Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is the “use
of a drug for a reason other than which it was
intended or in a manner or in quantities other
than directed. Drug dependence is a compulsion
to take a drug to produce a desired effect or
prevent unpleasant effects when the drug is withheld.
Risk factors for drug abuse include: low self
esteem, inability to deal with stress and emotional
instability.”
If a person uses drugs, at a high
enough dose, frequently enough and for a long
period of time, these drugs change the way the
brain functions.
George Koob, M.D., a professor of
neuropharmacology at Scripps Research Institute
believes that addiction is linked to the brain’s
pleasure-reward system. Drug abuse and addiction
reduce the brain’s ability to function normally.
People who are addicted initially take the drug
because it makes them feel good. But over time
they take it just to return to feeling “normal.”
The essence of addiction is that a person has
created an artificial state and after a while
the system has become so compromised that a person
is taking the drug to return to a normal state.
In effect, the addict spends most of his/her time
not trying to get some extra bliss, but just trying
to feel normal.
Scientists and medical experts
now consider the disease of addiction to be chronic
and relapsing; understanding why addicts are so
prone to relapse is a major area of research.
The phenomenon of craving can linger months or
even years after an addict quits using. Scientists
have discovered evidence that craving may be partly
a physiological phenomenon, related to the long-term
changes in brain function that addiction causes.
“Addiction is a result of
brain changes that over time get translated into
behavior changes,” says the National Institute
for Drug Abuse director, Alan Leshner.
What are the differences
between a drug user, a drug abuser, and a drug
addict?
Many people assume that addiction is
simply an overuse of drugs, and that the addict
is just a drug user who chooses to use too much.
But research has shown that addiction, unlike
casual drug use, is no longer a matter of free
choice. "Functionally you've moved into a
different state, a state of compulsive drug use,"
says Leshner. "People have a lot of trouble
understanding that addiction is not an issue of
choice or will or morality. " The National
Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine, the
American Psychiatric Association, and the American
Medical Association all define this state of driven,
compulsive use as the essence of addiction. Someone
who abuses drugs may suffer negative consequences
from using, as the addict does, but generally
can and does stop when these consequences become
too severe. The addict may be unable to stop,
even after massive negative consequences, without
medical and/or behavioral help. Says Steven Hyman,
M.D., director of the National Institute of Mental
Health, "An alcoholic taking a drink looks
like anyone else engaged in that behavior, but
what's happening in his or her head is different.”
What is the difference between someone
who can drink or dabble in illicit drugs without
developing dependence or many negative consequences,
and someone who becomes an addict? Researchers
believe that there is a great variability among
individuals when it comes to their vulnerability
to becoming addicted. “The more stress,
the more likely it is you will get addicted,”
says Leshner. Risk of addiction, however, is also
driven by genetic, biological, environmental and
social factors.
Help! I have a loved one
that needs help with his or her addiction to drugs.
Although a small percentage of people
are able to recover from addiction without help,
the majority of individuals need assistance. With
treatment and support, many individuals are able
to stop abusing drugs and rebuild their lives.
Many individuals have approached
their loved one regarding his/her addiction, with
no success. It may be helpful when talking with
your loved one, to have a third party present
that is professionally trained and knowledgeable
about drug abuse and addiction.
Addiction Intervention Resources
moves your family out of crisis and assists in
addressing your loved one’s addiction.
CLICK HERE to read more information on addiction-related crisis interventions or call our National Call Center 800.561.8158
Sources
Medical Dictionary Search Engine http://www.books.md/D/dic/drugaddiction.php
Firshein, Janet. Excerpts from “Moyers
On Addiction, Close to Home.” PBS Online http://www.pbs.org/wnet/closetohome/home.html
Leshner, Alan I. “Addiction
is a Brain Disease.” Issues in Science and Technology, Spring 2001. http://www.nap.edu/issues/17.3/leshner.htm