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Drug Addiction

What is Drug Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a “relapsing” disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.

Why do people take drugs?

In general, people take drugs for a few reasons:

  • To feel good. Drugs can produce intense feelings of pleasure. This initial euphoria is followed by other effects, which differ with the type of drug used. For example, with stimulants such as cocaine, the high is followed by feelings of power, self-confidence, and increased energy. In contrast, the euphoria caused by opioids such as heroin is followed by feelings of relaxation and satisfaction.
  • To feel better. Some people who suffer from social anxiety, stress, and depression start using drugs to try to feel less anxious. Stress can play a major role in starting and continuing drug use as well as relapse (return to drug use) in patients recovering from addiction.
  • To do better. Some people feel pressure to improve their focus in school or at work or their abilities in sports. This can play a role in trying or continuing to use drugs, such as prescription stimulants or cocaine.
  • Curiosity and social pressure. In this respect, teens are particularly at risk because peer pressure can be very strong. Adolescence is a developmental period during which the presence of risk factors, such as peers who use drugs, may lead to substance use.

What are the signs of addiction?

Symptoms of addiction vary from person to person and based on the substance or activity. In general, signs include:

  • Inability to stop: People may use a substance or engage in harmful addictive behaviour even if they want to stop. They may have tried multiple times to reduce the substance use or behaviour but can’t. They may also lie to their loved ones about it or try to hide it.
  • Increased tolerance: Over time, they may need more of the substance or activity to feel the same euphoric effects as they did before.
  • Intense focus on the substance or activity: People with addictions become pathologically preoccupied with the substance or activity. They may feel that the addiction has taken over their lives, as they spend more and more time craving, obtaining and thinking of the subject of the addiction.
  • Lack of control: They may feel like they’ve lost complete control over their substance use or activity and often feel helpless. They may often feel guilty, depressed and/or overwhelmed by their addiction and how much it’s impacted their lives.
  • Personal problems and health issues: Addiction impacts all aspects of their lives, including their physical health, mental health, personal relationships and career. They may have issues fulfilling responsibilities at work, school or home due to substance use or the activity. Again, despite knowing the detrimental effects their addictions are having on them, they can’t stop.
  • Withdrawal: People with addiction may experience emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms when they stop using. Physical symptoms include shaking, sweating or vomiting. They may also become anxious or irritable.

These signs may vary based on individual circumstances and the nature of the abused substance. Identifying these indicators promptly can be crucial in seeking appropriate assistance.

Treatment Approaches

Identifying the problem and actively seeking help is the first step in the diagnosis process, often initiated by concerned friends or family members. A qualified healthcare professional conducts a comprehensive assessment, which includes medical evaluations, examinations, and discussions to understand the factors contributing to the individual’s substance addiction. 

Once the assessment is finished, the collected data is carefully reviewed to start a treatment plan, often administered at a reputable rehabilitation center. Our rehabilitation center in Dhaka, Bangladesh, is well-known for providing outstanding drug addiction treatment. Our team of dedicated professionals supports patients throughout their recovery process.

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