Drug Abuse Addiction

Drug abuse, addiction and alcoholism are three of the most common problems plaguing teens and adolescents today.  However, despite the fact that the numbers are increasing, there are many things you can do to help prevent a drug abuse addiction problem before it starts. Whether or not someone becomes dependent or addicted to a drug depends on many factors.  While it is believed that family history and genetics play a part in determining the susceptibility to  drug abuse problems, other factors include the age at which the drug use started, length of time the drug has been used, as well as how frequently the drug is used.  All of these things are topics that are discussed as part of a clinical evaluation to determine if you could be in need of drug abuse counseling.

The Difference Between Drug Abuse and Addiction

It is a common misunderstanding that drug abuse and addiction is the same thing but when you know the drug abuse facts, you will easily see a distinct difference between the two.  In a nutshell, drug abuse involves the intentional abuse of a substance; drug addiction refers to the chemical drug dependence of a substance.  Not everyone that uses drugs becomes addicted to them.  There are various levels or stages of drug abuse problems and addiction.  Whether or not someone becomes addicted to a drug is dependent on many factors. One thing to note is that drug abuse statistics show that those suffering from drug abuse do tend to go on to drug addiction.

Substance Abuse Disorder

Drug abuse and addiction normally starts with what is considered a substance abuse disorder.  Someone is classified as having a substance abuse disorder when the using of a substance begins inhibiting daily life functions such as work and school performance, creates problems with friends and family or troubles with the law.  People that have a drug abuse problem are not necessarily addicted to the drug.  They are perfectly able to make a conscious decision on whether or not to use the drug at any given time.  For example, someone with chronic pain problems may abuse prescription drugs by continuing to take the drugs long-term as a “quick fix” method of dealing with the pain.  They are not actually chemically dependent or addicted to the drug. For drug abuse and addiction information, call our confidential 24 hour helpline at 1-800-943-0566.

Chemical Dependency

A substance abuse disorder turns into a chemical dependency when the abuser continues to take a substance regardless of the drug abuse effects or problems associated with it.  Some of the common drug abuse symptoms of chemical dependency include an increased tolerance for the drug or substance, unsuccessful attempts to quit and withdrawal symptoms when the quantity or frequency of the substance has been reduced.  This is the turning point, or middle ground, where the difference between drug abuse and addiction begin to take shape.  This is when a drug abuse problem is behind them and an addiction problem is before them.  This is the point where the drug problem is rapidly growing out of control. 

Chemical Addiction

If someone has already been experiencing chemical dependency problems, drug abuse and addiction have begun to go their separate ways and addiction is all that looms in the future if the problem is not addressed right away.  When someone becomes chemically addicted to a drug or substance, willpower alone will not be enough to break the bondage.  Someone that is chemically addicted to a drug is controlled and enslaved by that drug.  What used to be a conscience choice to abuse a drug becomes a compulsive behavior that appears unstoppable.

If you see signs of drug abuse or addiction in yourself or someone you love, please contact our 24-hour helpline at 1-800-943-0566.  A qualified professional will offer you confidential assistance any time you need it.