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Are you struggling with a drug problem that¶s spiraled out of control? If so, you may feel isolated, helpless, or ashamed. Or
perhaps you¶re worried about a friend or family member¶s drug use. In either case, you¶re not alone. Addiction is a problem
that many people face.
The good news is that you or your loved one can get better. There is hope ²no matter how bad the substance abuse problem
and no matter how powerless you feel. Learning about the nature of addiction ²how it develops, what it looks like, and why it
has such a powerful hold²will give you a better understanding of the problem and how to deal with it.
IN THIS ARTICLE:

º Understanding addiction
º Effects of drug abuse and addiction
º Signs and symptoms
º Warning signs in others
º Drug addiction and denial
º Getting help for drug abuse and addiction
º When a loved one has a drug problem
º Related links

á INT AUTHO

TEXT
IZE

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i
 common addic ions:
º Alcoholism & Alcohol Abuse
º
moking
º uambling Addiction
º Internet Addiction
Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use. áeople who are addicted feel an overwhelming,
uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences. This self -destructive behavior can be hard
to understand. Why continue doing something that¶s hurting you? Why is it so hard to stop?

The answer lies in the brain. epeated drug use alters the brain²causing long-lasting changes to the way it looks and
functions. These brain changes interfere with your ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and
feel normal without drugs. These changes are also responsible, in large part, for the drug cravings and compulsion to use tha t
make addiction so powerful.

How addic ion dops

The path to drug addiction starts with experimentation. You or your loved one may have tried drugs out of curiosity, because
friends were doing it, or in an effort to erase another problem. At first, the substance seems to solve the problem or make l ife
better, so you use the drug more and more.

But as the addiction progresses, getting and using the drug becomes more and more important and your ability to stop using is
compromised. What begins as a voluntary choice turns into a physical and psychological need. The g ood news is that drug
addiction is treatable. With treatment and support, you can counteract the disruptive effects of addiction and regain control of
your life.
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@ TH 1: icoming addic ion is a simp a ma  of wipow ou can s op using dugs if ou a wan
o árolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain
changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will.
@ TH 2: Addic ion is a disas
 s no
ing ou can do abou i  Most experts agree that addiction is a brain
disease, but that doesn¶t mean you¶re a helpless victim. The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and
reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments.
@ TH 3: Addic s
a o
i ock bo om bfo
 can g b  ecovery can begin at any point in the addiction
process²and the earlier, the better. The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is
to treat. Don¶t wait to intervene until the addict has lost it all.
@ TH 4: ou can foc somon in o a mn 

a o wan
p . Treatment doesn¶t have to be voluntary to
be successful. áeople who are pressured into treatment by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to
benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own. As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly
resistant addicts decide they want to change.

@ TH 5: Ta mn didn wok bfo

so
 s no poin ing again som cass a
opss ecovery from
drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. elapse doesn¶t mean that treatment has failed or that you¶re a
lost cause. ather, it¶s a signal to get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment approach.

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While each drug of abuse produces different physical effects, all abused substances share one thing in common. They hijack
the brain¶s normal ³reward´ pathways and alter the areas of the brain responsible for self -control, judgment, emotional
regulation, motivation, memory, and learning.

Whether you¶re addicted to nicotine, alcohol, heroin, Xanax, speed, or Vicodin, the effect on the brain is the same: an
uncontrollable craving to use that is more important than anything else, including family, friends, career, and even your own
health and happiness.

˜sing dugs as an scap: A s
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Many people use drugs in order to escape physical and emotional discomfort.
Maybe you started drinking to numb feelings of depression, smoking pot to deal with stress at home or school, relying on
cocaine to boost your energy and confidence, using sleeping pills to cope with panic attacks, or taking prescription painkillers
to relieve chronic back pain.

But while drugs might make you feel better in the short -term, attempts to self -medicate ultimately backfire. Instead of treating
the underlying problem, drug use simply masks the symptoms. Take the drug away and the problem is still there, whether it
be low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, or an unhappy family life. Furthermore, prolonged drug use eventually brings its own
host of problems, including major disruptions to normal, daily functioning. Unfortunately, the psychological, physical, and
social consequences of drug abuse and addiction become worse than the original problem you were trying to cope with or
avoid.

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As with many other conditions and diseases, vulnerability to addiction differs from person to person. Your genes, age when yo u
started taking drugs, and family and social environment all play a role in addiction. isk factors that increase your vulnerability
include:
º Family history of addiction
º Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in childhood
º Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
º Early use of drugs

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Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are the same no matter the substance. The
more drugs begin to affect and control your life, the more likely it is that you¶ve crossed the line from drug use to abuse and
drug addiction. Unfortunately, when you¶re in the middle of it, you may be in denial about the magnitude of the problem or th e
negative impact it's had on your life.
ee if you recognize yourself in the following signs and symptoms of subs tance abuse and
addiction. If so, consider talking to someone about your drug use. You¶re on a dangerous road, and the sooner you get help,
the better.

Common signs and smp oms of dug abus

º ou  ngc ing ou sponsibii is at school, work, or home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting
your children) because of your drug use.
º ou  using dugs und dangous condi ions o aking isks w
i
ig
, such as driving while on drugs,
using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.
º ou dug us is g ing ou in o ga oub
such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the
influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.
º ou dug us is causing pobms in ou a ions
ips
such as fights with your partner or family members,
an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.

Common signs and smp oms of dug addic ion

º ou  bui up a dug oanc You need to use more of the drug to experience the same effects you used to
with smaller amounts.
º ou ak dugs o aoid o i wi
dawa smp oms If you go too long without drugs, you experience
symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
º ou  os con o o ou dug us You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told
yourself you wouldn¶t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.
º ou if os aound dug us You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to
get them, and recovering from the drug¶s effects.
º ou  abandond ac ii is ou usd o njo
such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug
use.
º ou con inu o us dugs
dspi  knowing i s
u ing ou It¶s causing major problems in your life²
blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia²but you use anyway.
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Almost all drugs have the potential for addiction and abuse, from caffeine to prescription medication. However, the majority of
non-alcohol related addictions are due to a short list of drugs including sleeping pills, painkillers, cocaine, marijuana,
methamphetamine, and heroin.

Cick
 fo a PDF fac s
 on
 smp oms and ffc s of common abusd dugs

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Drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. If you¶re worried that a friend or family
member might be abusing drugs, look for the following warning signs:

P
sica waning signs of dug abus

º Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.

º hanges in appetite or sleep patterns.
udden weight loss or weight gain.
º Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.
º Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
º Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

ë
aioa signs of dug abus

º Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.

º Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.
º Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
º
udden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
º Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).

Psc
oogica waning signs of dug abus

º Unexplained change in personality or attitude.

º
udden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
º áeriods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.
º Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or ³spaced out.´
º Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, w ith no reason.
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There are many warning signs of drug use and abuse in teenagers. The challenge for parents is to distinguish between the
normal, sometimes volatile, ups and downs of the teen years and the red flags of substance abuse.
º Being secretive about friends, possessions, and activities.
º New interest in clothing, music, and other items that highlight drug use.
º Demanding more privacy; locking doors; avoiding eye contact; sneaking around.
º
kipping class; declining grades; suddenly getting into trouble at school.
º Missing money, valuables, or prescriptions.
º Acting uncharacteristically isolated, withdrawn, or depressed.
º Using incense, perfume, or air freshener to hide the smell of smoke or drugs.
º Using eyedrops to mask bloodshot eyes or dilated pupils.

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One of the most dangerous effects of drug abuse and addiction is denial. The
urge to use is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize the addiction. You may drastically underestimate the
quantity of drugs you¶re taking, how much it impacts your life, and the level of control you have over your drug use.

Denial is an unconscious defense mechanism. Minimizing and rationalizing the addiction is less scary than admitting that your
drug use is dangerously out of control. But the cost of denial can be extremely high ²including the loss of important
relationships, your job, financial security, and your physical and mental health.

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º Do you feel like you can¶t stop, even if you wanted to?
º Do you ever feel bad or guilty about your drug use?
º Do you need to use drugs to relax or feel better?
º Do your friends or family members complain or worry about your drug use?
º Do you hide or lie about your drug use?
º Have you ever done anything illegal in order to obtain drugs?
º Do you spend money on drugs that you really can¶t afford?
º Do you ever use more than one recreational drug at a time?
If you answered ³yes´ to one or more of the questions, you may have a dr ug problem.

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º Visit Narcotics Anonymous to find a meeting in your area.
º all 1 2HELP to reach a free referral helpline from the
ubstance Abuse and Mental Health
ervices
Administration.
If you¶re ready to admit you have a drug problem, congratulations! ecognizing that you have a problem is the first step on
the road to recovery, one that takes tremendous courage and strength.

Facing your addiction without minimizing the problem or making excuses can feel frightening and overwhelming, but recovery
is within reach. If you¶re ready to make a change and willing to seek help, you can overcome your addiction and build a
satisfying, drug-free life for yourself.

Suppo is ssn ia o addic ion co

Don¶t try to go it alone; it¶s all too easy to get discouraged and rationalize ³just one more´ hit or pill. Whether you choos e to go
to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. ecovering
from drug addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance.

upport can come from:

º family members
º close friends
º therapists or counselors
º other recovering addicts
º healthcare providers
º people from your faith community
 Rcoing fom dug addic ion
Addiction is a complex problem that affects every aspect of your life. Overcoming it requires making major changes to the way
you live, deal with problems, and relate to others. It¶s not just a matter of willpower or simply wanting to quit. uetting off
drugs for good is difficult without treatment and ongoing support. The good news is that there are many tools that can help
you on your journey to sobriety.

ead: Overcoming Drug Addiction: Drug Abuse Treatment, ecovery, and Help

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If you suspect that a friend or family member has a drug problem, here are a few things you can do:

º Spak up Talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and support. The earlier addiction is treated,
the better. Don¶t wait for your loved one to hit bottom! Be prepared for excus es and denial with specific examples of
behavior that has you worried.
º Tak ca of ousf. Don¶t get so caught up in someone else¶s drug problem that you neglect your own needs.
Make sure you have people you can talk to and lean on for support. And stay safe. Don¶t put yourself in dangerous
situations.
º Don co fo
 dug us. Don¶t make excuses or try to hide the problem. It¶s natural to want to help a loved
one in need, but protecting them from the negative consequences of their choices may keep them from getting the
help they need.
º Aoid sfbam. You can support a person with a substance abuse problem and encourage treatment, but you
can¶t force an addict to change. You can¶t control your loved one¶s decisions. Let the person accept responsibi lity for
his or her actions, an essential step along the way to recovery for drug addiction.

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icoming Dug Addic ion

Drug Abuse Treatment, ecovery, and Help

Aco
o Ta mn

R
ab
and D ox
How to
top Drinking and
tart ecovery

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º Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse:
igns,
ymptoms, and Help for Drinking ároblems
º Understanding Depression:
igns,
ymptoms, auses, and Help
º Anxiety Attacks and Disorders:
igns,
ymptoms, and Treatment
º Feeling
uicidal? oping with
uicidal Thoughts and Help to uet You Through

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˜nds anding dug addic ion and i s ffc s

V Myths About Drug Abuse and Treatment ± Article sets the record straight on thirteen commonly believed myths about drug
abuse and addiction. (The áartnership for a Drug-Free America)

Addiction and the Brain's áleasure áathway: Beyond Willpower ± Describes how the brain becomes addicted and why relapse is
so common. (HBO.com)
Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The
cience of Addiction (áDF) ± Booklet on drug addiction, including its effects on the brain and
new approaches to preventing and treating the disease. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Signs and smp oms of dug abus and dug addic ion

igns and
ymptoms of Drug Use ± overs physical and behavior signs and symptoms of drug use, as well as drug specific
symptoms. (American ouncil for Drug Education)

ubstance Abuse
ymptoms hecklist ± hecklist of substance abuse and drug addiction warning signs. Also see signs and
symptoms in teens. (National ouncil on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of the
an Fernando Valley)

igns and
ymptoms of Drug Use ± Includes general signs and symptoms of drug use, as well as links to more detailed, drug -
specific information. (Narconon International)

Common dugs of abus

treetTalk áamphlets ±
eries of straight-talking pamphlets on the ever-changing world of street drugs. Includes articles on
crystal meth, ecstasy, heroin, and club drugs, among others. (Do It Now Foundation)

árescription Drugs: Abuse and Addiction (áDF) ± uovernment guide to the growing problem of nonmedical use or abuse of
prescription drugs. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Dug abus and dug addic ion in ns and oung adu s

TeensHealth: Drugs and Alcohol ±
traightforward talk on drug and alcohol abuse in a question and answer format, written for
teens. (Nemours Foundation)

Is Your Teen Using?
igns and
ymptoms of Drug Use ± uuide for parents on spotting the warning signs and symptoms of
drug use in teens. (The áartnership for a Drug -Free America)