For some people the use drugs (both recreational or prescription) leads to the negative consequences of abuse or addiction and a variety of problems. Drug abuse applies to both the use and abuse of illegal as well as prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Drug abuse can lead to drug addition which is a chronic disease resulting in uncontrolled use of drugs and a range of harmful effects. Drug addicts can also suffer serious psychological issues.
Those addicted to drugs are unable to limit or control their use of drugs and they often take extreme measures to obtain drugs. If use of drugs is causing issues within your life, work or relationships it is possible you are suffering from a drug abuse issue or addiction despite how small or infrequently your drug use is. Drug abusers and addicts, as well as family members, can benefit from seeing a qualified counsellor as therapy can assist with developing healthy ways of coping with your addictive disease.
Causes of addiction
Addictions can form for many reasons. Some substances (drugs, alcohol and nicotine) affect the way you feel physically and mentally. When you gain enjoyment from these feelings it can create a strong desire to use the substances again. Other types of addiction can form from mental “euphoria” related to the activity such as winning in gambling or stealing. This mental “high” causes a strong urge to repeat the activity and experience the same feeling again. In both situations the desire to repeat an activity can become a habit. When a habit forms it can become incredibly hard to stop which can leads to addiction.
Another aspect of having an addiction is that stopping or quitting the habit can cause withdrawal symptoms. These withdrawal symptoms can be physically and mentally unpleasant which makes continuing the habit and giving in to your craving seem easier.
How addictions affect you
Attempting to manage an addiction can seriously damage your work life and relationships. With addictions relating to substance misuse the addiction may have serious psychological and physical effects on the person addicted. Often an addict uses their addiction as a shield against difficult issues or emotions. Various factors can trigger addictions such as emotional or professional pressure, unemployment and poverty.
