RECOGNIZING DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

Drug abuse is use of drugs or alcohol that cause consequences in the abuser's life. Consequences can be physical, mental, family, relationship, work, legal, or financial in nature.

In addition to the common drugs of abuse, such as cocaine, speed (amphetamine), heroin, and marijuana, prescription drugs can also be abused. Many people also abuse nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol. Body builders may abuse anabolic steroids.

Drug abuse can progress to addiction in susceptible individuals. When this occurs, drug use becomes the person's primary focus over his or her other life responsibilities, including health, work, and family.

Some drugs also produce physical dependence and severe withdrawal, when use is stopped without medical supervision. Withdrawal from narcotics, such as heroin and methadone, is extremely uncomfortable and painful. Withdrawal from alcohol and other sedative hypnotics can be life-threatening, causing seizures and delirium.

As abuse progresses into addiction, an individual becomes more isolated. Initially, social functions and community activities will be let go. As this progresses, work and family responsibility go by the wayside and drug use becomes the primary focus.

If you are concerned about someone having an alcohol or drug problem, please consult a healthcare provider, counselor, or treatment center. For more information, please call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at (800) NCA-CALL, or 800-622-2255.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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