Definition

Drug abuse is a disease characterized by continued misuse of drugs even when faced with drug-related job, legal, health, or family difficulties. Problems associated with drug abuse must have existed a minimum of 12 months to meet the diagnosis.

Drug dependence refers to long-term, compulsive drug use, perhaps with attempts to stop but repeatedly returns to drug use. Drug dependence also means that your body has begun to require the drug in higher doses to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Drug abuse and drug dependence are not terms that should be used to describe people who are taking appropriate dosages of prescribed drugs (pain medication, for example) and who have become physically dependent on them. Diagnosis of both drug abuse and drug dependence requires the presence of specific behavioral symptoms.

Some of the most commonly abused substances include:

• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Morphine
• LSD
• Marijuana
• Sedatives
• Speed (methamphetamine, “crystal meth”)
• PCP
• Ecstasy
• GHB
• Ketamine
• Steroids
• Inhalants
• Legal drugs that are used improperly or without a prescription, such as:
  • Narcotic painkillers
  • Amphetamines
  • Drugs for treating anxiety
  • Sleeping pills

Causes

The cause of drug abuse and dependence is unknown, although there are a variety of theories. One theory holds that there may be a genetic component that predisposes a person toward using and abusing drugs. Another theory is that drug abuse is a learned behavior and that people begin to use drugs by copying the behavior of those around them. Medical professionals have not been able to target a specific cause.

Brain chemicals may alter the user's perception of the drug's effects. Long-term drug use changes brain function and may reinforce the desire to keep using drugs regardless of the consequences.

Chemical Release in Brain

Drugs stimulate unnecessary chemical release in the brain. Used long-term drugs may actually change brain function.

© 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.

Risk factors include:

• Sex: male
• Age: youth
• Family members with substance abuse problems
• Early antisocial behavior
• Social and peer pressure
• Stress
• Associating with people who abuse drugs
• Easy access to drugs
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Panic disorders

Symptoms

Denial that a drug problem exists is common. Drug abuse can occur without physical dependence.

To definitively diagnose drug abuse, the symptoms must have lasted for at least 12 months.

Symptoms include:

• Repeated work, school, or home problems due to drug use
• Continued use of drugs even though it means risking physical safety
• Recurring trouble with the law related to drug use, including impaired driving
• Continuing to use drugs despite drug-related problems in personal relationships

Drug abuse often progresses to drug dependence. Symptoms of drug dependence include at least three of the following:

• Craving for the substance
• Inability to stop or limit drug use
• Tolerance—taking greater amounts to feel the same effect
• Withdrawal symptoms that occur when the drug is stopped
• Significant amounts of time trying to acquire drugs and recover from their effects
• Giving up activities to use drugs or recover from the effects
• Drug use continues even when it causes or worsens health and/or psychological problems

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about:

• Drug use:
  • How often you use drugs
  • Which drugs you use
  • What amount and if you have increased the amount to receive the same desired effect
• Emotional problems that may have occurred while using drugs
• Problems with a job, your family, or the law

Tests may include:

• Blood and urine tests to check for the presence of drugs

Treatment

There is no cure for drug abuse or drug dependence.

There are three main treatment goals:

• To help patients stop using drugs
• To decrease the toxic effects of the drugs being used and to aid in symptoms of drug withdrawal (“detoxification”)
• To prevent relapse

Successful treatment depends on the drug user's recognition of the problem and desire to change. Recovery takes a long time and is not an easy process. Patients may need multiple courses of treatment.

Therapies include:

Prevention

Drug education programs may be helpful. Suggested strategies to lower the risk of drug abuse or dependence include:

• Learn about risks related to drug use.
• Do not spend time with people who are using illegal drugs.
• Learn ways to handle peer pressure.
• Seek counseling for anxiety, depression , and other mental health problems.