drug addiction

3 Warning Signs of Drug Addiction

Published On: March 16, 2023|Categories: Addiction|

Despite the prevalence of these programs, many students and adults still end up using and abusing drugs. And when people use drugs, they often get addicted. Addiction is defined by Web MD as a physical and psychological need to use a substance, even though it may have harmful effects on the body. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration, roughly 11.5 million people in the United States ages 12 and up misused prescription pain medicine in 2016. Detecting addiction, compared to use or misuse, can be a difficult thing, but there are some telltale signs. Here are three of those signs.

Cravings

When drug addiction becomes a serious problem, the user craves the substance. Whatever it is, they cannot get through the day without it. They no longer can keep the substance off of their mind when they are not currently using. The urge to use the drug cannot be ignored. Cravings typically get worse as the drug addiction develops. At that point, drug abuse treatment is essential.

Tolerance

When someone initially starts using, and then abusing, a substance, it does not take very much for them to feel the effects. The longer they use, however, the more of the substance it takes for them to feel the same effects. This is called building up a tolerance. At this point, drug rehabilitation centers should be considered.

Withdrawal Symptoms

When a drug user stops using their substance of choice, whether it is voluntary or encouraged by drug rehab centers, one will start to notice withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms will presents themselves in different ways, depending on the substance that. However, when the user starts going through withdrawal, it indicates a physiologic dependence.

Drug addiction is a very serious issue, and in some cases, it can be hard to identify. If the user displays cravings, builds up a tolerance, and experiences withdrawal symptoms when they stop using the drug, chances are they were addicted. If you or someone you know has an issue with drug addiction, contact us for help today.