What Is Drug Addiction?

If you’ve lost control over your ability to moderate your intake of a substance in spite of it causing damage to your life, you’re likely developing an addiction. This complex condition causes cravings that you feel powerless to overcome and harms your social life, personal life and physical and mental health. If left untreated, it gradually gets worse as your tolerance to the drug becomes higher and you need more and more to achieve the desired effects.

Due to the way addiction affects the brain, it can be challenging to realize you have a problem. Denial and dishonesty might be seen in those suffering from a substance use disorder, but the first step towards recovery is accepting that something needs to change.

If you or a loved one need help overcoming drug abuse call (800) 680-7738 now to speak with one of our admissions counselors about our effective treatment options.

Signs of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse uniquely affects each person, and some individuals become highly adept at hiding it. There are some universal signs to watch out for if you’re worried that you or a loved one may have gone down the wrong path.

• Frequent disappearances, with a noticeable difference in the person before and after
• Paraphernalia such as needles, pipes, smoking papers and blister packets
• Dilated or pinpoint pupils
• Mood swings
• Secretive behavior
• Changes in friendship groups
• Unusual smells
• Disregard for personal hygiene
• Excessive tiredness or hyperactivity
• Financial problems
• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable

Symptoms of Drug Abuse

Any substance with the power to cause significant changes to your mental and physical state is in danger of harming your system. The effects different drugs take on the body vary; here are some common symptoms of drug addiction:

• Powerful cravings
• Tremors
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Lethargy
• Anxiety
• Paranoia
• Withdrawing from social life
• Poor performance at work
• Weight fluctuations
• Frequently arguing with loved ones
• Distinct and inexplicable changes in mood
• Red, puffy eyes
• Needle marks
• Burns around the mouth
• Itchiness
• Disregard for social, family and work life

Effects of Drug Abuse

Opioids

Opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone and hydrocodone, among many others. These drugs are highly addictive and particularly dangerous because they mimic vital neurotransmitters in our brains called endorphins. Endorphins are the brain’s natural painkillers, released after exercise or during stressful situations.

When you use opioids for more than a few weeks, your body starts to depend on the substance instead of producing its own chemicals, which is why withdrawal can be such a challenge. The drugs cause a sense of euphoria and deep relaxation, which can be particularly useful for people who have gone through trauma or are suffering from mental illness.

Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine causes the release of the vital transmitter dopamine in vast quantities. Dopamine creates feelings of pleasure, as well as being a signal to repeat an experience. An enormous amount of dopamine makes you feel intense euphoria that lasts for up to 12 hours. Once the drug has left the system, the body’s dopamine reserves are severely depleted, which causes intense cravings to take the drug again.

Crack

Crack also causes a surge of dopamine; however, the effects are usually only felt for 10 to 20 minutes after taking the drug. Those who use the drug often find themselves stuck in a short cycle of addiction as their brain continually urges them to repeat the experience to feel the dopamine hit. Crack depletes natural supplies of the neurotransmitter, making it more and more difficult to stop turning to the drug to feel pleasure.

Benzodiazepines

Doctors prescribe this type of drug for anxiety. It causes intense relaxation of the central nervous system, which can be highly addictive for someone suffering from a mental health condition. As you build a tolerance to these pills, you need to take more and more to feel normal.

Cocaine

Cocaine causes a surge of dopamine, less intense than crack or methamphetamine, but still significant enough to lead to addiction. People often use this drug in social situations, but those who become addicted to it tend to find they need to use it in their everyday lives.

Christian-Based Drug Rehab Programs

At Holdfast Recovery in Prescott, our Christian-based values drug rehab program stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking recovery from drug addiction. Rooted in faith, we collaborate with churches and pastors to provide personalized recovery plans aligned with Christian principles. Our comprehensive programs address the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of addiction. With a supportive community and dedicated professionals, we guide individuals on a path to lasting recovery. From counseling to faith-based activities, Holdfast Recovery offers a holistic approach to overcome drug addiction, emphasizing the transformative power of faith in the healing journey.

Contact our drug rehab in Prescott, AZ today if you're struggling with drug addiction or you know someone who is! Give us a call at (800) 680-7738.