People with drug addictions continue to use drugs compulsively, despite the negative effects.
Substance abuse has many potential consequences, including overdose and death.
Learn about the effects of drug addiction on the mind and body and treatment options that can help.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Someone who abuses drugs uses a substance too much, too frequently, or in otherwise unhealthy ways.
However, they ultimately have control over their substance use.
They continue to use drugs compulsively despite the negative consequences.
Women are more susceptible to intense cravings and repeated relapses.
Effects of Drug Addiction
People can become addicted to any psychoactive (“mind-altering”) substance.
Common addictive substances includealcohol, tobacco (nicotine), stimulants, hallucinogens, andopioids.
Many of the effects ofdrug addictionare similar, no matter what substance someone uses.
The following are some of the most common effects of drug addiction.
But, more than that, your brain is who you are.
Drugs alter important areas of the brain.
When someone continues to use drugs, their health can deteriorate both psychologically and neurologically.
They produce a sense of euphoria and well-being by flooding the brain withdopamine.
This leads people to compulsively use drugs in search of another euphoric high.
The consequences of these neurological changes can be either temporary or permanent.
If you need help, contact theSAMHSA National Helplineat 1-800-662-4357.
Essentially, the baby goes into withdrawal after birth.
It’s unclear whether prenatal drug exposure continues to affect behavior and the brain beyond adolescence.
Treatment
While there is no single cure for drug addiction, there are ways to treat it.
Treatment can help you control your addiction and stay drug-free.
Some effects of drug abuse and addiction include changes in appetite, mood, and sleep patterns.
Addiction to drugs while pregnant can lead to serious outcomes for both mother and child.
Treatment for drug addiction may involvepsychotherapy, medication, hospitalization, support groups, or a combination.
American Society of Addiction Medicine.Definition of addiction.
HelpGuide.org.Drug abuse and addiction.
Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services.Warning signs of drug abuse.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Sex and gender differences in substance use.
Cleveland Clinic.Substance use disorder (SUD).
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Drugs and the Brain.
American Heart Association.Illegal Drugs and Heart Disease.
American Addiction Centers.Get the facts on substance abuse.
Szalavitz M, Rigg KK, Wakeman SE.Drug dependence is not addiction-and it matters.Ann Med.
American Psychological Association.Cognition is central to drug addiction.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Treatment and recovery.
