Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of drugs. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), also known as the diagnostic and statistical manual, statistical manual of mental, manual of mental disorders, and statistical manual, substance use disorders are diagnosed based on specific criteria and symptoms. Drug addiction can impact all aspects of a person's life, including relationships, work, and health. Addiction can involve legal substances such as alcohol and nicotine, illegal substances like heroin and cocaine, prescription medicines, and other psychoactive substances. Diagnosis and Treatment · Request an Appointment · Care at Mayo Clinic.
Alcohol and Drug Addiction and Substance Use Disorder
Occur in Best Families Describe how alcohol and drug addiction affects the whole family. It explains how substance abuse treatment works, how family interventions can be a first step to recovery, and how to help children from families affected by alcohol and drug abuse.
Addiction is defined as a chronic recurrent disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. People may initially take drugs voluntarily, but over time, they may misuse drugs, leading to repeated drug use and ongoing drug use patterns. This repeated drug use and ongoing drug use can cause brain changes, particularly in the brain's reward system, resulting in the same effect of compulsive drug seeking and making it difficult to stop. Brain imaging studies have shown that addiction alters brain structure and function, especially in areas related to judgment, decision-making, learning, and memory. These changes can last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs. The negative consequences of addiction can affect a person's health, relationships, and overall well-being. 11. If your doctor prescribes a medication with potential for addiction, be careful when taking it and follow the doctor’s instructions. In other cases, mental health symptoms are not evident until, after the addiction has taken hold, these conditions are sometimes exacerbated or worsened by drug use. Co occurring medical and psychiatric conditions are common, and integrated care is often needed for effective treatment.
NIDA-funded research results have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities and the media are effective in preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Research shows that evidence-based prevention and treatment programs can significantly reduce substance use and improve recovery outcomes. Teachers, parents, and health care providers perform crucial roles in the education of young people and the prevention of drug use and addiction. They may mistakenly think that drug users lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop using drugs simply by choosing to do so. Taking some drugs can be particularly risky, especially if you take high doses or combine them with other drugs or alcohol. Drug addiction (also known as substance use disorder) can be defined as a progressive disease that causes people to lose control over the use of a substance despite the worsening consequences of that use. Opioid use disorder is a severe substance use disorder and is one of the disorders treated in addiction medicine.
When you’re addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm drugs may cause. Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive or difficult to control, despite the harmful consequences. Some people may begin to feel the need to take more than one drug or to take it more often, even in the early stages of their drug use. When drug addiction is discovered in its initial stages, the chances of a successful recovery are significantly increased. Stopping drug use can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which are physical and mental reactions that occur when a person stops or reduces substance use. Physical dependence refers to the body's adaptation to a drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped, while addiction involves compulsive drug-seeking behavior regardless of physical dependence.
But if you have abused drugs or alcohol in the past or have family members who have abused drugs or alcohol in the past, you may be at greater risk. You may need the help of your doctor, family, friends, support groups, or an organized treatment program to overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free. Addiction treatment is essential and may include options such as group therapy, residential treatment, and working with a mental health professional or addiction medicine specialist. Health care providers may prescribe medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and support recovery. Prevention programs that involve families, schools, communities, and the media can prevent or reduce drug use and addiction. Addiction and related conditions are classified as substance related disorders in the DSM, and comprehensive care is tailored to the type and severity of the disorder treated.
Risk Factors for Drug Dependence
Drug dependence, also known as substance use disorder, is influenced by a variety of risk factors that can make some individuals more vulnerable to developing problems with drug abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, these risk factors are often a combination of biological, environmental, and social influences.
Biological factors include genetics and the presence of other mental disorders, which can increase a person’s susceptibility to substance use disorder. For example, individuals with a family history of addiction or certain mental health conditions may have a higher risk of developing drug dependence themselves.
Environmental factors also play a significant role. Growing up in a home or community where drug use is common, experiencing trauma or chronic stress, or lacking strong support systems can all contribute to the likelihood of substance use. Peer pressure, especially among young people, is another powerful influence that can lead to the misuse of drugs.
Social factors, such as early exposure to drug use, lack of parental involvement, or poor academic performance, can further increase the risk. The National Institute on Drug Abuse emphasizes that the more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of developing a substance use disorder.
Understanding these risk factors is crucial for prevention and early intervention. By recognizing the signs and addressing these influences, individuals, families, and communities can work together to reduce the risk of drug dependence and promote healthier, drug-free lives.