Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or drug. It can be difficult to identify without understanding the signs of addiction, but fortunately for concerned family members and friends, many characteristics of addiction are easy to identify and many types of drug addictions share similar signs and symptoms. Physical warning signs of drug abuse include visible fatigue and weight loss, as the appetite for food decreases when the body wants to use drugs. This type of antisocial or self-destructive behavior is another important warning sign of drug use and addiction.
A person may repeatedly borrow money from friends or family or sell their possessions to maintain their drug addiction. Social, emotional and mental isolation are common signs that someone needs help with a drug or alcohol addiction. But as addiction progresses, drug use will take precedence over work, relationships, or personal obligations. The 12-step program and other holistic treatment approaches are highly effective in helping addicts recover, but it is also known that the longer a person has had their addiction, the longer and more difficult the path to recovery will be.
If you're concerned about your drug use or that of a loved one, it's helpful to know the warning signs and, more importantly, that help is available and treatment works.
