Concerned About Drug Addiction?
Table of Contents
What Is Drug Addiction?
Addiction is a brain disorder that is both chronic and relapsing. This means that it is a long-term condition that may improve then worsen over time. People suffering from addiction are often compelled to use drugs, even when they don’t want to, leading to negative effects on health and well-being.
No one starts using drugs to become addicted. However, drug use changes the brain over time. At first, drugs create a feeling of euphoria, similar to surges of love, or achieving something important. However, over time, natural feelings of happiness become harder to achieve without the drug, and the brain needs larger amounts to feel the same effect.
Changes to the brain’s structure and function are hallmarks of addiction. This impairs a person’s ability to make rational decisions and control their behaviours. Like other diseases, addiction has serious effects on people’s lives. If left untreated, it can negatively impact health and can, in some cases, be life-threatening.1
If you, or someone you love, is struggling with drug use and addiction, remember that support is available. Facing addiction can feel isolating and overwhelming, but seeking help is a sign of strength. You don’t have to go through it alone.
Risk Factors for Developing Drug Addiction
Addiction is complex; no single factor determines why one person develops an addiction while another doesn’t. Therefore, the causes of addiction can vary from person to person.
However, certain environmental and biological risk factors can increase the chances of someone developing addiction.1
Environmental factors
- Family issues, such as abuse, neglect, or frequent conflict
- Peer pressure, especially in teen years, if friends are using drugs
- Stressful situations, like unemployment, poverty, or exposure to violence
- Experiencing trauma, like accidents or abusive relationships
- Economic disadvantages, which can lead to easier access to drugs and less access to treatment2,3
Biological factors
- Genetics: American studies have found a link that suggests that genes and family history may account for 40-60% of a person’s risk of addiction and how quickly they develop tolerance.4
- Early substance use: Taking drugs at an early age (such as in adolescence), can cause greater risk as it affects the developing brain.
- Changes to the brain: As the brain adapts to drugs, the reward system alters.5,6
Additionally, epigenetics – the way genes and environment interact – may also influence addiction risk.7
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The Cycle of Addiction
Instead of being able to experience natural highs, the brain starts to associate feeling good with a substance. When the substance is removed or reduced, people often experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. In other words, an addiction to the substance has started to develop, significantly impacting physical and mental well-being.
Key traits of addiction
The key traits of addiction are tolerance, withdrawal, cravings, loss of control and neglect of responsibilities.
Occasional drug use or experimentation also has the potential to gradually progress to dependence and addiction to drugs. Any drug misuse, therefore, can become a dangerous, addictive cycle that can be difficult to stop without support.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Misuse
If you’re concerned that either you or a loved one is addicted to drugs, the following symptoms of drug misuse may help you determine whether you should seek support.
The physical signs of drug misuse:
- Sudden weight loss or gain
- Disturbances to sleep or appetite
- Impaired coordination or speech
- Changes to the eyes, including being bloodshot or alterations in pupil size
- Health issues, such as frequent infections or liver damage
- Unusual odours on clothes, body, or breath
The behavioural signs of drug misuse:
- Risk-taking behaviours, such as driving under the influence
- Frequently acting secretive or unforthcoming
- Drop-offs in attendance or performance at work or school
- Sudden shifts in social groups, pastimes, and preferred meeting places
- Neglecting responsibilities, such as those involving home, work or school
The psychological signs of drug misuse:
- Changes in personality and attitudes
- Mood swings, irritation and emotional outbursts such as anger
- Often appearing anxious, withdrawn or fearful, without any clear trigger as to why
- Dissociation, or seeming ‘spaced-out’
In addition to the signs of drug use and addiction mentioned, people who misuse drugs may also encounter legal and financial problems as a result of these symptoms.
Furthermore, breakdowns in communication, trust and emotional stability due to drug misuse, can negatively impact relationships with loved ones. This can further exacerbate drug addiction.
Types of Substance Use Disorders
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental health condition that affects the brain and behaviours, leading to difficulties controlling the use of addictive drugs.
SUDs can be wide-ranging in terms of both type and severity; they exist on a spectrum of mild, moderate or severe conditions. Addiction is considered to be the most severe form of substance use disorder. Although these conditions are commonly associated with illegal drugs, they can also involve the misuse of legal and prescription drugs.8
Please see our dedicated pages for more detailed information on different substance use disorders:
Regardless of the type of substance use disorder you or a loved one may have, it is important to recognise that it is a treatable condition and help is available.
The Impact of Drug Addiction on Health and Life
All drugs affect the body’s central nervous system, influencing how we think, feel, and act; albeit in different ways depending on the specific substance.
Physical Effects of Drug Use
The physical effects of drug use depend on the substance used, duration of use, and the individual’s general physical health.
The following are common physical effects of drug misuse:
- Changes to appearance: Including weight loss or gain, superficial fat loss on the face, tooth decay, brittle hair and nails, and skin issues such as sores, lesions, and infections.
- Physical health problems: Such as cardiovascular and lung issues, liver damage, strokes, cancers, and increased risk of infections.
- Cognitive impairment: Including sustaining attention, problem-solving, memory issues, and ability to think flexibly (being able to switch between thinking about different tasks or concepts).
Psychological Effects of Drug Use
The psychological effects of drug misuse can also be somewhat dependent on the type of substance taken.
The following are common psychological effects of drug misuse:
- Mental health issues: Drugs are often taken to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Yet, due to tolerance and withdrawal, drug misuse can trigger or worsen such mental disorders.
- Emotion dysregulation: Due to cognitive impairment, tolerance, and withdrawal, people with a substance abuse disorder may struggle with mood swings, emotional outbursts, increased distress, and psychological withdrawal.
- Relationship difficulties: Substance misuse can lead to isolation and loneliness, as drug use often creates a disconnect in relationships with friends and family members.
- Shame and self-judgement: People struggling with drug misuse may face stigmatisation, as well as high levels of personal shame regarding their problems, which can deter them from seeking support.
- Impacts on self-concept: Substance use disorders can create identity and self-esteem problems due to how someone’s life can become consumed and defined by an addiction.
How to Seek Help for Drug Addiction
Research has demonstrated that early intervention is key for offering someone with drug misuse the best chance at successful recovery. Intervening early, before a condition can progress, allows for effective implication of strategies and support for someone who may be struggling with the early signs of addiction.
Further, early intervention can prevent a stage of ‘experimentation’ from spiralling into an addiction. It can also limit the negative health effects that drugs can cause, inhibit the impact on mental health and the effects of withdrawal, and–perhaps most importantly–help to reduce the risk of overdose.9
If you’re concerned about yourself or a loved one, it is important to reach out early for support. Talking to a trusted friend or family member and consulting with a medical professional, e.g., your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist, can be a life-changing first step towards recovery.
If you want to talk to a friend or family member about drugs, remember to actively listen, be non-judgemental and empathetic and seek professional support.
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Experience Recovery at Castle Craig
Making the decision to overcome drug dependence may be difficult, but it can positively impact your life and the lives of those around you. At Castle Craig, we aim to help you begin your recovery journey in a safe manner, making sure you have the correct level of support and therapies available that aim to provide the best possible outcomes during your recovery..
Although drug addiction is considered to be a chronic, relapsing illness, it can be overcome with the right approach and treatment.
Overcoming drug dependence typically requires a comprehensive treatment plan which encapsulates a person’s physical, psychological and emotional needs. Therefore, treatment for drug addiction often takes a combination approach of counselling and medicines.
A combination approach to drug dependence often takes into account the medical demands of withdrawal, as well as counselling which identifies and targets negative self-attitudes and beliefs around drug misuse.
At Castle Craig, we begin with a medically supervised detox, to help you safely navigate your withdrawal from the substance you have been misusing. Once this initial stage is complete, we move forward into therapy, traversing the road to recovery together. Our team of specialist therapists and medical professionals are on hand to provide the therapy solutions that you need to make the most out of your rehab from drug addiction.
At Castle Craig, our 12 Step programme is designed to help people maintain sobriety with the aid of social support in a group setting. These groups consist of individuals who are also in recovery and can offer empathy and understanding for your situation.
Finally, when overcoming drug dependence, it is essential to recognise that recovery is not just about giving up a substance. It is about understanding why you started taking a substance in the first place, how it led to alterations in your brain chemistry, and preparing for the possibility of relapse.
Mental health professionals, like the team at Castle Craig, can help you develop awareness of these factors, including assisting with relapse prevention strategies such as:
- Identifying triggers and how they can lead to urges.
- Developing coping plans and trigger avoidance strategies.
During recovery, it’s also important to engage in meaningful self-care as it can help enhance emotional resilience and maintain mental and emotional well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are the earliest signs of drug addiction to look for?
- You have intense drug cravings or drug withdrawal symptoms.
- Your friends or family members have told you they are concerned about your drug use.
- Your relationships, health, career, and finances are starting to be negatively impacted by the amount of time you spend taking drugs, or the after-effects of drug misuse.
- The amount of time you spend thinking about buying drugs, or recovering from drug use, is increasing.
- You feel anxious and irritable when you can’t get access to drugs.
- You haven’t been able to cut down on your drug use by yourself.
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Can addiction to certain drugs develop faster than others?
Addiction to certain types of drugs can develop faster than others. The type of drug, the administration of it (e.g. inhaling it), the frequency of use, genetic and social factors, and the availability of a drug can all have an impact on how quickly addiction takes hold. Nicotine, for example, has a rapid rate of addiction, as the effects take hold in just a few uses.
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What are some long-term physical and mental effects of drug addiction?
A tolerance to the effects of the drug can build up over longer periods of use. Physical dependence is also common and is a state in which the body becomes accustomed to the substance, requiring it to function normally. Drug abuse can also exasperate mental health problems and increase the risk for developing depression and other mood disorders, which can become more severe over long periods.
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Are there any common misconceptions about drug addiction?
People often think that drug addiction is a choice. In reality, addiction is a chronic disorder that affects brain chemistry; making it difficult for individuals to control their cravings. Here are just a few misconceptions about drug addiction.
Drug Addicts are just looking for a “high”. Long-term addiction is often driven by a need to avoid the withdrawal symptoms, face reality, manage pain, or cope with underlying health issues.
“Treatment doesn’t work.” Seeking comprehensive help that is tailored to your personal needs can help set you on the road to recovery. Having a medically supervised detox, followed by a range of therapies based on your own needs, underpinned by ongoing support through community groups helps individuals maintain strategies for long-term recovery.
“Addicts can stop on their own.” Due to the physical and psychological aspects of drug addiction, man y people need help to quit and should do so under medical supervision to ensure it is done safely.
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What is the best way to support someone who may be struggling with addiction?
Addiction is a serious illness that can have life-altering consequences if left untreated. Over time, it can lead to worsening health, accidental harm, or in some cases, tragic outcomes like overdose or suicide.
By seeking professional treatment, your loved one has the opportunity to regain their health and build a future in recovery. Taking the first step now can make all the difference in their journey.
Contact our team or learn more about what to do if your loved one is trapped in a cycle of addiction here.
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How does drug addiction affect young people compared to adults?
Children of parents who are struggling with addiction are often subject to neglect and abuse (mental, physical, and sexual). Maternal drug use can also impact an unborn baby – even after birth – and there are psychological and developmental challenges to the child’s welfare as they grow.
According to studies, children are more than twice as likely to develop drug and/or alcohol addiction by the time they reach young adulthood. Find more information here.
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References
1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drug Misuse and Addiction. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-misuse-addiction. [Accessed January 2025].
2. Morales AM, et al. Identifying Early Risk Factors for Addiction Later in Life: a Review of Prospective Longitudinal Studies. Curr Addict Rep. 2019;7(1): 89-98. doi: 10.1007/s40429-019-00282-y.
3. Mennis J, Stahler GJ, Mason MJ. Risky Substance Use Environments and Addiction: A New Frontier for Environmental Justice Research. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health. 2016;13(6): 607. doi: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph13060607.
4. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). (2023). New NIH Study Reveals Shared Genetic Markers Underlying Substance Use Disorders. https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2023/03/new-nih-study-reveals-shared-genetic-markers-underlying-substance-use-disorders. [Accessed January 2025].
5. Deak JD, Johnson EC. Genetics of substance use disorders: a review. Psychol Med. 2021;51(13): 2189–200. doi:10.1017/S0033291721000969.
6. Van den Bree MBM, et al. Genetic and environmental influences on drug use and abuse/dependence in male and female twins. Drug Alcohol Depend. 1998;52(3): 231-41. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0376-8716(98)00101-X
7. Bevilacqua L, Goldman D. Genes and Addictions. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2009;85(4): 359-61. doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/clpt.2009.6.
8. National Institute of Mental Health. Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health [Accessed January 2025].
9. Der Sarkissian, C., and Morgan, K. (2024). Early Intervention for Substance Use Disorders. https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/early-intervention-substance-use-disorder. [Accessed January 2025].