Addiction is a condition that causes someone to constantly seek and use a harmful substance or drug. They continue to seek these harmful behaviors despite knowing the consequences and despite seeing how their behaviors affect the ones around them.
Nobody intends to develop an addiction, but every time a drug is abused the dependence grows.
Addiction takes over someone’s life by creating a physical and psychological dependence that prioritizes drug use over all aspects of life. If they try to stop using, they are usually met with uncomfortable and painful symptoms of withdrawal, and return to the comfort of their addiction quickly. There are numerous drugs that can cause addictions, but almost all have comprehensive treatment options that can help someone get back to a healthy lifestyle.
Can be taken as a powdered form that can be snorted and ingested or as a water-soluble base that can be injected into the veins. Cocaine produces a high that brings on feelings of euphoria and speeds up the whole body. A rush of happiness and excitement occur almost immediately and most often only last 15 to 20 minutes before beginning to wear off.
Or MDMA, is a powerful synthetic stimulant that has become a popular recreational drug used especially in nightclubs, dance festivals and raves. It suppresses appetite and fatigue, allowing the user to be alert for long periods of time. Ecstasy is often known as the slang term “Molly”, though this only refers to the pure crystalline powder form. Ecstasy in any form is usually taken orally in pills, capsules or tablets and lasts around 3 to 6 hours.
Is an opioid derived from morphine that can become addictive when abused over time. It is also sometimes known as smack, junk, or dope. Heroin in its pure form is usually a white, pink, or beige powder that is odorless and bitter when tasted. Heroin can be abused through snorting, smoking or injecting directly into the veins. Once taken, heroin produces its effects rapidly causing people to feel more relaxed and highly euphoric.
Is an addictive stimulant that takes the form of a white, odorless powder. It can be abused orally, smoked, snorted or dissolved. Methamphetamine increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, leading to immediate feelings of pleasure and euphoria. It’s effects happen quickly, creating an intense high that fades fast.
Are medications that are typically prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, adolescents or adults. Stimulants, like amphetamines and methylphenidate, increased levels of dopamine in the brain and cause a calming and “focusing” effect. Stimulants are abused by people who want to take advantage of the calming and focusing effects of the medications.
Such as Codeine, Morphine and OxyCodone, are prescribed to help patients cope with excessive pain. Opioid painkillers block nerve receptors in the brain leaving the person unable to feel the pain. Unfortunately, it is very easy to develop a dependence on painkillers even while using the correct prescribed dose.
Are a widely prescribed medication used to treat anxiety, depression and insomnia disorders. These include Xanax, Klonopin and Valium. Benzodiazepines are abused when people take the wrong doses or when people without a diagnosed condition take the medications. People who abuse the medications are susceptible to developing tolerance, dependence and addiction.
Nearly all addictions can be successfully overcame with comprehensive treatment and therapy. Rehabilitation centers, support groups and individual counseling are all options for someone willing to begin a journey to sobriety. Visit our page on addiction treatment to learn more about the options for you or a loved one.