Drug addiction isn’t something that everyone understands. While most people have heard of drug addiction, they struggle to define it. Understanding the drug addiction definition can help people understand what their loved ones with this disease go through.
Drug Addiction Definition
The drug addiction definition is the dependence on an illegal or legal medication or drug. Experts may refer to drug addiction as substance use disorder (SUD). An SUD encompasses both dependence and addiction, but addiction is the most severe form.
It’s also important to know that addiction is a mental disorder rather than a condition that people can control. Because of their inability to control themselves, they continue to use drugs despite the harm that they cause.
Drug addiction happens as a result of chemical changes that occur inside the brain. All drugs change the chemical balance in some way. Extended use can result in permanent changes to the brain.
The chemical changes create a deep craving for the drug. To function normally, the brain believes that it needs drugs. When people deny themselves these drugs, their bodies go through withdrawal. The symptoms affect people both physically and mentally.
Drug Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms
After developing an addiction, it’s hard for people to stop taking drugs. One reason is because of the withdrawal symptoms that they feel when they stop. Some common symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Headache
While these symptoms may seem mild, they can last from days to months. The most severe ones usually arise during the first few days. Milder symptoms can last for weeks or months.
Drug Addiction Treatment
It’s important to note that drug addiction never really goes away. After altering the chemical balance of the brain, people always feel the lingering effects of this disease. However, they can learn to lessen these feelings with drug rehab.
Drug rehab teaches people about triggers and how to avoid them. Avoiding triggers is the best way for them to prevent relapse. Just because medical professionals are unable to cure addiction doesn’t mean that people can’t learn to live above it.
Let Us Help You Overcome Your Addiction
If you or a loved one suffers with drug addiction, we can give you the support that you need. At Crestview Recovery, we strive to create a friendly environment where you can truly focus on your rehab. We offer a number of programs, which we use to create unique treatment plans, including:
- Outpatient drug rehab
- Aftercare
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Gender-specific rehab
Learn what it takes to put your addiction behind you. Let us lead you down the path to recovery. Contact us today at 866-580-4160 for more information about our services.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
