What is Drug Addiction

Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic and often relapsing brain disorder characterized by the compulsive seeking and use of drugs, despite harmful consequences. It involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control, which can persist even after stopping drug use.

Key Characteristics of Drug Addiction

1. Craving: A powerful urge to use the drug, often overpowering other thoughts.

2. Loss of Control: Inability to stop using the drug or control its use, even when attempting to quit.

3. Tolerance: Needing more of the drug to achieve the same effect due to repeated use.

4. Withdrawal: Experiencing physical and psychological symptoms when not using the drug.

5. Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritizing drug use over important life activities and responsibilities.

6. Continued Use Despite Harm: Persisting in drug use even when it causes or worsens physical, psychological, social, or legal problems.

Causes and Risk Factors

Drug addiction is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors:

1. Genetic Predisposition: Family history of addiction can increase the risk.

2. Environment: Exposure to drugs, peer pressure, stress, and lack of social support can contribute.

3. Psychological Factors: Mental health disorders, trauma, and chronic stress are significant risk factors.

4. Developmental Factors: Adolescents are particularly vulnerable due to ongoing brain development.

Commonly Abused Substances

1. Alcohol

2. Opioids (prescription painkillers, heroin)

3. Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine)

4. Cannabis

5. Hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin)

6. Inhalants

7. Sedatives and Anxiolytics (benzodiazepines)

Effects of Drug Addiction

1. Physical Health: Damage to organs, increased risk of infectious diseases, and overdose.

2. Mental Health: Anxiety, depression, psychosis, and cognitive impairment.

3. Social Consequences: Strained relationships, job loss, financial problems, and legal issues.

4. Behavioral Changes: Increased secrecy, risky behaviors, and neglect of personal hygiene and responsibilities.

Treatment and Recovery

Drug addiction is treatable, but it requires a combination of medical care, psychological therapy, and social support. Treatment often includes a combination of:

1. Behavioral Therapies: CBT, motivational interviewing, contingency management.

2. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications to manage withdrawal, reduce cravings, and treat co-occurring conditions.

3. Support Groups: Peer support from groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

4. Integrated Care: Addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and providing holistic care.

Recovery is a long-term process that often involves multiple interventions and continuous support to manage the chronic nature of addiction and prevent relapse.

Getting Help in Canada

1. Health Canada: Provides national guidelines and resources for substance use treatment and harm reduction.

2. Provincial Health Authorities: Each province has a dedicated portal for mental health and addictions services (e.g., Ontario’s ConnexOntario, BC’s HealthLink BC, Alberta Health Services).

3. Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA): Offers research, policy advice, and resources on substance use issues.

4. Telehealth Services: Many provinces offer 24/7 hotlines for support, referrals, and crisis intervention (e.g., 811 in several provinces for health-related advice).

5. Local Community Health Centres: Often provide addiction counseling, harm reduction services, and referrals to specialized programs.

Resources

Drug_addiction , Wikipedia

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction , National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Drug addiction (substance use disorder) MAYO Clinic

Substance use disorder , Wikipedia

Get help with substance use . Health Canada

How Your Diet Affects Your Ability to Beat Addiction