Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction
(Drug Dependence)
Drug abuse is a disease characterized by continued misuse of drugs even
when faced with drug-related job, legal, health, or family difficulties.
Substances used may include: Cocaine, Heroin, Morphine, Pain Killers,
Marijuana, Sedatives, Speed, PCP,
Ecstasy and Other illegal and a variety of prescription medications.
Problems associated with drug abuse must have existed a minimum of 12
months to meet the diagnosis.
Drug dependence refers to long-term, compulsive drug use, perhaps with
attempts to stop but repeatedly returning to drugs. Drug dependence also
means that your body has begun to require the drug in higher and higher
doses in order to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Drug abuse and drug dependence are not terms that should be used to
describe people who are taking appropriate dosages of prescribed drugs (pain
medication, for example) and who have become physically dependent on them.
Diagnosis of both drug abuse and drug dependence requires the presence of
behavioral symptoms.
Causes
The cause of drug abuse and dependence is unknown, although there are a
variety of theories. One theory holds that there may be a genetic component
that predisposes a person toward using and abusing drugs. Another theory is
that drug abuse is a learned behavior and that people begin to use drugs by
copying the behavior of those around them. Medical professionals have not
been able to target a specific cause. Brain chemicals may alter the user's
perception of the drug's effects. Long-term drug use changes brain function
and may reinforce the desire to keep using drugs regardless of the
consequences.
Risk Factors:
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or
secondary physical condition. Family members with substance abuse problems
often exhibit the following factors:
Drug use
Age: youth -
Social and peer pressure
Stress
Associating with people who abuse drugs
Sex: male -
Easy access to drugs
Depression
Panic disorders
Symptoms:
Denial that a drug problem exists is common. Drug abuse can occur without
physical dependence. Abuse symptoms must have lasted for at least 12 month.
They include: Repeated work, school, or home problems due to drug use.
Continued use of drugs even though it means risking physical safety.
Recurring trouble with the law related to drug use. Continuing to use drugs
despite drug-related problems in personal relationships.
Drug abuse often progresses to drug dependence.
Symptoms of drug dependence include at least three of the following:
Craving for the substance.
Inability to stop or limit drug use.
Tolerance, taking greater amounts to feel the same effect.
Withdrawal symptoms that occur when the drug is stopped.
Significant amounts of time trying to acquire drugs and recover
from their effects.
Giving up activities in order to use drugs or recover from the effects.
Drug use continues even when it causes or worsens health and/or
psychological problems.
Wanting to stop or cut down and not being able to.
Diagnosis:
The doctor will ask about:
Drug use
How often you use drugs
Which drugs you use
What amount and if you have increased the amount to receive the
same desired effect
Emotional problems that may have occurred while using drugs
Problems with a job, your family or the law
Tests may include:
Blood and urine tests to check for the presence of drugs
Treatment:
There is no treatment to cure drug abuse or drug dependence. There are three
main treatment goals:
To help patients stop using drugs
To decrease the toxic effects of the drugs being used
To prevent relapse
Successful treatment depends on the drug user's recognition of the problem
and desire to change. Recovery takes a long time and is not an easy process.
Patients may need multiple courses of treatment.
Therapies Include:
Medications... Drugs may help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. In some cases,
medication may be ordered to help prevent relapse. Heroin addicts may be
given methadone to help taper them off. Methadone also may be given on a
long-term basis to improve the chance the addict will stay in treatment.
Methadone is a narcotic drug that blocks cravings as well as the pleasurable
effects.
Counseling... Therapy raises awareness of underlying issues and lifestyles that
promote drug use. It works to improve coping and problem-solving skills and to
develop other ways of dealing with stress or pain. Through counseling, a
person can learn how to handle situations associated with drug use and
replace drug-using activities with other meaningful activities. Family support is
encouraged.
Self-help Organizations... There are numerous organizations dedicated to
helping people stop using drugs. Two examples are Narcotics Anonymous and
Cocaine Anonymous. Members of these organizations meet regularly and talk
about their drug-related troubles. They provide a
network of support for each other.
Prevention... Not using illegal drugs and not misusing prescription drugs
prevent abuse, dependence and addiction. Suggested strategies include:
Learn about risks related to drug use.
Do not spend time with people who are using illegal drugs.
Learn ways to handle peer pressure.
Seek counseling for anxiety, depression and other mental health problems.
Organizations: Narcotics Anonymous http://www.na.org - Cocaine Anonymous
http://www.ca.org/
| Recognizing the Problem of Drug Addiction and Abuse |
| The information provided on these pages are intended as a educational public service. New studies often change our understanding of how to diagnose and treat these illnesses and direct contact with the appropriate, licensed mental health professional prior to treatment is always recommended. |
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