Drug Addiction

Addiction is a problem, which involves being dependent on a substance that has progressed beyond voluntary control. Drug addiction is like any other problem with root causes and primarily negative consequences. It is difficult to distinguish between drug abuse and drug addiction. Many confuse the signs and symptoms of drug abuse with the signs and symptoms of drug addiction and vice versa. Both are serious problems. Although the signs and symptoms of both problems overlap, there is a distinct difference between them.

Individuals who abuse drugs

  • Recognize their problem
  • Regard complaints from others on their negative behavior, resulting in rarely repeating (negative) drug related behaviour
  • Set limits to how often and how much they use, which also impacts their negative actions
  • Use drugs to change the way they feel about themselves

    Individuals who are addicted to drugs

  • Ignore their problem
  • Disregard complaints from others on their negative behavior resulting in continuous use of drug regardless of consequences
  • Controlled by their craving
  • Set limits to how often and how much they use, but exceed them leading to not altering the way they use

    • References