Drug Addiction: Understanding Substance Use Disorders
Comprehensive information about drug addiction, including signs, effects, and evidence-based treatment for opioids, stimulants, and other substances.
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Drug addiction, clinically known as substance use disorder, is a chronic brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.[1][2] While this site primarily focuses on alcohol use disorder, understanding drug addiction provides important context about the broader nature of addiction, how different substances affect the brain, and treatment principles that apply across all substances.
According to SAMHSA's 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 48.7 million Americans aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year, including 29.5 million with alcohol use disorder and 27.2 million with drug use disorders (with some individuals having both).[3] These numbers underscore that addiction is a widespread public health challenge affecting millions of Americans and their families.
Medical Review & Editorial Standards
All content is written, edited, and medically reviewed by licensed professionals with expertise in addiction medicine and behavioral health.
Benjamin Zohar
NCACIP
Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and recovery advocate in long-term recovery, specializing in intervention services and treatment coordination.
Ezra Zohar, M.S.Ed.
Educational Specialist
Educational Specialist with M.S. in Secondary Education, reviewing educational content focused on addiction awareness and recovery.
Brandon McNally
RN
Registered Nurse with specialized training in addiction medicine and behavioral health nursing.
Last Updated
November 2024
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a complex disease that affects brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control.[4] It develops through repeated exposure to drugs that activate the brain's reward system, leading to neurological changes that drive compulsive use. Addiction is not a moral failing or lack of willpower—it is a medical condition that requires professional treatment, just like diabetes, heart disease, or any other chronic illness.
The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as "a treatable, chronic medical disease involving complex interactions among brain circuits, genetics, the environment, and an individual's life experiences."[2] This definition emphasizes that addiction is multifaceted, with biological, psychological, and social components all playing important roles.
Important Connection
Drug addiction and alcohol addiction share the same underlying disease process. Both involve changes to brain chemistry, compulsive use patterns, and require similar treatment approaches. Many individuals struggle with both alcohol and drug use simultaneously, a condition called polysubstance use.
Learn more about substance use disorder →Types of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can involve various substances, each with distinct effects, risks, and treatment considerations:
Opioids
Including prescription painkillers (oxycodone, hydrocodone) and illicit drugs (heroin, fentanyl). Opioid addiction involves physical dependence and carries high overdose risk.[1]
Stimulants
Including cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulants. These drugs increase energy and alertness but can cause severe cardiovascular and psychological problems.[1]
Benzodiazepines
Prescription anti-anxiety and sleep medications that carry risks of dependence, dangerous withdrawal, and overdose when combined with other substances.
Cannabis
While less likely to cause severe physical dependence than other drugs, cannabis use disorder affects millions and can significantly impact daily functioning.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Recognizing drug addiction involves observing patterns across multiple life domains:
Behavioral Signs
- Inability to control drug use despite wanting to quit[2]
- Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from drugs
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Continuing use despite relationship problems caused by drugs
- Giving up important activities to use drugs
- Using drugs in dangerous situations
Physical Signs
- Tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect)
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Weight loss or gain
- Deteriorating physical appearance
- Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
Health Consequences
Drug addiction can cause severe health problems affecting virtually every organ system:[1]
- Cardiovascular: Heart attacks, stroke, collapsed veins, infected heart valves
- Respiratory: Lung damage, respiratory depression, increased infection risk
- Neurological: Brain damage, seizures, cognitive impairment, mental health disorders
- Infectious Disease: HIV, hepatitis C (from injection drug use)
- Overdose: Life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention
Overdose Emergency Signs
Call 911 immediately if someone shows these signs:
- • Unconsciousness or extreme drowsiness
- • Slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
- • Choking or gurgling sounds
- • Cold, clammy skin or blue lips/fingernails
- • Small, constricted pupils (opioids)
- • Chest pain or rapid heartbeat (stimulants)
Treatment for Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is treatable, and recovery is possible. Effective treatment addresses the whole person—biological, psychological, social, and spiritual needs.[1] Treatment typically involves multiple components:
Medical Detoxification
Safely managing withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision. For certain drugs (opioids, benzodiazepines), medications can ease withdrawal and prevent dangerous complications.
Behavioral Therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Contingency Management, and other approaches help change thinking patterns and develop coping skills.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
FDA-approved medications (methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone for opioids) combined with counseling and behavioral therapies provide effective treatment.
Continuing Care
Long-term support through outpatient counseling, support groups, sober living environments, and ongoing monitoring.
Recovery is Possible
Millions of people have recovered from drug addiction and lead fulfilling, productive lives. Treatment works, and it's never too late to seek help. Whether you're struggling with drugs, alcohol, or both, evidence-based treatment can help you achieve lasting recovery.
Getting Help
If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction, help is available. Treatment professionals can assess your situation, recommend appropriate care, and connect you with resources.
Related Resources
References
- 1. National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts. NIDA, 2023. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/understanding-drug-use-addiction Accessed November 2024.
- 2. American Society of Addiction Medicine. Definition of Addiction. ASAM, 2019. https://www.asam.org/quality-care/definition-of-addiction Accessed November 2024.
- 3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators. SAMHSA, 2023. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-annual-national-report Accessed November 2024.
- 4. Volkow ND, Michaelides M, Baler R. The Neuroscience of Drug Reward and Addiction. Physiological Reviews, 2019. https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00014.2018 Accessed November 2024.