Drug Addiction | Types, Symptoms and Effects

Why are drugs addictive?

The neurotransmitter dopamine is associated with memory, motivation and our experience of satisfaction or ‘rewards’ from any activity. When drugs enter your system, they artificially skew the dopamine balance in the brain and create an abnormal positive reward response. Neuroadaptations occur in this reward pathway, leading to intense cravings for more drugs in order to get the same ‘reward’ again.

As time goes on, you may have difficulty refraining from taking drugs as your brains become rewired for increased drug-seeking behaviour. Eventually the brain will stop producing its own dopamine, instead relying on substances. This means that if you try to quit, you will likely experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms as your brain tries to adapt.

How does drug addiction develop?

In most cases, drug addiction develops over time and can usually be outlined by four stages:

• Experimentation: in the early stages of experimentation, you may use drugs recreationally, as a result of curiosity. This could be because you want to have fun, or because you are trying to cope with a stressful situation.
• Regular use: drug use moves from occasional to regular during the second stage. The potential for abuse is high, however, it is important to note that regular use does not equate to an addiction yet.
• High-risk use: as substance misuse progresses, you may engage in more risky behaviour and continue to use drugs despite any social or legal consequences. You may notice yourself becoming preoccupied with using and could experience cravings.
• Addiction and dependency: eventually your brain and body will become dependent on drugs, needing them just to feel normal. You will engage in compulsive drug use and find it very difficult to stop without professional intervention.

The timeline for a drug addiction developing is different for everyone – while for some this can occur in a matter of weeks, for others it may take much longer. This largely depends on the substance you are abusing and its addictive qualities, how the drug is consumed, as well as your own individual physiology and circumstances.

Identifying the most vulnerable and taking steps to prevent drug addiction is crucial. If you fall into one of these categories and would like help, speak to your doctor or local healthcare provider, or alternatively give the Recovery Lighthouse team a call.

Taking drugs: the dangers

Taking drugs is a high-risk activity with far-reaching consequences for an individual’s physical and psychological well-being. While a person may initially seek the pleasurable effects of substances, their continued use can lead to dependency, mental health complications, dangerous physical side effects and even neurological damage.

While different drugs carry different health dangers, some of the most common risks include:

• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• A weakened immune system
• Damage to internal organs
• Increased risk of heart attack, stroke, seizures and other life-threatening issues
• Decreased cognitive function, difficulty concentrating and issues with memory
• Increased risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety
• Danger of overdose and death

Perhaps you are already suffering from some of these consequences, or perhaps you are worried that this could be in your future. Wherever you are in your drug addiction, Recovery Lighthouse can turn your life around. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the help you need.

If you have noticed any of these signs in a family member, the next step is to reach out and offer your support. This is notoriously tricky, and may evoke feelings of anxiety and worry just thinking about it. However, having this conversation could be the wake-up-call your loved one needs.

What drugs are the most addictive?

Heroin, crack cocaine, meth, benzodiazepines, and prescription opioids are among the most addictive substances and can quickly pull you into a spiral of abuse and addiction. If you think you could be addicted to any of these substances, it is important that you seek professional help as soon as possible.

Talking to a loved one about drug addiction

If you suspect a family member is struggling with an addiction to drugs, it is important to approach the situation with consideration and empathy. When opening a conversation, it may be beneficial to demonstrate an understanding of why the person has turned to drugs, as this will show that your primary concern is their well-being and not criticism.

Choose the right time to approach your loved one – they should be sober if possible, and in a private space. Take time to understand the depth of the issue, offer your support and avoid accusations. Talk with them instead of lecturing them, ask how they are feeling and listen carefully to their response.

It is never easy to have these conversations, but maybe this could be the starting point for your loved one’s recovery. If they are not quite ready to get the help they need, make sure you set boundaries and let them know that you’ll be there for them when they do decide to start treatment.

Is there treatment available for drug addiction?

There are several treatment options available to help people overcome drug addiction: inpatient rehab programs are one of the most popular and successful. Recovery Lighthouse offers a safe and comfortable space where you can heal from past traumas and learn healthier behaviour patterns. Our programme relies on scientifically-proven therapies, as well as holistic activities such as yoga, art therapy and meditation, to treat both the physical and psychological aspects of your addiction.