What is Drug Addiction
The consequences and effect of drug addiction are vast and affect people of all ages; medically, socially, economically, and legally. Most people don’t understand that with drug addiction it changes the way people behave and the way the brain functions – it is actually a disease.
Drug abuse and addiction to alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and other illegal substances cost the American people half a trillion dollars a year when the combined medical, social, economic, and social impact are all taken into account. Drug and alcohol abuse are responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the US each year.
What is Drug Addiction
Drug Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. The reason it is considered a disease of the brain is because drugs change the brain by changing its structure and the way it works. These changes can be long lasting, and can lead to the negative behavior.
Why People Take Drugs
There are several reasons why people begin to use drugs. Some might do it to feel good. Many drugs produce an intense feeling of pleasure. Other effects might include the feelings of power, increased energy, self-confidence, relaxation, and satisfaction.
Some people use drugs to increase their performance at sports, at school, or on the job.
Curiosity is also another reason people take drugs. Youth are especially vulnerable because of peer pressure at school and most teens never think “it will happen to them.”
In the beginning, people may experience what appears to be positive effects with drug use. They typically think they are in control and can stop any time. However, drugs can quickly take over anyone’s life. Over time if drug use continues, the pleasure one used to get from their use becomes less pleasurable, and drug abuse becomes necessary for abusers to simply feel “normal.” Drug abusers reach a point where they seek and take drugs, despite the tremendous problems caused for themselves and their loved ones. Some individuals may start to feel the need take higher or more frequent doses, even in the early stages of addiction.
