Drug addiction is when people use drugs, and cannot stop. They use these drugs even if it is creating financial or emotional problems. They will continue to use these drugs even if it is also affecting the people they love and those around them. Their brain’s chemistry has been changed, so they will do anything to seek out drugs and use them. People who have drug addictions will usually require drug rehab.
Who is most likely to become addicted to drugs?
Everyone’s brain is wired differently, and people can have a different experience with drugs to others. Some love the way that drugs make them feel and want to use them again, whilst others do not like it and stay away.
It wouldn’t be true to say that everyone who takes drugs is actually addicted. But addiction can take over people at any point in their life. The following impacts increase your likeliness of addiction:
- Having a family history of addiction
- Taking drugs from an early age
- Living with a mental disorder and using drugs to ‘escape’
- Difficult relationships and family troubles
What are the signs of drug addiction?
The following signs may indicate that you are addicted to drugs. If you think you might be, then it is best to speak to a loved one and a doctor about your problem. They can help you to get on the right path and live a life free from the restraints. The signs are:
- A strong urge to take drugs every day, and even multiple times a day.
- You take drugs more often than you would like to, and for longer periods than you expect.
- You always buy drugs even if you cannot afford them.
- You continue to take drugs even if it affects your relationships and you cause arguments with your friends and family.
- You spend more time alone.
- You have lost interest in your looks and you do not take care of your body.
- You do dangerous things when you use drugs such as drive or have unprotected sex.
- You steal in order to access drugs.
- Most of your time is spent finding, using, or recovering from drugs.
- You feel sick when attempt to quit drugs.
How do I get help for drug addiction?
If you believe that your drug use is beyond your control, contact your doctor or a rehab clinic. Recovery from drug addiction can take time – there is no miracle cure. You must truly want to stop using drugs in order for treatment to work.
Treatment can include counselling sessions, medicines, or a combination of the two. It is never too late to seek help, and you should never feel ashamed.
