Addiction is a disease of the parts of the brain that control behavior, regulate moods, and determine decision-making priorities needed for survival. When these regions are functioning normally, they tell us to seek water when we are thirsty, for example, and food when we are hungry. However, alcohol and certain drugs can alter brain function in such a way that a person feels an overwhelming urge to seek out and consume these substances. People suffering from addiction are often called addicts. Health-care professionals refer to alcoholism and drug addiction as substance use disorders.
This article mainly discusses drug addiction. Some of the most common drugs of addiction can be purchased legally by adults. These substances include alcohol, tobacco, and certain prescription drugs. Other misused drugs are illegal—that is, under most circumstances, their possession and sale are forbidden by law. Commonly misused drugs include opioids, such as heroin or fentanyl; stimulants, including amphetamines or cocaine; sedatives, such as benzodiazepines and barbiturates; and cannabinoids (marijuana). Alcohol addiction is described in the Alcoholism article. For more information on the misuse of drugs, see Drug misuse.
Symptoms
of drug addiction vary among individuals and the particular drug involved. They include intense cravings or a strong desire to use drugs. People addicted to drugs are also unable to control or quit their drug use. They devote more and more time to drug use while neglecting important responsibilities in school, at work, in the home, or in social settings. They continue to use drugs despite knowing that it is harmful. They use drugs in potentially dangerous activities such as driving or operating machines. People who use drugs frequently develop a tolerance for the drugs they use. That is, they need to take larger amounts of drugs to achieve a desired effect, or they find the same amount no longer produces the desired effect. People with addiction also become physically dependent on the drugs they use, with signs of drug withdrawal when drug use is abruptly stopped.
People addicted to certain drugs are at risk of drug overdose. An overdose occurs when a person takes a larger than normal dose of a particular substance, often accidentally. An overdose of opioids and many other drugs can be fatal.
Treatments
for addiction are imperfect, and not all patients recover with treatment. Addiction treatment has three main phases: management of withdrawal, stabilization, and maintenance. Withdrawal is the reaction of the body when regular drug use is stopped. Withdrawal from opioids can occur within hours after the last dose, causing a variety of symptoms, including drug craving, restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea and vomiting, and cold flashes. When it is managed by a medical professional, the process of withdrawal is called detoxification or detox.
Health-care professionals use several medications to stabilize addiction behaviors and curb cravings. Methadone or buprenorphine are used as a substitute for heroin or other opioids. Such medications are known as agonists. They affect the same brain receptors as the addicted substance. Other drugs are called antagonists. These drugs block the effect of the addicted substance. Naltrexone is a drug commonly used to block the effects of an opioid. Naloxone, often sold under the brand name Narcan, is an antagonist given to individuals who have overdosed on opioids. It blocks the effect of the opioid to save their life.
After a patient is stabilized and can gain some control over the urge to consume a drug, continued counseling is needed to maintain recovery. People with addictions often relapse (begin taking drugs again). Relapsing after treatment does not mean that drug treatment is ineffective. Researchers have found that drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing condition. Longer-term, scientifically based treatments for addiction can be as effective as treatments for many other chronic illnesses.
Prevention.
The best way to prevent a drug use disorder is to avoid illegal drugs and to use caution with addictive prescription drugs. Individuals who come from families with relatives who have alcohol or drug problems are at increased risk for addiction. Individuals who drink alcohol or use drugs before the age of 21 are also at increased risk of addiction. Individuals should take prescription medications only as directed by a doctor. Individuals should not share such drugs with friends or family members. Any unused prescription medications should be discarded safely.
