WHAT IS DRUG ADDICTION 

Drug Addiction refers to a person’s continued dependence on use of certain types of drugs. Drug addiction affects a person's brain and behaviour. It leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Addicted person  may continue using drugs despite the harm it causes.

Several factors may contribute to drug addiction like the environment, genetics, changes in the brain, et cetera. Other risk factors comprise of a family history of addiction, mental health disorders, peer pressure, broken families, etcetera

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ADDICTION 

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors generally include: 

• An urge to use the drug regularly, daily or even several times a day
• Increasing the quantity of the drug over a longer period of time than intended
• Spending money on the drug, despite inability to afford 
• Neglecting obligations and work responsibilities
• Cutting back on constructive social or recreational activities or overdoing so
• Deviating from social norms e.g. starting to  steal
• Indulging in rash driving or other risky activities under the influence of drugs
• Spending a good deal of time getting ,using or recovering from the effects of the drug
• Withdrawal symptoms on stopping using drugs
• Lack or increase of energy, weight loss or gain, red eyes
• Lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks
• Being secretive about socialising venues, friends 
• Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation 
• A sense of euphoria or feeling "high" 
• A heightened sense of visual, auditory and taste perception
• Increased blood pressure and heart rate, red eyes, dry mouth
• Paranoia and Hallucinations, Confusions, Delirium
• Vomiting, Panic Attacks, Memory problems
• Rapid or rambling speech. Dilated pupils
• Insomnia, Depression as the drug wears off
• Chills and sweating, Involuntary shaking (tremors)
• Muscle cramping and teeth clenching, etcetera

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT 

Diagnosis: Diagnosing drug addiction requires a thorough evaluation and often includes an assessment by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a licensed counselor. Blood, urine or other lab tests are used to assess drug use, but they're not a diagnostic test for addiction. However, they may be used for monitoring treatment and recovery.

Treatment: Treatment depends on the drug used and history of any related medical or mental health disorders. Long-term follow-up is important to prevent relapse. It may involve: 

• Individual, group or family therapy sessions
• Detoxification
• Behaviour therapy
• Rehabilitation

IMPORTANT INFORMATION 

• Seek emergency medical help in case of overdose, trouble breathing, chest pains, seizures etc.
• Consult a Doctor in the following cases

a. Continuing to use the drug despite the harm it is causing 

b. Unsafe behavior, such as sharing needles or unprotected sex

c. Withdrawal symptoms after stopping drug use

• Complications: Addiction can lead to multiple and often life threatening complications. Certain drugs can be particularly risky, especially when taken in  high doses or combined with other drugs or alcohol. It can lead to:

a. Multiple short and long-term health consequences, including psychotic behaviours

b. Expose a person to  sedation, confusion, memory loss, brain damage

c. Exposure to numerous communicable diseases such as HIV

d. Several other health and legal, financial problems 

• Prevention: The best way to prevent an addiction is not to start at all. Besides that, avoid triggers, monitor cravings, stick to treatment plan and avoid all high risk solutions.