Addiction Treatment

Addiction and dependence are usually the result of prolonged drug abuse. The use of a pain reliever can result in the person becoming addicted to it. However this is a rare occurrence in people whose families do not have a history of abuse or addiction issues.

The need to take a drug in order to function is not always the sign of drug addiction. Medicines that are prescribed for patients with high blood pressure may not cause the person to become addicted, but they do cause a physical dependency. Drug abuse is the act of excessive consumption of a drug or substance wherein it is not medically intended.But what causes the abuse that ultimately results in that addiction? The exact cause is unclear but there is speculation as to a variety factors that can lead to this. The effect of the drug, emotional stress, a person’s genetic makeup, and peer pressure appear to be the frontrunners for causes of substance abuse. But certain psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, and environmental stress are also factors often contributing to drug abuse.

In the case of peer pressure, findings often reveal that the addiction doesn’t just result from being hounded by friends to consume the substance. Oftentimes, the person who develops an addiction does so because they are already suffering from undiagnosed or diagnosed depression, attention deficit disorder, post-traumatic stress, or some other psychological condition. Also, children who grow up around parents using drugs are more likely to get involved in drug abuse than those who don’t.

So what are some of the warning signs of abuse or addiction? According to A.D.A.M., Inc. (Attention Deficit Awareness of Minnesota), the ten most common warning signs (especially with younger individuals) are the following:

1. a change in friends
2. withdrawn behavior
3. being gone for long periods of time
4. lying
5. stealing
6. run-ins with law enforcement
7. negative family relationships
8. a state of drunkenness or euphoria
9. distinct changes in attitude
10. poor performance in school

It should be noted that the possibility of abuse and/or addiction is not limited to these ten warning signs. These are generally the most common regardless of the substance that is being consumed.