Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction

Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (pornography, gambling) that can be pleasurable but the continued use of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health.

Users may not be aware that their behaviour is out of control and causing problems for themselves and others. Drug addiction is a dependence on an illegal drug, aprescription (Xanax or Sleeping tablets) or non-prescription (Solpadine/Nurofen) medication.

When you are addicted, you may not be able to control your drug use and you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can cause an intense craving for the drug. You may want to quit, but most people find they can not do it on their own. For many people, what starts as casual use can and does lead to drug addiction.

Cocaine, Heroin, Cannabis or Amphetamines are all highly addictive drugs, some of which people use recreationally and then become dependent. The use of prescription medications can pose a dreadful issue for people when they no longer are being prescribed. Some may try and buy from dealers or even at times take the supplies of a loved one. Medications that are prescribed to people for pain management such as chronic back pain can and do have addictive elements. This can lead the person to build up a tolerance and people can become seriously addicted, craving more and going to extreme lengths to get their fix.

Drug addiction can cause serious, long-term consequences, including problems with physical and mental health, relationships, employment and with the law.