Addiction to drugs and/or alcohol is a serious and debilitating problem today. It’s characterized by uncontrollable drug-seeking behaviors and an inability to stop using, even in the face of negative consequences (e.g., lost job, physical illness, broken relationships).
It’s also considered by experts to be an actual mental disease rather than a problem of willpower.
This guide takes a look at some of the major questions surrounding addiction. What is addiction? How common is addiction? And why do people get addicted? It also points out some of the most commonly abused types of addictive substances and what makes them unique.
Addiction is a complex disease that’s still not fully understood today. But as with any problem, overcoming it begins with learning about it. Review our drug addiction resources.
What is Drug Addiction?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control, and those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.
It’s worth noting that addiction is an actual disease rather than a choice. And as such, that means that it requires professional treatment in order to recover from it.
The key to addiction involves the way that certain substances influence the pleasure system of the brain. This system is driven by the release and absorption of dopamine, the main pleasure-causing chemical in the brain.
This chemical is naturally released by a variety of activities – from eating a good meal or finishing an enjoyable book to having sex or getting a promotion at work. Essentially, everything that feels good can be traced back to dopamine.
Drugs and alcohol effectively hijack this system and cause the brain to release dopamine without having to perform any of these activities. And over time, the body becomes so used to this effect of drugs and alcohol that it stops producing dopamine on its own.
When this happens, the substance abuser is driven to use over and over again because doing so is the only thing that gives pleasure anymore.
What Are the Signs of Addiction?
One of the first steps in getting help for an addiction is spotting the signs. And the earlier you can do that, the sooner you can seek out professional treatment.
There are a few signs of addiction to watch out for in others. Below are some of the most common.
- Changes in Physical Appearance
- Changes in Attitude
- Rapid Mood Swings or Mental/Emotional Abnormalities
- Secretive Behaviors
- Changes in Energy Levels
- Drug Paraphernalia
- Mounting Consequences
- Physical signs or problems (e.g., track marks, nosebleeds)
While it may be easy to spot the signs of addiction in others, admitting that you are the one with a problem is monumentally harder. That’s because denial is incredibly common among addicts and substance abusers of all types.
In fact, among the 17.7 million Americans who needed help but didn’t get it, 95.5% didn’t do so because they didn’t think they had a problem. That’s 16.9 million adults who are in complete denial about their addiction.
That’s why it’s so important to be able to recognize the signs of addiction so you can see how you stack up. Taking a quick online addiction quiz is one of the easiest ways to do so.
You can also have a look at the guide below for more information.
Am I Really Addicted?
Do Addicts Need Treatment?
Yes.
While it is possible to overcome an addiction without professional treatment, the overwhelming majority of addicts will need expert help in order to stay clean permanently.
A professional program is designed to give recovering addicts the strategies and tools they need to deal with overpowering cravings, avoid unexpected triggers, and replace self-destructive life behaviors with healthier ones.
These programs are also essential for treating the dangerous and even life-threatening complications that often come with the first stages of getting clean. This is especially important when it comes to detoxing from prescription CNS depressants, alcohol, or opioids because withdrawals can be deadly.
The trick, however, is knowing how to find a treatment program that actually works.
Most programs will use a combination of three types of treatment approaches: individual counseling, group talk sessions, and behavioral therapies.
- Individual Counseling – One-on-one counseling is a vital part of any treatment program. Working closely with an addiction professional in this intimate setting allows for a deep dive into what’s driving the addiction, what underlying problems might be involved, and treatment strategies catered to meet the specific needs of the individual.
- Group Talk Sessions – Many programs use group talk sessions to help build up a sense of community and to allow patients to learn from the experiences of others. These sessions are also a great place to hash out recovery plan details and to forge connections that may end up lasting a lifetime.
- Behavioral Therapies – These treatments are focused on changing the underlying behaviors that led to addiction and developing healthier life strategies to take the place of substance abuse.
ALCOHOL
Alcohol use is common around the world, but addiction to alcohol can be deadly.
- Alcohol
- Alcohol Withdrawals
- Binge Drinking
- Types of Alcoholism
- Underage Drinking
Alcohol is a depressant. And as a result, it causes many of the body’s processes to slow down. Reaction times and reflexes are stunted, thinking becomes fuzzy, and memory can also be impacted.
Breathing and heart rate also tend to slow down as well.
Like most other addictive substances, drinking alcohol also produces a “high” that most users are trying to achieve. This high of being drunk usually includes feelings like:
- Euphoria
- Excitement
- Improved self-confidence
- Higher sociability
- Lowered inhibitions
CANNABINOIDS
The Cannabinoid category of drugs is named because of how they affect the cannabinoid receptors in the human brain.
- Cannabinoids
- Dabs
- Wax
- Hashish
- K2
- Marijuana
Cannabinoids don’t fall neatly into the stimulant/depressant categorizations of most other drugs. And the effects that these drugs have on individuals vary wildly from person to person.
As such, the high from marijuana may come with a range of symptoms, including:
- Altered senses (for example, seeing brighter colors)
- Altered sense of time
- Changes in mood
- Impaired body movement
- Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
- Impaired memory
- Hallucinations (when taken in high doses)
- Delusions (when taken in high doses)
- Psychosis (when taken in high doses)
While marijuana doesn’t necessarily cause physical dependency, the truth is that cannabinoids can be mentally addictive. And in fact, addiction doesn’t even require physical dependency.
As a result, these drugs can still bring on uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms while quitting.
DEPRESSANTS
Depressants are a classification of drugs that are very dangerous, and they only become more dangerous with long term usage.
- Ativan
- Barbiturates
- Benzodiazepine
- Celexa
- Cipralex
- Depressants
- GHB
- Halcion
- Klonopin
- Lexapro
- Librium
- Lorazepam
- Quaaludes
- Sedatives
- Seroquel
- Tranquilizer
- Valium
- Xanax
- Zoloft
As the name suggests, central nervous system (CNS) depressants interact with the brain and the body to slow down certain processes. A lot of this slowing down is handled by one brain chemical in particular called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Many CNS depressants either make GABA more powerful or increase its rate of release in the brain.
The result is a relaxed, drowsy state that some people may find appealing. Some depressants may also bring on a sense of euphoria as well.
When taken in high doses, these drugs can also make it quite hard to concentrate and perform even the simplest tasks.
Some of the most common types of depressants include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and anti-psychotics.
HALLUCINOGENS
Hallucinogens have been around for a very long time and are popular because they cause the user to lose touch with reality.
- DMT
- Hallucinogens
- Ketamine
- LSD
- Mushrooms
- Peyote
- PCP
- Salvia
Hallucinogens include a wide variety of different drugs with different effects. But generally, these drugs fall into two categories in particular: classic hallucinogens like LSD and dissociative drugs such as PCP.
Both produce hallucinations – images, sounds, or physical sensations that aren’t really there. But dissociative drugs also typically cause the user to feel like they’re outside of their body and have no control over their actions.
Researchers believe that most classic hallucinogens affect the brain chemical serotonin, which helps control mood, sensory perception, and a range of other functions. As a result, highs from these drugs tend to create:
- Intensified feelings and sensations (seeing brighter colors for example)
- Changes in time perception
- Spiritual experiences
- Relaxation
Dissociative drugs tend to focus more on glutamate, which helps regulate responses to the environment, emotion, and memory. The highs from these drugs may cause:
- Disorientation
- Mood swings
- Disassociation (feeling outside of the body)
- Anxiety
- Numbness
INHALANTS
There are so many products that you can find in your home that are actually very addictive and harmful for you.
- Aerosol Sprays
- Bath Salts
- Cleaning Fluids
- Gasoline
- Inhalants
- Paint Thinner
- Vapes
Most inhalants affect the brain and the body by slowing down activity in the central nervous system. And as a result, the user tends to feel effects that are similar to those of alcohol. These may include:
- Slurred or distorted speech
- Lack of coordination
- Euphoria
- Dizziness
But since there are so many different products that are used as inhalants today, not all will have the same effects. Some, for instance, may also produce hallucinations and delusions.
In many cases, these effects tend to be short-lived, often only lasting for a few minutes at a time. This short high can drive users to abuse inhalants over and over in rapid succession. And after continued use, it can make abusers feel less self-conscious and less in control over their bodies.
OPIATES AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG OPIOIDS
Opiates (which are sometimes referred to as Opioids) can be derived from the poppy plant, partially synthesized, or fully synthesized.
- Amytal
- Buprenorphine
- Carfentanil
- Darvon
- Demerol
- Dilaudid
- Fentanyl
- Heroin Addiction
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- IV Drugs
- Kratom
- Lorcet
- Lortab
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Opana
- Opiates
- Opium
- Oxycodone
- Oxycontin
- Oxymorphone
- Percocet
- Soma
- Suboxone
- Subutex
- Tramadol
- Ultram
- Vicodin
Opioids are used in the medical community to help treat chronic and acute pain. They’re especially good at doing so because they stop pain sensations at a variety of different points in the body rather than just one.
They interact with the brain and the body by activating special cells called opioid receptors. These receptors help regulate pain sensations as well as mood and other functions. And when they’re activated by opioids, they can cause a variety of effects, including:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Pain relief
- Sedation
The intensity of these feelings depends on the type of opioid as well as how it is administered. Heroin, for example, tends to bring on a “rush” of intensely pleasurable feelings that quickly fade away. Prescription opioids like OxyContin may come on more slowly but often last much longer.
The high from opioids is often quite strong. And it’s part of why these drugs are so highly addictive today.
OPIATES AND PRESCRIPTION DRUG OPIOIDS
Opiates (which are sometimes referred to as Opioids) can be derived from the poppy plant, partially synthesized, or fully synthesized.
- Amytal
- Buprenorphine
- Carfentanil
- Darvon
- Demerol
- Dilaudid
- Fentanyl
- Heroin Addiction
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- IV Drugs
- Kratom
- Lorcet
- Lortab
- Methadone
- Morphine
- Opana
- Opiates
- Opium
- Oxycodone
- Oxycontin
- Oxymorphone
- Percocet
- Soma
- Suboxone
- Subutex
- Tramadol
- Ultram
- Vicodin
Opioids are used in the medical community to help treat chronic and acute pain. They’re especially good at doing so because they stop pain sensations at a variety of different points in the body rather than just one.
They interact with the brain and the body by activating special cells called opioid receptors. These receptors help regulate pain sensations as well as mood and other functions. And when they’re activated by opioids, they can cause a variety of effects, including:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Pain relief
- Sedation
The intensity of these feelings depends on the type of opioid as well as how it is administered. Heroin, for example, tends to bring on a “rush” of intensely pleasurable feelings that quickly fade away. Prescription opioids like OxyContin may come on more slowly but often last much longer.
The high from opioids is often quite strong. And it’s part of why these drugs are so highly addictive today.
OVER THE COUNTER DRUGS
When people learn that they’ve become addicted to prescription medications, once they recover from their surprise, they can understand how this occurred.
- Diet Pills
- Dramamine
- Dxm Cough Medicine
- Sleep Aids
- Over The Counter Medications
OTC drugs affect the body in a variety of ways.
Diet pills, for example, tend to speed up the body’s natural processes. And that can lead to increased energy levels and restlessness as well as some light euphoria.
Sleep aids tend to do the opposite, just as you’d expect. And that can cause sedation and relaxation at normal levels. When abused at high doses, some people experience hallucinations and euphoria.
Both Dramamine (an anti-nausea medication) and DXM-based cough medicine can be taken in high quantities to produce hallucinations and euphoria as well.
PRESCRIPTION DRUGS
In many ways, prescription medications are some of the most dangerous options when you’re talking about addiction.
- Adderall
- Ambien
- Amytal
- Biphetamine
- Codeine
- Concerta
- Darvocet
- Dexadrine
- Darvon
- Demerol
- Dilaudid
- Fentanyl
- Flexeril
- Gabapentin
- Hydrocodone
- Hydromorphone
- Lorcet
- Lortab
- Lunesta
- Luvox
- Morphine
- Norco
- Opana
- Oxycodone
- Painkillers
- Percocet
- Paxil
- Prescription Medications
- Ritalin
- Sonata
- Strattera
- Vicodin
Prescription drugs like those above are often far more powerful than over-the-counter medications.
These drugs fall into a number of different classes, including:
- Opioids – These drugs are used to treat pain in patients, and they stimulate the opioid receptors in the brain and the body. Abuse can lead to euphoria, relaxation, and sedation.
- Prescription Stimulants – These drugs are typically used to treat conditions like ADD and ADHD. Abuse can cause hyperactivity, euphoria, and increased sociability.
- Anti-Depressants & Anticonvulsant Drugs – These drugs are used to treat depression and seizure disorders. Abusing them (often with other substances) can cause euphoria and relaxation.
STEROIDS
Anabolic steroids generally conjure up visions of athletes who use them to improve their performance in various sports, and the only time it really seems to be a problem for them is when they get caught.
- Anabolic Steroids
- Andadrol
- Oxandrin
- Stanozol
Steroids are often prescribed to treat hormonal disorders because they are a synthetic version of the male sex hormone, testosterone. But when abused, they’re usually used to help stimulate muscle growth in athletes, body builders, and people looking to boost physical performance.
These drugs affect the body differently than other substances of abuse. Most importantly, they don’t directly affect the pleasure system in the brain like other drugs. And as a result, they aren’t associated with the “high” that comes with many other substances of abuse.
However, the muscle-building effects of the drugs can be mentally addictive in that abusers can get pleasure from seeing the results of the drug (i.e., impressive muscle growth).
And contrary to popular belief, steroids actually can be addictive.
STIMULANTS
It is very easy to become addicted to stimulants, and once you’re addicted, getting professional stimulant addiction treatment is the best way to stop taking them safely.
- Amphetamines
- Cocaine
- Crack
- Crystal Meth
- Ecstasy
- Flakka
- Khat
- Stimulants
Stimulants essentially speed up the processes of the brain and body by interacting with two chemicals in particular: dopamine and norepinephrine. Some drugs make these chemicals more readily available in the brain while others make them more powerful.
Abusing stimulants causes in an increase in alertness, attention, and energy levels. It can also cause euphoria at high levels as well.
Since stimulants affect dopamine in particular (a brain chemical that helps control learning and memory), addiction to stimulants can be both overpowering and widespread across America.
NORTHPOINT RECOVERY: QUALITY NATIONAL ADDICTION TREATMENT
Addiction is a complex and devastating disease. And only a qualified treatment program can offer the absolute best chances at long-term recovery.
When it does come time to partner with a professional addiction program, Northpoint Recovery in Boise is the best in the Pacific Northwest.
Our 28-day inpatient program uses only evidence-based treatments that have been proven to promote recovery. Every plan is individually tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. And we also have one of the highest staff-to-patient ratios in the region.
Plus, we’re nationally accredited by the Joint Commission – a testament to our dedication to quality service.
Just have a look at some of the testimonials from past patients.
Addiction doesn’t have to be a lifelong disease. And with the right support, it can be overcome.
We’d love to help you recover today. So please, contact us now to get started.