Drug addiction is a complex neurobiological disease that requires integrated treatment of the mind, body, and spirit. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain, they change its structure and how it works. Without treatment, these brain changes can be long-lasting. Addiction is chronic, it is progressive, and if left untreated, it can be fatal. Individuals struggling with drug addiction often feel as though they cannot function normally without their drug of choice. This can lead to a wide range of issues that impact professional goals, personal relationships, and overall health. Over time, these serious side effects can be progressive, and if left untreated, fatal.

1. DRUG ADDICTION
Prepared By
Shivanee Vyas
M. Pharmacy
Lakshmi Narain College of Pharmacy, Indore (MP)

2. WHAT IS DRUG ADDICTION ?
Drug addiction is a complex
neurobiological disease that requires integrated treatment of the mind,
body, and spirit. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the
brain, they change its structure and how it works. Without treatment,
these brain changes can be long-lasting. Addiction is chronic, it is
progressive, and if left untreated, it can be fatal.
Individuals struggling with drug addiction often feel as though they
cannot function normally without their drug of choice. This can lead to a
wide range of issues that impact professional goals, personal
relationships, and overall health. Over time, these serious side effects can
be progressive, and if left untreated, fatal.

3. COMMONLY USED ILLEGAL DRUGS
Drugs are classified in a number of ways. Many are potentially addictive and harmful. Examples
of illegal drugs include:
 Heroin
 Cocaine or crack cocaine
 Methamphetamine
 Bath Salts
 Methadone
 Ecstasy
 Marijuana
 LSD
 Mushrooms
 PCP

4. Commonly Used Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs which can be obtained legally are also used by all age groups for non-
medical reasons, often in combination with alcohol. The risks of drug interaction or accidental
overdose can be deadly. Commonly used and misused prescription drugs include:
 Opioid painkillers
 Benzodiazepines
 Stimulants, such as those used to treat ADHD
 Antidepressants
 Anti-obsessive agents
 Mood stabilizers

5. Alcohol Is a Drug
One of the most common misconceptions is that alcohol is not a
drug. Though legal, alcohol is a mind-altering substance. When taken in combination with other
drugs, the effects can be deadly.
It is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred
speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.
As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to
think rationally and distorts his or her judgment.
Although classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed determines the type of
effect. Most people drink for the stimulant effect, such as a beer or glass of wine taken to
“loosen up.” But if a person consumes more than the body can handle, they then experience
alcohol’s depressant effect. They start to feel “stupid” or lose coordination and control

6. Warning Signs of Drug Addiction
Sometimes the warning signs of alcohol misuse or abuse are very noticeable. Other times,
they can take longer to surface. When drug addiction is discovered in its early stages, the
chance for a successful recovery increases significantly.
 Common signs of drug addiction include:
 Loss of control
 Continued problems despite negative consequences
 Spending less time on activities that used to be important, such as hanging out with
family and friends, exercising, or pursuing hobbies or other interests
 Drop in attendance and performance at work or school
 Taking serious risks in order to obtain one’s drug of choice
 Acting out in personal relationships, particularly if someone is attempting to address their
substance problems
 Going out of one’s way to hide the amount of drugs taken
 Serious changes or deterioration in hygiene or physical appearance
 Needing to use more and more of the drug in order to produce the same effect
 Withdrawal symptoms such as shakiness, trembling, sweating, nausea or fatigue
 If you feel as though drug addiction is taking a toll on your life, it’s important to find
quality treatment that can help you overcome addiction.

7. Drug Addiction Can Result in Overdose
Any drug overdose can be either accidental or intentional. Drug overdoses are the leading
cause of death for Americans under 50. Accidental overdoses tend to happen when people
take more of a prescription medication than originally intended to achieve certain results,
or when they use too much of an illegal drug trying to get a better high. Intentional
overdoses are usually a result of someone trying to commit suicide. Regardless of the
intent, any loss of life due to an overdose is tragic and any overdose can have severe and
lasting repercussions.

8. Drug Addiction Affects Every Organ in the Body
Aside from overdose, there are many adverse medical effects of drug addiction. These include:
 Cardiovascular disease.
 Heart rate irregularities, heart attack
 Respiratory problems such as lung cancer, emphysema, and breathing problems
 Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea
 Kidney and liver damage
 Seizures, stroke, brain damage
 changes in appetite, body temperature, and sleeping patterns
 Stroke
 Pancreatitis
 Gastrointestinal problems
 Malnutrition
 Insomnia and sleep disorders

9. What Are the Dangers of Drug Addiction ?
Drug addiction can pose different dangers in different settings—all of which can affect more
people than just the user..
Physical dangers to the user include:
 Developing a tolerance to the drug.
 Developing psychological and physical dependence.
 Withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back or quit.
 Other physical problems, like irregular heart rate, high blood pressure, lung damage, and
seizures. Other dangers might be:
 Becoming pregnant while addicted and harming the fetus and new born baby.
 Jeopardizing your relationships with friends and family.
 Neglecting work responsibilities.
 Having an increased risk of crime.
 Losing your life.

10. Integrated Treatment Is Key to Treating Drug Addiction
Integrated treatment is comprehensive programming that offers all of the therapeutic
resources necessary to help the individual heal physically, mentally, psychologically, and
spiritually. There is no one cause of addiction, though living with a mental health disorder
may increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder — and vice versa.
Everyone is different. In some cases, a mental health disorder predates the development of
a drug abuse. In other cases, mental health symptoms are not apparent until after
addiction has taken hold — sometimes, these conditions are exacerbated or worsened by
drug use.

11. There is No Cure for Addiction, But People Can and Do Recover
While there is no cure for any mental health disorder, including drug addiction, but many go on
to lead incredible lives filled with hope and courage. Numerous research-based therapies and
treatment interventions have been proven to be effective in treating those who are living with
drug addiction. The key is receiving personalized treatment that is intensive and integrated.
When long-term support, as well as therapeutic and spiritual interventions are applied, people
struggling to overcome addiction do recover. Mental, physical, and spiritual wellness is central to
recovery.

12. Addiction vs. Abuse
Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t. You might
take more than the regular dose of pills or use someone else’s prescription. You may abuse
drugs to feel good, ease stress, or avoid reality. But usually, you’re able to change your
unhealthy habits or stop using altogether.
Addiction is when you can’t stop. Not when it puts your health in danger. Not when it
causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you or your loved ones. That urge to
get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit.

13. References
• https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/drug-
abuse-addiction
• https://www.originsrecovery.com/what-is-drug-
addiction/
• https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/
• https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/drug-abuse-
addiction
• https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/
• http://headsup.scholastic.com/students/recovery-
from-drug-addiction
• https://luxury.rehabs.com/drug-addiction/dangers-of-
drug-addiction/