Drug addiction is a complex illness. The path to drug addiction begins with the act of taking drugs. Over time, a person's ability to choose not to take drugs is compromised. This in large part is a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning, and thus on behavior. Addiction, therefore, is characterized by compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of negative consequences.
Alcoholism, also known as “alcohol dependence,” is a disease that includes four symptoms:
- Craving: A strong need, or compulsion, to drink.
- Loss of control: The inability to limit one's drinking on any given occasion.
- Physical dependence: Withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, sweating, shakiness, and
anxiety, occur when alcohol use is stopped after a period of heavy drinking. - Tolerance: The need to drink greater amounts of alcohol in order to “get high.”
How can you tell if someone is abusing or addicted to drugs and alcohol?
- Loss of motivation, energy.
- Unusual flare-ups, outbreaks of temper.
- Changes in sleep patterns.
- Excessive use of room deodorizers and incense.
- Changes in work or school attendance.
- Stealing from family, employer, or school.
- Deterioration of physical appearance and grooming.
- Loss of interest in activities.
- Sudden, uncaring attitudes and behavior.
- Secretive behavior involving friends, phone calls, activities and whereabouts.
If you or someone you know needs treatment, please call the Nexus admissions department at 214.321.0156, ext. 3118 or email help@nexusrecovery.org.
Resource: Prevention Online (Prevline), a service of SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) : http://ncadi.samhsa.gov.