Definition

Drug addiction is a disorder that affects the brain and behavior, causing the drug user to be unable to control the use of drugs or substances that affect the level of consciousness. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine are also considered drugs. When addicted, these drugs change the way the brain works. Addicted drug users will continue to use the drug despite the harm to their bodies, psyche, and behavior.

Causes

A person can start using drugs for several reasons, such as:

• To enjoy a pleasurable experience
• To change or relieve the bad feelings they are experiencing
• Curiosity or peer pressure

The consumption of drugs can induce a state of euphoria or "high." With repeated use, a form of physical addiction may develop as the drug alters the brain's pleasure perception mechanisms. This leads to physical modifications in certain nerve cells, causing the brain to become less responsive to the drug over time. Consequently, individuals may escalate their drug intake to achieve a comparable effect as their tolerance increases. These neurobiological changes can endure for an extended period, persisting even after the individual discontinues drug use.

Risk factor

People of all age groups, genders, and economic statuses can experience drug addiction. However, certain factors will affect the likelihood and speed at which a person becomes drug dependent, including 

Family history

If a person has a biological family with alcohol or drug addiction, they are at greater risk of developing a drug addiction.

Mental health disorders

If someone has a mental health disorder such as 

1. Depression,
2. Attention deficit disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); or
3. Post-traumatic stress disorder,

They are more at risk of experiencing drug addiction. Using drugs can be a way to deal with the feelings of pain, anxiety, depression, and loneliness they experience.

Peer pressure

The most common factor in drug abuse, especially in young people. Additionally, in young people, using drugs at an early age can cause changes in the developing brain and increase the risk of developing drug addiction.

Lack of family involvement 

Inadequate family involvement, disharmony within the family, and a lack of strong bonds with parents or siblings, as well as insufficient parental supervision, heighten the vulnerability to addiction.

Choosing highly addictive drugs 

The choice of highly addictive substances contributes significantly to the risk of addiction. Certain drugs, such as stimulants, cocaine, or opioid painkillers, have a higher potential for inducing addiction compared to other substances. Methods of consumption, such as smoking or injecting drugs, can further escalate the likelihood of developing an addiction.

Symptoms

Symptoms and behavior of drug addiction include: 

• The sensation of regular or even repeated daily need to take medication,
• Strong urge to use the drug for mental relaxation,
• Gradual increase in drug intake or dose over time to maintain the desired effect,
• Actively seeking large quantities of medication for long-term use
• Allocating funds for medication despite financial constraints
• Failing to fulfil work duties and responsibilities or reducing social and recreational engagement
• Continued drug use despite knowledge of potential physical and psychological harm
• Participating in risky activities, such as driving, while under the influence of drugs

During their addiction, drug-dependent individuals may resort to extreme measures, including engaging in morally reprehensible and unprecedented acts, such as theft or committing acts of violence, to obtain the substances they crave.

Some of the problems in everyday life due to drug dependence include:

• Problems at school or work, such as frequent skipping school or work, disinterest in school or work activities, and decreased grades or work performance
• Physical health problems such as lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or gain, and red eyes
• Less attention to appearance in dressing or grooming
• Behavioral changes such as excessively forbidding family members from entering her room, keeping secret where she goes, or drastic changes in her behavior and relationships with family or friends
• Money spending problems. Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation and missing money or items at home. Items are usually sold to meet the cost of buying drugs.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing drug addiction requires a thorough evaluation by a psychiatrist or alcohol and drug counselor. Psychiatrists use certain criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to help with the diagnosis.

Blood, urine, or other laboratory tests are used to assess drug use, determine if drug compounds are found in the blood, and assess the patient's health. However, these tests are not diagnostic tests for drug addiction. In addition, laboratory tests can also be used to monitor treatment and recovery.

Management

Recovery from addiction and maintaining a drug-free life can be facilitated through various treatment options. The choice of treatment depends on the specific drug involved and any accompanying physical or mental disorders. Effective treatment typically involves a holistic and comprehensive approach, addressing the individual's overall well-being. Long-term commitment to such treatment is crucial to minimize the risk of relapse in patients.

Detoxification

Detoxification aims to allow users to stop taking the drug as quickly and safely as possible. For some people, it is possible to undergo withdrawal therapy on an outpatient basis. However, others may need hospitalization. Detox is done by gradually reducing the dose of the drug or temporarily replacing it with another substance.

Opioid overdose

In opioid overdose, the drug naloxone is given as an antidote for people who have overdosed on opioid drugs such as morphine or tramadol, which works by temporarily inhibiting the action of opioids. Help can be given by overdose emergency personnel or, in some countries, by bystanders.

Behavioral therapy

A psychologist or psychiatrist can do this therapy. Therapy and counseling can be done individually, in families, or in groups. The therapist or counsellor can:

• Help find ways to overcome drug addiction
• Suggest strategies to avoid drugs and prevent relapse
• Advise on how to handle relapse
• Discuss work issues, legal issues, and social relationships
• Help family members to have better communication and be supportive
• Address other mental health conditions

Complications

Drug use can have significant and damaging short- and long-term effects, especially when high doses of drugs are used or multiple drugs are combined. 

Methamphetamine, opiates, and cocaine can cause psychotic behavior, seizures, or death by drug overdose. Ecstasy or molly (MDMA) can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and seizure complications. In the long term, MDMA can damage the brain.

GHB and flunitrazepam can cause sedation, confusion, and memory loss. These so-called "date-rape drugs" are known to impair the ability to resist unwanted contact and interfere with memories of the event. At high doses, it can cause seizures, coma, and death. The danger increases when taken with alcohol.

In addition, drug dependence can lead to many dangerous and damaging complications, such as:

• Exposure to infectious diseases such as HIV, particularly due to needle-sharing activities
• Short and long-term mental and physical health problems
• Accidents are more likely to occur when drug users drive while under the influence of drugs
• People addicted to drugs are more likely to die by suicide than non-addicted people
• Problems in family, work, school or office, legal issues, and financial problems

Prevention

The best way to prevent drug addiction is not to use them at all. If your doctor prescribes a potentially addictive drug, always follow the instructions given by your doctor. If you feel the need to take more than the prescribed dose, consult your doctor.

Preventing drug abuse in children and adolescents

Take the following steps to prevent drug abuse in children and adolescents:

• Tell your child about the risks of drug abuse
• Be a good listener when children talk about peer pressure and support their efforts to resist it.
• Set a good example. Do not abuse alcohol or addictive drugs. Children of parents who abuse drugs have a greater risk of drug addiction.
• Strengthen your relationship with your children. A strong bond will reduce the risk of children abusing drugs.
• Prevent relapse

Once addicted to a drug, you may fall back into a pattern of dependence despite having undergone treatment and not using it for some time. Take the following steps to prevent relapse:

• Be consistent with the treatment plan. Your chances of staying drug-free will be much higher if you continue to consult your therapist or counsellor, attend support group meetings, and take your prescribed medication.
• Avoid high-risk situations. Don't go back to the environment where you used to get drugs.
• Seek immediate help if you use drugs again, such as consulting a doctor.

When to see a doctor?

If drug use is out of control or is already causing problems either to yourself or those around you, seek help immediately. The sooner you seek help, the better your chances of long-term recovery. Help can be obtained by consulting a psychiatrist or alcohol and drug counselor. Consult immediately if:

• Unable to stop using the drug
• Continues to use the drug despite the danger
• Drug use leads to unsafe behavior, such as needle sharing or unprotected sex.
• There are withdrawal symptoms.
• If the user is not ready to see a doctor in person, a telephone consultation or teleconsultation can be initiated.

When to seek emergency help

Seek emergency help if the user experiences:

• Signs and symptoms of overdose
• Change in consciousness
• Difficulty breathing 
• Seizures
• Signs of a possible heart attack, such as pain or pressure in the chest area 
• Painful physical or psychological reactions after using the drug