Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse: What Is It?

Drug addiction and substance abuse occur when someone becomes so accustomed to drugs or alcohol that they struggle to function without them. Dependence can also happen when a person’s body experiences withdrawal symptoms without the substance. Attachment to any substance impacts a person and their loved ones. The effects of addiction can cause a person to forgo job and home responsibilities, focusing time, money, and energy on getting the next hit or drink instead of taking care of themselves and family members.

Addiction is a mental disorder that tears up lives, wrecking the user’s body, destroying career opportunities, and severing relationships. The sole focus of a person’s life becomes substance misuse, and it’s all-consuming.

Addiction is often misunderstood. Many people assume it’s just a matter of willpower—that if someone really wanted to quit, they could. While motivation and environment can play a role, addiction is far more complex. Like diabetes or certain heart conditions, addiction is a chronic disease. It changes the way the brain and body function, making it extremely difficult to stop without medical support and ongoing care.

It’s also important to understand that addiction, substance abuse, and substance dependence are not interchangeable terms. While they’re related, each refers to a different aspect of how substances affect behavior and health.

The medical definition of addiction describes it as a condition characterized by patterns of behavior caused by the use of a substance that an individual continues to consume despite experiencing negative effects. This condition often includes a strong urge to use the substance due to the pleasurable feelings it provides, such as euphoria or pain relief. This compulsion can quickly become overwhelming and often requires significant intervention for a person to begin the recovery process.

Fortunately, help is available. Services like RehabNet can connect you with a licensed addiction counselor, verify your insurance coverage, and identify which treatment facilities in your area accept your insurance.

Substance abuse disorder is the regular use of drugs or alcohol without necessarily being addicted or dependent. It can be an occasional use, like at social events or on weekends. Many who abuse drugs or alcohol may not feel like they have a problem simply because they’re not addicted or dependent. The danger of substance abuse is how easy it is to transition to more severe health conditions, and mentally or physically relying on a drug or alcohol to get through something. The next phase is often having a little more or reaching for the fix faster. Before you know it, you’re addicted to the behavior, or your body relies on the effects.

Drug dependence happens when a person’s body becomes accustomed to a substance and exhibits withdrawal symptoms when they don’t regularly consume it. The person can be noncommittal about use, meaning they aren’t displaying symptoms of addiction, such as craving. They don’t have the behavioral components, but they can experience physical deficits when they aren’t using.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR) have combined addiction, substance abuse, and substance dependence into one diagnosis—substance use disorder (SUD). Diagnosis of a SUD can include any combination of the symptoms of addiction to, abuse of, and dependence on a substance.

Addiction is often viewed as a compulsive behavior problem, but it’s important to recognize that it can extend beyond just substance use. Individuals can become addicted to various types of highs, not limited to drugs or alcohol. For SUDs such as alcohol or opioid addiction, treatment usually involves both medication and behavioral therapy. The science behind addiction is complex and influenced by numerous factors. However, treatment programs for SUDs demonstrate that recovery is a realistic and achievable lifestyle choice.

Being addicted to a substance means sacrificing many other aspects of life to use drugs or alcohol. It can start with misusing prescription medication and lead to purchasing illicit drugs to keep dopamine high rolling. For example, methamphetamines are prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Common drug addiction types include:

• Opioids (prescription meds, heroin)
• Stimulants (prescription drugs, amphetamines, cocaine)
• Depressants (alcohol, cannabis, sedatives)
• Hallucinogens (LSD, shrooms, ketamine)

Alcohol is classified as a drug and is one of the most commonly used substances worldwide due to its social role in many cultures. Alcohol addiction (alcohol use disorder, or AUD) is a medical condition that causes frequent or heavy alcohol use. As with substance use disorder, alcohol addiction is not the same as just alcohol abuse. Alcohol abuse is the act of misusing alcohol, while alcohol addiction refers to a disorder caused by compulsive use despite negative effects.

Variations of alcohol abuse:

• Binge drinking: drinking an excessive amount of alcohol in one sitting
• Heavy drinking: binge drinking frequently or drinking most days of the week
• High-functioning alcoholism: an alcohol addiction in which the individual seems functional and successful despite their drinking problem
• Alcohol use disorder: frequent or heavy alcohol use despite any issues drinking causes emotionally, physically, or socially.

Alcohol addiction can appear very different from person to person, and some people may not even realize they have an addiction because of these differences. Yet any kind of alcohol addiction is dangerous and should be treated.

Unlike substance addictions, a behavioral addiction doesn’t necessarily require an item or substance to get high, but it can. It can be caused by social problems, like struggling to connect in person and preferring a digital life, mental illness, and disabilities that lead to being homebound.

Common behaviors that people become addicted to include:

• Gambling
• Internet usage (doom scrolling, pornography, etc.)
• Shopping
• Gaming
• Social media/TV
• Food/overeating
• Sex
• Kleptomania (stealing)

Each of these addiction types has a particular downfall. People become obsessed with catching the next high, which can be all-consuming. They give up activities they used to enjoy in favor of whatever they’re addicted to. While these lists cover some of the more common addictions, they are not exhaustive.

Addictions aren’t always obvious, and people who are struggling can take extraordinary measures to hide addiction symptoms. Stigmas of guilt and shame often keep people from reaching out when they realize they have a problem. Keep reading for information on drug abuse signs and how to tell if someone is addicted.

Physical symptoms may take a while to present. Changes in appearance, weight loss, and poor hygiene can occur over time, and it’s easy to attribute them to something else. Wearing long sleeves to cover needle marks and sinus issues that come from using inhalants can indicate drug use. That’s one reason why it’s essential to use a wide lens and look for a compilation of signs and symptoms of addictive behaviors.

A behavior change can be sudden or progressive. Secretive behavior, neglect of responsibilities, and money problems can indicate that something more is going on. Young people can be particularly susceptible to peer pressure despite the school’s promotion of a drug-free environment.

Unusual mood swings, exhibiting paranoid thoughts, depression, and anxiety can all indicate that a person is dealing with some kind of addiction. It’s important that both mental health and addiction symptoms are treated in recovery.

One of the big questions is “Why do people get addicted?” The causes of addiction are frequently misunderstood. It can occur over time, and it can be a sudden, solid attachment. It depends on several factors, including what substance is used.

Studies show that genetic addiction factors play a significant role. If a close family member has a history of using illegal drugs, chances are higher for others in the family tree. Brain chemistry is another consideration. Certain chemical combinations make a person more likely to develop an addiction because of how a substance affects their brain.

Environmental factors in addiction can have a significant impact on their likelihood of becoming addicted to something. Peer pressure at school or in the neighborhood, for example, can be the encouragement that leads to someone trying a substance for the first time. Similarly, early exposure, whether it’s at home, school, or somewhere else, can normalize substance use for a person and cause them to be more inclined to try something. Trauma at any age can lead a person to seek an escape to relieve them from bad experiences.

Having a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety can mean a person’s barriers to drug or alcohol use are lower than they would be otherwise. Feeling low or stressed out can make a person desire an easy fix and decide that a substance will do that for them.

Risk factors for addiction don’t necessarily cause you to lean into substance use, but they create a perfect storm of elements that can make you more inclined to become addicted. Mental health and addiction are closely connected. Struggles with mental health can be part of your risk factors, and they can exacerbate other components.

Addiction vulnerability can include:

• Genetic risk factors: Genetic predisposition for addiction stems from having a family member with a SUD.
• Environmental risk factors: Who’s in your social circle, whether you’re stressed, and your socioeconomic status can increase your risk factors.
• Personal risk factors: The state of your mental health and any history of trauma add considerations to your risk.

In addition to risk factors, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) identifies protective factors. These are elements that decrease your likelihood of addiction. These can be influenced by things like a strong, positive community and home life, anti-drug education, and healthy relationships.

The impact of addiction can begin immediately and grow over time. How long you’ve used a substance, how much you typically use, and whether you’re using multiple substances or have a co-occurring disorder all factor into the consequences of your addiction.

There are many general, short-term effects people experience when addicted to a substance.

Short-term effects of drug addiction include:

• Impaired judgment
• Risk-taking behaviors
• Intoxication
• Distorted senses
• Euphoria
• Slurred speech
• Decreased or increased heart rate
• Decreased or increased blood pressure
• Increased activity or energy
• Respiratory issues
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Anxiety or paranoia
• Irritability
• Erratic behavior
• Engagement in risky behaviors
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Respiratory failure
• Seizures
• Coma
• Insomnia

While short-term effects of addiction can be dangerous, long-term effects can also pose serious health problems.

Long-term drug abuse effects include:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Lung disease
• Infertility
• Liver damage
• Memory loss and other types of impaired cognition
• Central nervous system damage
• Paralysis
• Kidney failure
• Overdose
• Fatality

On a social level, you can lose your job, get into trouble with law enforcement and the court system, and lack financial resources for everyday expenses. Your relationships with friends and family members can also suffer.

The DSM-5 criteria for addiction are a set of factors considered in diagnosis. They’re used to measure whether a person is abusing or dependent on a substance and to what degree.

The criteria used in addiction assessment with the updates in DSM-5 include whether:

• The use of a substance is hazardous to others
• A person has social or interpersonal issues because of using
• A person disregards their responsibilities to use
• They experience withdrawal symptoms when not using
• The amount of a substance needed to get the same effect increases
• A person is taking a substance for an extended time or taking more than they’re supposed to (as with prescription drug abuse)
• Attempts to quit or reduce use are without success
• A person’s time is focused on using, including securing the substance and recovering from its use
• Using a substance causes physical or psychological issues, but the person continues to use it
• Normal, enjoyable daily activities are given up in favor of using

Health professionals will do an initial addiction assessment as part of intake to shape your treatment plan. They use drug screening tests that usually include questions and labs that help them diagnose addiction. You must meet two or more of the criteria above within a year.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines the options for testing and self-assessments. Sometimes, you can self-diagnose with an addiction, but it’s best to get help from a professional to ensure effective treatment that prevents relapse as much as possible.

Between the challenges of stigma and the appeal of using, knowing when to seek addiction treatment can be difficult. Monitoring how you feel and how big the pull to use is can help you identify when you have a problem.

Signs you need rehab can include:

• Prioritizing drug use over other activities you once enjoyed
• Spending money on buying drugs instead of paying household bills
• Avoiding friends and family members to get your next fix

Early intervention for addiction can give you the tools to move forward with your life, but recovery is possible at any stage of addiction.

You can ask yourself the following questions to determine if you need to seek help:

• Do you struggle to stop using drugs or alcohol?
• Have you tried and failed to stop using the substance?
• Do you find yourself spending a lot of time thinking about drugs or alcohol when you’re not using them?
• Do you feel out of control when you use drugs or alcohol?
• Do you feel unable to function or perform basic tasks without drugs or alcohol?
• Is your drug or alcohol use affecting your relationships? Career? Friendships? Health? Finances?
• Do you have to drink more or use more drugs to feel the way you did when you first started using the substance?
• Do you use drugs or alcohol in unsafe environments or circumstances?
• Do you hide or lie about your drug or alcohol use?

When you seek addiction treatment options, you will be given a plan that is designed for your level of addiction, addiction type, and other needs. It will include a combination of medical interventions and therapeutic approaches.

Detoxification is usually the first step in treating a SUD. The goal with detox for addiction is to wean your body off any dependence and manage withdrawal symptoms like cravings. If you have an opioid addiction or are an alcoholic, medication is often a part of treatment. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can extend to the rest of your life, depending on your addiction.

Rehab can start with inpatient treatment, then progress to a variety of options. With inpatient care, providers monitor vitals, administer fluids and medications as needed, and counsel patients while they’re in residence full time.

One step down is a partial hospitalization program (PHP), which allows patients to reduce in-hospital time and stay at home some nights. The expectation is that patients will be at the hospital for 5-7 days a week for treatment.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) move a patient into living at home full-time while being treated 3-5 days a week at a treatment facility. Standard outpatient programs typically allow patients to live at home, maintain a regular job, and continue their recovery care.

The range of drug rehab programs available can be tailored to what best fits your needs to support your recovery.

Therapy for addiction helps you get to the roots of why you’ve become addicted to a substance and how you can avoid or cope with triggers in the future. The most effective plans include a few types of therapy tailored to your addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy, and 12-step programs based on the model set by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can give you a supportive environment to work through problems and develop tools for moving in society.

Entering into recovery involves some hard choices being made for the remainder of your life, but addiction is a preventable disease. Many find themselves in a cycle of attachment or dependence before they realize it’s happened. That’s why drug abuse prevention strategies are so important.

When schools and communities provide information on addiction prevention, everyone benefits. It cuts down on child and teen drug abuse rates. Those who understand how easy addiction occurs and the damage it can do are more likely to avoid that first hit or drink. In many instances, once is all it takes to become an addict. It’s a euphoric escape that’s easy to repeat.

Feeling like you have people to talk to when there’s a problem in your life can help reduce substance abuse. When you can call a friend, family member, or therapist, you can often get what you need without leaning on drugs or alcohol. With a less supportive circle, it’s more common for people to wind up addicted.

Even those with the best support systems and a wealth of knowledge about the dangers can find themselves tempted to use. Work or home life can become too stressful. Job loss, death, and other major life events can leave you devastated and looking for a way out. Having healthy coping skills for addiction prevention opens an alternate path to substance use to solve your issues.

As a chronic disease, addiction doesn’t have a cure. However, it can be managed successfully in recovery. Addiction recovery outlook depends heavily on how well you care for yourself.

Studies show that those with the best addiction prognosis are the ones who put the work into maintaining employment, attending support meetings, and going to regular doctor appointments. If your recovery includes a MAT regimen, keeping up with medications as prescribed is crucial to recovery.

Only a small percentage of those with any type of SUD ever seek treatment. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), approximately 8% of people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) were treated. Many people with a SUD don’t feel they need treatment. Approximately 40% of the population who have a substance use issue go to rehab or utilize mental health services for their disease.

Relapse prevention is one key element of recovery. While relapse is often an expected part of moving into sobriety, it’s also a common cause of overdose. Once a person’s body becomes unaccustomed to a substance, using the same amount of it as before can be lethal.

What makes the difference is long-term sobriety. Compiling a list of recovery strategies with your therapist or support group helps you know what to do when faced with cravings. Counseling sessions allow you to explore the whys of your addiction and ways to avoid returning to it. And having a community that encourages and celebrates your milestones is invaluable.

If needed, you can also move to a sober living community as part of rehab aftercare. These residential treatment options allow you to spend time daily with others who are recovering. It can provide a more supportive environment than your previous housing arrangements.

Overcoming addiction is hard work, but it’s possible. Thankfully, there are many options for finding addiction help. From helplines to directories to support groups, you can find assistance at every stage of the process.

Some drug abuse recovery resources you may find useful include:

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline for help with mental and substance use disorders
• Veterans Crisis Line for veterans in crisis or those worried about a veteran’s health
• 988 Lifeline for suicide and other crisis situations
• FindTreatment.gov for facilities in your area
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) for alcohol use disorder (AUD) group support
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for counseling services for narcotics addiction
• SMART Recovery for a non-12-step recovery program

The sooner addiction is recognized and treatment sought, the lower the short and long-term effects are on you and your loved ones. Seeking help for addiction isn’t weakness or giving in. It’s showing strength and taking care of your quality of life. RehabNet can assist you with finding the best addiction rehab options in your area 24/7. Call our helpline today, and one of our representatives will connect you with a professional counselor, verify your insurance, and locate an appropriate treatment facility for your needs and policy.