If someone you know has a drug addiction, it’s important to let them know that help is available. It’s also helpful to offer support and encouragement.
Many people take drugs because of difficult life circumstances, mental health problems or stress. The drugs give them temporary relief but the problems remain.
Causes
Addiction is a complex problem with many causes. Some people are genetically predisposed to addiction, but other factors, like trauma, mental health struggles and environment, can also play a role.
Drugs that are abused can cause chemical changes in the brain, which trigger feelings of pleasure. Over time, the brain adapts and needs more and more drugs to feel the same pleasure. As the use of drugs becomes more frequent, the person might begin to experience negative effects, including neglecting responsibilities at work or school, experiencing financial problems, and engaging in risky behaviors like unsafe sexual activity or unprotected drug use.
People often start using drugs to dampen negative emotions, calm anxiety, numb painful feelings or to have fun. Drugs can also cause dangerous side effects that might make a person’s life even more difficult, such as constricted pupils, slowed breathing or low blood pressure, drowsiness, and confusion. When drugs are abused long enough, they can become addictive and cause serious health and life problems.
Symptoms
A person who has become addicted to drugs loses control over their drug use. They take larger and larger amounts to get the same effect, they hide their drug use from family and friends, and they neglect important responsibilities at work or school. They may also behave aggressively or recklessly while high on drugs. They are more likely to have accidents or contract infectious diseases through unprotected sex or sharing dirty needles.
They can’t think or act clearly. They might look different, have bloodshot eyes, bad breath, slurred speech, or have lost weight. They spend a lot of time thinking about how to get more drugs or when they will use them next. They might borrow or steal money to buy drugs.
Prescription drug addiction is increasing in the United States, especially with painkillers, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, or stimulants. Some people start abusing these drugs to treat a medical problem, such as pain or insomnia, but they soon find that they can’t stop taking them even when the medicine stops working.
Treatment
Millions of Americans have a drug use disorder (SUD), but treatment is available to help you overcome your addiction. Treatment options include medication, therapy and other behavioral changes.
Medications can reduce urges and withdrawal symptoms, and help you better manage other health conditions. Your healthcare provider may also prescribe psychotherapy, including individual and group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
Rehabilitation (rehab) helps you develop new coping skills and learn to live without drugs. You can live at a rehab facility for the duration of your treatment, or you can attend sessions during the day and return home at night. Residential and outpatient rehabilitation programs are available for both children and adults.
To help prevent relapse, surround yourself with people who support your sobriety and engage in healthy activities. Find rewarding hobbies and seek out social activities that provide a sense of purpose. For example, start exercising and eat well. Practice stress management techniques like meditation or yoga.
Prevention
Drug addiction can be prevented with educational tools that teach people about the dangers of drugs and how to avoid them. There are also programs that help individuals overcome drug addiction through medical care and therapy. Prevention also includes helping people learn how to handle stress, which is a major cause of drug abuse.
Several factors can increase a person’s risk for drug addiction, including their environment, genetics and family history. Other causes can include a mental health illness, which can lead to substance abuse in order to cope with the symptoms of the illness.
The most effective prevention involves educating people about the risks of drug use and promoting safe, healthy lifestyles. Education programs can take place in schools, churches, community groups and government agencies. Other prevention methods include changing environments that may lead to drug abuse, educating families about the effects of drug abuse on their children and teaching people how to recognize early warning signs.
