Too often, it is believed that “all a drug addict or substance abuser needs is a little encouragement, some willingness to change, a few behavioral changes … and addiction problem solved.” Unfortunately for the addict or substance abuser, it’s just not that easy. Society, as a whole, most generally holds several misconceptions about substance abuse and drug addiction and the reality it plays in so many lives.
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What makes a drug addict or alcohol addict an “addict?” First of all, drug addiction does not just attack the morally weak, the established criminal, or wandering souls. Drug addiction and alcoholism can begin with only a few “tries” and doesn’t necessarily mean that someone who “uses a lot” is a drug addict or alcoholic either. Drug addiction and alcoholism can affect anyone who gets caught up with the wrong substance too many times. Depending on the “rush” or pleasurable sensation that happens to make a user tick, drug addiction and alcohol addiction over time is when the need for this sensation begins to consume a person’s mind, inhibits the ability to rationalize clearly, and becomes the very reason for which that person lives and thrives.
A societal misconception about drug addiction and how it even begins.
Too often, it is believed that “all a drug addict or substance abuser needs is a little encouragement, some willingness to change, a few behavioral changes … and addiction problem solved.” Unfortunately for the addict or substance abuser, it’s just not that easy. Society, as a whole, most generally holds several misconceptions about substance abuse and drug addiction and the reality it plays in so many lives.
Researchers believe that when normal brain functions are interfered with by drugs to create that sought after rush, brain metabolism, activity, and functionality are affected long-term. For each user the timing is different; however, at some point every brain will automatically turn any drug abuse into drug addiction when least expected. Take a look at more information on the cycle of addiction . This drug addiction or addiction to alcohol can become a chronic illness, often relapsing, which causes an addict to undergo compulsive substance cravings where usage cannot be controlled. Much to society’s dismay, an addict cannot quit by him- or herself and drug addiction treatment quickly becomes a necessity to assist with that process. Take a look here for more information on the causes of drug addiction.
How can I tell if I have or someone that I love has an addiction to drugs or alcohol? This varies greatly, as there are many different symptoms unique to each addiction. Our site has information on alcoholism, meth addiction, marijuana addiction, cocaine addiction, crack addiction, methadone, heroin and opiate addictions, and more. If you would like to read our faq on ecstasy, we have detailed information regarding these topics. Unfortunately, once drug addiction or alcoholism consumes an individual, its consequences not only affect that person, but the family, community, and medical professionals surrounding that person too. If someone you love is having a problem with prescription drug addiction like vicodin or antidepressants, we have more information specific to those topics. Several contributing factors or symptoms need to be happening in order to diagnose or even presume that you or someone that you love has an addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Having several of the following symptoms may help you define whether or not your or someone that you love is indeed a drug addict or an alcoholic:
- a drug addict or an alcoholic might notice that he is using a substance more frequently and in larger amounts than first intended
- an overwhelming urge to acquire and use a desired substance, either drugs or alcohol
- regular family, work, or social events are second priority and being set aside in order to use a specific drug or to drink alcohol
- continued use of drugs or the continued drinking of alcohol regardless of knowing the harmful effects caused by a drug or alcohol or acknowledgement of how it’s affecting ones life
- a physical tolerance of the alcohol or drug is substantive as it requires more of a drug to reach that desired “rush” a user is looking for
- recognizable drug addiction and alcohol addiction withdrawal symptoms
- the use of a drug to ward off withdrawal-like symptoms, and frequent use of a substance when required to fulfill a position of responsibility with a certain level of stress associated with it
