Drug addiction (dependence) is compulsively using a substance, despite its negative and sometimes dangerous effects. Drug abuse is using a drug excessively, or for purposes for which it was not medically intended.
A physical dependence on a substance (needing the drug to function) is not always part of the definition of addiction. Some drugs (for example, some blood pressure medications) don't cause addiction but do cause physical dependence. Other drugs cause addiction without physical dependence (cocaine withdrawal, for example, doesn't have symptoms like vomiting and chills; it mainly involves depression).
See also:
Drug abuse
Drug abuse first aid
Alternative Names
Drug addiction; Addiction - drug
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. People who use drugs for pain relief may become dependent, although this is rare in those who don't have a history of addiction.
The exact cause of drug abuse and dependence is not known. However, the person's genes, the action of the drug, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and environmental stress all can be factors.
Peer pressure can lead to drug use or abuse, but at least half of those who become addicted have depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or another psychological problem.
Children who grow up in an environment of illicit drug use may first see their parents using drugs. This may put them at a higher risk for developing an addiction later in life for both environmental and genetic reasons.
Signs of drug use in children include but are not limited to:
A change in the child's friends
Withdrawn behavior
Long unexplained periods away from home
Lying
Stealing
Involvement with the law
Problems with family relations
Acting drunk or high (intoxicated), confused, impossible to understand, or unconscious
Distinct changes in behavior and normal attitude
Decreased school performance
Commonly abused substances include:
Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers that cause drowsiness (sedation) and feelings of euphoria. These include heroin, opium, codeine, meperidine (Demerol), hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and Oxycontin.
Alcoholism (7 images)
Average Rating:
(Doctor-Reviewed information)
Alcoholism is an illness marked by drinking alcoholic beverages at a level that interferes with physical health,¿mental health, and social, family, or occupational responsibilities. Alcoholism is divided into 2 categories: dependence and abuse. People with alcohol dependence, the most severe alcohol disorder, usually experience tolerance and withdrawal. Tolerance is a need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or the desired effect. Withdrawal occurs when alcohol is discontinued or intake is decreased. Alcohol dependents spend a great deal of time drinking alcohol, and obtaining it. Alcohol abusers may have legal problems such as drinking and driving. They may also¿have problems with binge drinking (drinking 6 or more drinks at one sitting. People who are dependent on or abuse alcohol continue to drink it¿despite evidence of physical or psychological problems. Those with dependence have more severe problems and a greater compulsion to drink. Reviewer: Paul Ballas, D.O., Department of Psychiatry, Thomas Jefferson UniversityHospital, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.Date: 05/08/2006
Print
