Drug addiction is a chronic condition characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. It’s also known as substance use disorder. People with drug addiction may continue using the drug despite the social, psychological, and physical problems it causes. These substances include
marijuana,
cocaine
,
heroin
,
benzodiazepines
,
synthetic drugs
, and many more. Drugs affect and change your brain, which can cause addiction. That’s why stopping usually takes more than just a mental decision—but with the right care, full recovery is more than possible.
Signs And Symptoms of Drug Addiction
You’ll know your drug use has turned into an addiction when you feel physically dependent on it to stay well. For example, if you’re addicted to opioids and stop using them, you’ll soon need to take more just to
avoid the arduous withdrawals
. Addiction also includes cravings. Even if you don’t feel sick from withdrawals, you may still feel a deep need, or craving, for the drug you take.
This can lead you down dangerous paths
.
The physical symptoms of drug addiction depend on which drug you take. Some signs of marijuana use, for example, include bloodshot eyes and a powerful sense of relaxation. Other substances can present more dangerous and unpredictable symptoms.
Stimulants like meth and
cocaine
could cause wild and erratic symptoms.
The sedative effects of depressants
might be harder to notice, but the drugs themselves are just as damaging. You can get addicted to nicotine too, even though it’s a more socially accepted drug and may not seem risky initially.
How to Tell if Someone Has a Drug Addiction
You can look for any of these signs if you suspect someone you know has a drug addiction:
- Secretive behaviors and habits.
- A new friend group comes into their life.
- Physical symptoms of use, like hair and skin damage, exhaustion, needle marks, or tooth decay.
- Heightened reactivity and strong startle reactions.
- They might steal or borrow money, then not pay you back.
- They may lose their home, car, or other possessions.
- Job loss due to uncharacteristically poor performance.
If you’re comfortable, you can be straightforward and ask if your loved one has an addiction. Stay non-judgemental if you take this route. Though you don’t support their addiction, you’ll want to make it clear
you do support them and their recovery
. Staying non-judgemental and non-condemning can open them up to the idea of treatment.
What Are The Long-Term Effects of Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction can have a lasting, destructive impact on your brain and physical health. Not only that, but the recent rise in fentanyl and other highly potent substances makes the risk of an overdose even greater. And the more drugs you use, the greater your tolerance will become, leading to higher doses and an increased risk of an overdose.
Drug addiction can also affect your relationships and social life. You may lose friendships and ties with your family if your addiction has unintentionally become more important.
How Can I Find Support?
-
Rehabs for Drug Addiction
-
Telehealth Provider
- Talk to a supportive friend or family member
- Talk to your primary care physician
- National Helplines
Do Rehabs Treat Drug Addiction?
Yes, many centers focus specifically on treating drug addiction. Many other
rehab centers treat co-occurring
mental health disorders like depression alongside substance use disorders. Drug addiction rehab has varying levels of treatment.. These include:
- Residential treatment lasts 28+ days. Here, you’ll likely undergo detox (if needed) and engage in daily treatments and therapies.
-
Day treatment
, or partial hospitalization, lasts a few months. You’ll live at home but attend treatment 5-7 days a week, for about 40 hours a week.
-
Intensive outpatient programs
(IOPs) last a few months. You’ll live at home and go to treatment 3-5 days a week, for a few hours a day. Some IOPs have day and evening programs for more flexibility.
-
Sober living
homes keep you connected to others in sobriety. You live in these safe, structured homes as you adjust to life outside treatment. You can attend day treatment and IOP in sober living.
-
Outpatient programs
can last months or years. In outpatient, you’ll go to treatment once or twice a week for individual and group therapy.
In each level of care, you’ll likely receive 1-1 therapy with a therapist and participate in group therapy. The exact type of therapies used will vary based on your symptoms, medical history, age, and more. But you can expect to engage in one or more types of
evidence-based therapy
throughout your treatment.
What Therapies Are Used to Treat Drug Addiction?
-
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
: a form of psychotherapy that encourages you to challenge and change unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
-
Contingency Management (CM)
: a behavioral therapy that rewards/reinforces sobriety through vouchers, giftcards, or money received after periods of continuous sobriety. CM can be especially helpful for preventing relapses.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): a short-term form of psychotherapy that helps you identify and address interpersonal issues that may contribute to your drug use.
-
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
: an approach that combines elements of CBT and mindfulness to help you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
- Psychotherapy: a form of counseling that helps you identify underlying issues that may contribute to your drug use.
-
Medication
: Anti-craving medications can help you detox and maintain your sobriety after treatment.
Therapy for drug addiction targets the thoughts and behaviors that led you to addiction, as well as relapse prevention. You'll learn practical ways to maintain recovery and more wellness-focused strategies, like
proper nutrition
and mindfulness. You’ll likely meet in peer support groups too, like narcotics anonymous (NA), which you can attend for the rest of your life.
Medications for Synthetic Drug Addiction
Certain medications can ease your withdrawal symptoms from drug addiction and reinforce your sobriety. Some medications specifically
help with opioid addiction
, while others can have more broad effects.
Finding the right fit may take time. Your prescriber will carefully choose the right medication for you and your situation. Depending on your treatment goals and history, you may take medications for a few months or a few years.
Questions to Ask My Provider
When talking to your doctor about medications, keep these questions in mind:
- How long will it take for me to feel the medication’s effects?
- Will this medication interact with any supplements or other medications I’m taking?
- What time of day should I take this medication?
- What will the side effects look like?
- What happens if I relapse while on this medication?
- Can I take this on an empty stomach or do I need to eat beforehand?
- Does this medication have a
Black Box/Boxed warning for an increased risk of suicide
? (Your doctor will most likely bring this up right away, but it’s good to check.)
- Could this prescription become addictive?
- What will withdrawals look like if we decide to stop this medication and/or try another?
Psychiatrists and therapists often use a combination of different therapies depending on the individual patient’s needs and unique presentation of addiction. Psychiatrists may also prescribe medication as an adjunct to therapy. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to help the patient to develop healthy coping skills and strategies to manage drug addiction.
Is It Possible to Relapse With Drug Addiction?
Relapsing on drugs is possible. You can seek professional treatment to understand and treat the root causes of drug addiction to prevent future relapses. Most drug rehab programs include relapse prevention planning, aftercare, and connections to
additional resources
, like support groups.
A recurrence doesn’t mean your treatment failed. It just means you need additional help to get back into healing.
Can I Use The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for Drug Addiction Treatment in The U.S.?
If you’ve been clinically diagnosed with drug addiction, then you can receive Family and Medical Leave Act support.
The FMLA ensures that you do not lose your job when taking necessary time
(up to 12 weeks) off to heal from a serious health condition. This act also guarantees that you retain the same terms of employment that you originally had for your job.
What’s provided in your FMLA may vary and has requirements for eligibility. Talk with your Human Resources (HR) department at work or
look online for more information on FMLAs
.
How Can You Help Someone With a Drug Addiction?
The decision to get treatment isn’t yours to make. Your loved one must have that desire themselves. But you can
support them along the way
.
One way you can help is by verbally offering your support, a listening ear, and compassion. For example, your loved one may ask you to help them
find a good treatment center. You can work through that process together. Your support may give them the final push they need to get help.
How to Talk to Your Doctor About Drug Addiction
You can keep a few key points in mind when you decide to talk to your doctor. Be sure to tell them what you’re taking—even if it’s an illegal drug. Your doctor is bound by confidentiality laws and won’t get you in trouble. Then,
- Tell them how much of a drug (or 2 drugs) you take.
- Tell them how your dose has increased over time, if it has.
- Describe what happens if you don’t regularly use drugs.
- Explain how drug use affects your family life, work life, and your overall health.
- Point out any physical issues you think connect to drug use, like poor oral health, skin lesions, or sudden weight loss.
After describing your situation and symptoms, your doctor will likely suggest the next steps in treatment. This might include detox, residential care, or outpatient care. You’ll decide what’s best for you together.
