related offenses or being caught driving under the influence of drugs.
- Health problems: Drug use can cause a number of health problems, both physical and mental. These health problems can range from mild to life-threatening. Some common physical health problems caused by this addiction include liver damage, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS. Some common mental health problems caused by this addiction include anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
- Social isolation: Substance abuse can lead to social isolation as a person withdraws from friends and family members. This may be because the person is ashamed of their drug use or is too busy using drugs to spend time with others.
- Death: This illness can cause death from overdose, accidents related to drug use, and infections contracted as a result of intravenous drug use.
Drug addiction can have serious consequences for both the individual struggling with addiction and for those around them. It is important to seek help if you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction. Treatment options are available and can be very effective.
For more information on drug addiction and its effects, please visit the following websites:
– National Institute on Drug Abuse
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
– Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
– Wellness Together Canada