Skip Navigation Link
secslider

What is Drug Addiction?

pile of pills

Drug addiction is a commonly used term that describes an impaired ability to limit drug use, despite the harmful consequences of continued use.  In this respect, drug meets the definition of addiction. In our topic center on addiction, we define addiction:

Addiction is the repeated involvement with a substance or activity, despite the substantial harm it now causes, because that involvement was (and may continue to be) pleasurable and/or valuable.

Drug addiction is not a diagnostic term recognized by American Psychiatric Association.  The correct diagnostic term would be substance disorder.   The process of diagnosing drug addiction is discussed here.

Like all addictions, the severity of drug addiction may range from mild to severe.  Unfortunately, many pe...More

Fast Facts: Learn! Fast!

What is drug addiction?

  • Drug addiction is a commonly used term that describes an impaired ability to limit drug use, despite the harmful consequences of continued use. In this respect, drug meets the definition of addiction.
  • In our topic center on addiction, we define addiction as the repeated involvement with a substance or activity, despite the substantial harm it now causes, because that involvement was (and may continue to be) pleasurable and/or valuable.
  • Drug addiction is not a diagnostic term recognized by American Psychiatric Association. The correct diagnostic term would be substance disorder. The process of diagnosing drug addiction is discussed here.
  • Like all addictions, the severity of drug addiction may range from mild to severe. Unfortunately, many people mistakenly believe they do not need to be concerned about their drug use because they do not consider themselves "an addict." In other words, people sometimes fail to recognize the substantial harm caused by their repeated and continued use of drugs.

For more information on identifying the many possible ways that drug use may be harmful to someone.

What causes drug addiction?

  • There is no one single cause of drug addiction. Instead, there are multiple causes that can be grouped into four basic categories.
  • These four categories are: 1) biological causes, 2) psychological causes, 3) socio-cultural causes, and 4) spiritual causes. Psychologists call this the Bio-Psycho-Social-Spiritual Model of addiction.
  • The biological causes of drug addiction include each person's unique physiology and genetics.
  • Psychologically, people learn to anticipate some benefit from using drugs even though it is harmful. These benefits can include: 1) stress reduction, 2) relief from boredom, 3) pleasurable sensations, 4) coping with negative feelings or situations, or 4) simply the benefit of avoiding withdrawal symptoms.
  • Socio-cultural influences also contribute to the development of drug addiction as it affords opportunities for pleasing social discourse and interaction.
  • Spirituality is another causal factor that can determine whether an addiction develops and flourishes.

For more information

What are the signs and symptoms of drug addiction?

  • The diagnosis of a substance use disorder is based upon a pathological set of behaviors related to substance use. These behaviors fall into four main categories:
    • Impaired control - 1) Using for longer periods of time than intended, or using larger amounts than intended; 2) Wanting to reduce use, yet being unsuccessful doing so; 3) Spending excessive time getting/using/recovering from the use; 4) Cravings that are so intense it is difficult to think about anything else.
    • Social impairment - 1) People may continue to use despite problems with work, school or family/social obligations; 2) Someone continues to use despite having interpersonal problems because of that use; 3) Important and meaningful social and recreational activities may be given up or reduced because of use.
    • Risky use - 1) someone repeatedly uses substances in physically dangerous situations; 2) Some people continue to use substances even though they are aware it is causing or worsening physical and psychological problems.
    • Pharmacological indicators (tolerance and withdrawal) - 1) Tolerance occurs when people need to increase the amount of drugs to achieve the same desired effect; 2) Withdrawal is the body's response to the abrupt cessation of a drug, once the body has developed a tolerance to it.

For more information

How is drug addiction treated?

  • There are four basic approaches to drug addiction treatment: Biological, Psychological, Socio-Cultural, and Spiritual.
  • People can combine these various approaches to match their individual needs and circumstances as they work to develop their own individualized, custom-tailored approach to recovery.
  • Biological approaches to addictions treatment attempt to correct or modify the presumed underlying biological causes of addiction. According to biological models of addiction, a "broken" or damaged brain causes addiction.
  • Psychological approaches to recovery aim to increase a person's motivation for change.
  • In addition to changing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, individuals embracing recovery may also need to restructure their social world.
  • Strengthening the motivation for recovery is very helpful. One such approach is called Motivational Interviewing.
  • There are also several effective types of psychotherapy for addictions. These are: Relapse Prevention Therapy; Contingency Management; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
  • Socio-cultural approaches to addictions recovery emphasize the important influence of social groups on individuals as they attempt to recover. These include: 1) harm reduction strategies such as needle exchange programs, or public campaigns such as designated drivers, 2) family approaches to addictions treatment, and 3) the social support approach to addictions treatment.
  • Spiritual approaches to recovery are based on research that has repeatedly demonstrated that spirituality can have a positive effect on recovery from many diseases and disorders. The most well-known spiritual approaches to addictions recovery are the 12-step support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).

For more information


News Articles

  • High-Potency Pot Tied to Big Rise in Psychiatric Issues

    Marijuana has long been linked to a host of mental health risks, but the potent strains sold today may amplify those dangers, new research suggests. More...

  • Heavy Pot Use Linked to Mental Problems, Even After Quitting

    Marijuana dependence goes hand in hand with poor mental health, and problems may persist long after stopping the drug, according to Canadian researchers. More...

  • Marijuana Withdrawal Is Real, Study Shows

    Not only can people suffer withdrawal symptoms when they quit pot, but nearly half of those who regularly or heavily use marijuana will go through withdrawal when they stop, according to the study published online April 9 in JAMA Network Open. More...

  • For Addicts in Recovery, Technology Preserves Bonds Despite COVID-19 Crisis

    Everyone is struggling with isolation as much of the world hunkers down to slow the spread of COVID-19, but this time poses even greater hazards for folks recovering from addiction, experts say. More...

  • Newbies More Apt to Have Bad Reaction to Marijuana: Study

    Common bad reactions to marijuana include coughing fits, anxiety and paranoia, but regular users are less likely to have problems than occasional users, a new study finds. More...

    • 45 More

    • Coronavirus Crisis Could Help Trigger Relapse Among Those Fighting Addiction

      The social distancing and isolation of the coronavirus pandemic may put people struggling with addiction at risk for relapse, an expert says. More...

    • Meth Use, Addiction on the Rise Among Americans: CDC

      Methamphetamine use is soaring again, with nearly one million Americans hooked on it, according to federal health officials. More...

    • Opioid Withdrawal Raises Health Risks for Injection Drug Users: Study

      Having opioid withdrawal symptoms increases the odds that injection drug users will share needles or have a non-fatal overdose, new research suggests. More...

    • Opioid OD Deaths Fall Despite Growing Use of Synthetic Drugs: CDC

      Overall, opioid-related deaths in the United States fell 2% between 2017 and 2018, according to newly released data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More...

    • Use Pot? It Can Interact With Your Meds in Harmful Ways

      People who use marijuana either medicinally or recreationally should remember that pot can have potentially harmful interactions with medications they take regularly, a new report warns. More...

    • Do Any Medications Help Ease Marijuana Dependence?

      Of the medications that have been studied to treat problem marijuana use, none have proved effective, a new analysis shows. More...

    • Anti-Addiction Meds Key to Saving Lives of People Hooked on Opioids

      People treated for an opioid addiction stand a much better chance of breaking their dependency if they take opioid-blocking medications, a new study finds. More...

    • Too Many Antibiotics, Opioids Given to Dental Patients in the ER

      Too many patients who go to U.S. emergency rooms for dental problems are prescribed antibiotics and opioid painkillers, a new study claims. More...

    • Pot Use Among U.S. Seniors Nearly Doubled in 3 Years

      Americans may want to rethink the stereotype of the pot-loving teen: More U.S. seniors are using the drug now than ever before. More...

    • 1 in 4 Opioid ODs Involves Kids and Teens

      More than a quarter of all opioid overdoses in the United States involve teenagers, and a full fifth of those cases were likely suicide attempts, new research shows. More...

    • Use of Club Drug 'Special K' Could Be Underreported

      Ketamine use among electronic dance music party-goers is much higher than previously thought. And unintentional use appears to play a role, a new study finds. More...

    • U.S. Heroin Use Nearly Doubled Over Two Decades

      Nearly twice as many people in the United States used heroin in 2018 as did in 2002, a new government study shows. More...

    • Family Members Are Swiping Hospice Patients' Painkillers: Study

      In another sign of just how bad the U.S. opioid abuse epidemic has become, a new study finds family members often steal painkillers from dying relatives in hospice care. More...

    • What's the Best Way to Administer the Opioid OD Antidote?

      In the midst of a U.S. epidemic of opioid abuse, knowing how to quickly administer the anti-overdose drug naloxone could save a life. Now, research finds that delivering naloxone via nasal spray could be the quickest and easiest of three methods of administration. More...

    • 'Dabbing' Marijuana a Gateway to Heavy Use of Pot

      "Dabbing" cannabis concentrate is the type of marijuana experimentation most likely to lead teens into frequent and heavy use of the drug, researchers say. More...

    • When Pharmacists Allowed to Give Anti-Opioid Med Without Rx, Access Soars

      Allowing pharmacists to provide the opioid overdose drug naloxone without a prescription led to a huge increase in dispensing of the lifesaving drug in Ohio. More...

    • Just 1% of Doctors Prescribe Nearly Half of Opioids in U.S.

      Nearly half of all opioid doses and more than a quarter of all opioid prescriptions in the United States come from 1% of health care providers, a new study says. More...

    • Could You Save a Life From Opioid Overdose?

      As the United States grapples with an opioid abuse crisis, Americans are being urged to learn how to recognize and respond to overdoses from these and other drugs. More...

    • Opioid Addiction Med Under-Used in Younger People, Study Finds

      Treatment with the opioid addiction drug buprenorphine is on the rise among most age groups in the United States, but falling among 15- to 24-year-olds, a new study finds. More...

    • Simple Tweak to Hospital Computer Program Cuts Opioid Prescriptions

      New research suggests that the number of painkillers prescribed to patients can be reduced just by lowering default computer settings that display a preset number of pills. More...

    • Millions of Americans With Heart Disease Use Pot, Bringing Potential Harm

      Over 2 million Americans with heart disease have used marijuana, despite evidence that it might be harmful to them, a new research review finds. More...

    • Just 2% of Patients Who Need It Get Anti-Opioid Drug Naloxone

      Naloxone can prevent opioid overdose deaths, but only a tiny percentage of Americans at risk are prescribed the lifesaving drug. More...

    • College Students Picking Pot Over Drinking in States Where It's Legal

      Are college students choosing marijuana instead of booze when both are legal? New research suggests they are: In states where pot is legal, college kids use it more, but binge-drink less. More...

    • U.S. Drug Deaths Might Be Twice as High as Thought

      Drugs may kill twice as many Americans as government records suggest, a new study claims. More...

    • Pot-Using Drivers Still Impaired After the High Fades

      Even when they're not high on marijuana, recreational users of the drug display signs of impaired driving, a new study finds. More...

    • Can Pot Bring on Psychosis in Young Users? It May Be Happening, Experts Say

      The idea of marijuana causing a psychotic breakdown sounds like something out of the camp film classic "Reefer Madness," but many experts argue it's not that far-fetched. More...

    • Obamacare May Have Prevented Many Opioid-Related Deaths

      The Medicaid expansion brought in by Obamacare may have prevented thousands of deaths from opioid overdoses, a new study suggests. More...

    • Few Teens Who Survive Opioid OD Get Recommended Care

      Even after surviving an opioid overdose, few U.S. teenagers receive the recommended treatment for their addiction, a new study shows. More...

    • One Big Roadblock to Opioid Addiction Treatment

      The crisis of opioid abuse continues in the United States. However, a new study finds there still aren't enough doctors authorized to prescribe the leading drug treatment for opioid addiction. More...

    • Opioid Use By Teens a Red Flag for Other Dangers

      Teenagers who've experimented with opioid painkillers are likely to be taking other health risks, a new study finds. More...

    • U.S. Saw Big Rise in Meth, Fentanyl Use in 2019

      A study of over 1 million urine drug tests from across the United States shows soaring rates of use of methamphetamines and fentanyl, often used together in potentially lethal ways. More...

    • Don't Believe Online Claims for Pot's 'Benefits'

      A lot of the dope you read online about the benefits of marijiuana is just hooey, but it can influence attitudes and actions, researchers say. More...

    • Opioid-Meth Habit Particularly Hard to Break

      Opioid addiction is tough enough to beat, but new research shows that having an accompanying methamphetamine habit may make quitting far more difficult. More...

    • As Manufacturing Jobs End, Opioid OD Deaths May Rise

      It's a connection that health officials might miss, but an alarming new study shows that when factories close, deaths from opioid overdoses soar. More...

    • Heavy Drinking Plus Xanax, Valium: A Dangerous Mix

      People who regularly drink to excess are also likely to use benzodiazepines, a new study finds. More...

    • Pot Use Appears to Change Structure of Your Heart: Study

      Regular pot use might potentially cause changes in the heart's structure, a new study suggests. More...

    • 12 Million Americans Drove While Stoned Last Year

      Millions of Americans, teens and young adults in particular, are driving while high on pot and other illegal drugs, U.S. health officials report. More...

    • Where Pot Is Legal, People Are Likely to Believe Its Benefits

      If you live in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, you're more likely to think that it offers health benefits, a new study finds. More...

    • Opioids May Not Be to Blame for Rise in U.S. Suicides

      In a finding that suggests most opioid overdose deaths are accidental, new research shows suicide is associated with far fewer of these deaths than thought. More...

    • People With Depression Are Turning to Pot for Relief: Study

      People suffering from depression are often desperate for anything to break them out of their debilitating mood disorder. More...

    • Young Adults With ADHD More Vulnerable to Nicotine

      Young adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are at increased risk for nicotine addiction, new research shows. More...

    • Teen Opioid Users Face Same OD Risks as Adults

      U.S. teens and young adults are as likely as older people to overdose on prescription opioid painkillers and have the same risk factors, researchers say. More...

    • Opioid-Addicted Babies Cost U.S. More Than $500 Million Annually

      Babies born addicted to opioids cost the U.S. health care system more than half a billion dollars a year, a new study finds. More...

    • Is Pot Use a Heart Risk After Surgery?

      Heavy pot users are nearly two times more likely to have a heart attack after common types of surgeries as those who don't use the drug, a new study shows. More...

    • Pot Is Bad News for Baby During Pregnancy

      Smoking pot regularly during pregnancy won't do your baby any favors, researchers warn. More...

Share This

Resources

Topics