Signs of Substance Abuse and Addiction

Substance dependence is interchangeable with the term "drug addiction". Drug addiction is a term used to describe an individual's compulsive need to use addictive substances in order to function normally. Additionally, and more importantly, the definition of addiction must include "withdrawal". Withdrawal is when the addictive substances is not taken or used, the user suffers from substance withdrawal. For more information about drug addiction please see the search results below.

Drug addiction is a dependence on an illegal drug or a prescription medication. Addicts are not able to control their drug use, and continue using the drug despite the negative consequences (loss of employment, jail, or death). Drug addicts experience an intense craving for the drug. Even if they want to quit, they can't. Even if the consequences mount the drug addict continues to use substances that harm his or her life.

For many people, what starts as recreational use leads to drug addiction. Drug addiction can cause serious negative consequences that become long-term problems, including physical and mental health issues, destroyed relationships, employment loss, and involvement with criminal justice system.

People begin experimenting with drugs for different reasons. The most prominent reason is curiosity and peer pressure (low self-image and used as an "ice-breaker"). Adolescents just want to have a good time, a because their friends are doing it, they try it. Also, another reason adolescents start using drugs is to ease another problem, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.