Symptoms and Complications
Drugs can make people dependent on them either physically, psychologically,
or both. Drug addiction always involves some component of psychological
dependence and usually involves physical dependence too. Some people can be
physically dependent on a drug without being psychologically depended (addicted)
to it, especially when the drug is being used for a valid medical condition.
When someone uses a drug that causes physical dependence, the body gradually
adapts to the drug. What results is that the body requires larger and larger
amounts (e.g., higher doses) of the drug to have the same effect as it originally
had. This phenomenon is called tolerance. When people stop taking the
drug, they suffer withdrawal symptoms that can include shaking, headaches,
and diarrhea. Drug withdrawal
can even be life threatening. Mental or psychological problems, such as depression
and anxiety, can also occur
during drug withdrawal.
True drug addiction involves psychological dependence. These people
often crave the addictive drug and will go to great lengths to acquire the drug
to fulfill their craving. Psychologically addictive drugs usually act on the
brain and have one or more of the following effects:
- change in person's mood (e.g., feeling "high")
- reduces anxiety
- makes a person feel they have superior abilities
- affects a person's senses such as sight, hearing, etc.
There are many complications to drug addiction. Drug addiction can cause
physical problems such as liver
disease, lung disease, heart disease,
vitamin deficiencies, and brain damage. Drugs can cause birth defects. Some
drugs damage the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. People using
amphetamines can suffer from heart
attacks, strokes, severe
anxiety, and paranoia. Hallucinogens, because they distort reality, can make
people temporarily psychotic or make them try things they can't realistically
do, like flying. Diseases such as AIDS
or hepatitis transmitted
through shared, dirty needles are another complication. Drug overdoses can even
lead to death.
Complications of drug abuse include social consequences such as damage to work,
family, and personal relationships. Those who neglect their families create
social problems for their spouses and children. They may commit criminal acts
such as stealing to support their drug habit. If they drive while under the
influence of drugs, death or injury to themselves or others can result. Drugs
can alter the perception of reality and make people apathetic about work or
school. People who abuse drugs usually shrug off responsibilities of work and
home life. If pregnant, a person addicted to drugs can make their fetus physically
dependent on the drug they're abusing.