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What makes a drug or alcohol addict an “addict?”
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 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’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.
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. |
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, or our faq on LSD, 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
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