Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction, or substance use disorder, is a chronic condition characterized by the compulsive use of drugs despite harmful consequences. It affects the brain's reward system, leading to physical dependence, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms that make quitting difficult. Drug addiction can impact every aspect of a person's life, including their health, relationships, and daily responsibilities. Effective treatment combines medical detox, therapy—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)—and support programs to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. With comprehensive care and ongoing support, recovery and a fulfilling, drug-free life are achievable.

Substance use disorder (SUD) is a medical condition characterized by the continued use of drugs or alcohol despite significant substance-related problems. According to the American Psychiatric Association, substance use disorder occurs when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.[1]


The severity can range from mild to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of a substance use disorder. It affects people of all backgrounds, ages, and socioeconomic statuses.


Understanding Different Drug Categories

Drugs can be classified in several ways, but one common approach is to group them based on how they affect the central nervous system and body. Understanding these categories can help in recognizing patterns of misuse and potential health risks.

Depressants

Depressants slow down the central nervous system by reducing the messages traveling between the brain and body.[2] They produce feelings of relaxation, reduced anxiety, and decreased inhibition, but can also lead to impaired coordination, slowed breathing, and potentially fatal respiratory depression.

Common depressants include:

  • Alcohol

  • Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)

  • Barbiturates

  • GHB/GBL

  • Sleep medications (Ambien, Lunesta)


Stimulants

Stimulants speed up the messages traveling between the brain and body.[2] They typically increase pulse and breathing rate, elevate blood pressure, suppress appetite, and dilate pupils. Users often experience heightened alertness, increased energy, euphoria, and reduced fatigue.

Common stimulants include:

  • Cocaine

  • Methamphetamine

  • MDMA (ecstasy)

  • Prescription stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin)

  • Caffeine

  • Nicotine


Opioids

Opioids are powerful pain-relieving substances that bind to specific receptors in the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal tract. They produce feelings of euphoria and well-being while reducing pain perception.

Common opioids include:

  • Heroin

  • Fentanyl

  • Prescription pain medications (oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine)

  • Methadone

  • Codeine


Hallucinogens

Hallucinogens alter a person's perception of reality. They can cause someone to see or hear things that aren't there, perceive time differently, feel detached from their surroundings, or experience profound insights.

Common hallucinogens include:

  • LSD (acid)

  • Psilocybin mushrooms

  • DMT

  • Peyote

  • Ketamine (also considered a dissociative)


Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are substances that act on specific receptors in the brain and body. They can produce a mix of depressant and mild hallucinogenic effects, including relaxation, altered sensory perception, and increased appetite.

Common cannabinoids include:

  • Marijuana

  • Hashish

  • Synthetic cannabinoids (K2, Spice)


Synthetic Drugs

Synthetic drugs are substances created in laboratories to mimic the effects of controlled substances.[3] These new psychoactive substances are often developed rapidly to stay ahead of drug laws, sometimes marketed as "legal highs." Their composition can change frequently, making them particularly dangerous as users cannot know exactly what they're consuming.

Examples include:

  • Bath salts (synthetic cathinones)

  • Synthetic cannabinoids

  • NBOMe compounds

  • Novel benzodiazepines


The Danger of Polysubstance Use

Polysubstance use refers to the use of more than one drug, either simultaneously or within a short time period.[4] This can occur intentionally when someone deliberately combines substances, or unintentionally when someone takes drugs not knowing they're contaminated with other substances.

Why Polysubstance Use Is Particularly Dangerous

Mixing substances significantly increases health risks for several reasons:

  1. Unpredictable interactions: Different drugs can interact in ways that amplify each other's effects or produce entirely new effects.

  2. Enhanced toxicity: Some combinations substantially increase the risk of overdose. For example, using multiple depressants (like alcohol and benzodiazepines) can dangerously slow breathing and heart rate.

  3. Masking effects: When combining stimulants and depressants, the drugs' opposing effects can mask each other's impact, leading users to consume higher doses of each substance.

  4. Contaminated supply: In today's illicit drug market, many substances are contaminated with more potent drugs like fentanyl, creating unintentional polysubstance exposure.

Common dangerous combinations include alcohol and benzodiazepines, opioids and alcohol, cocaine and alcohol, and stimulants and opioids.


Warning Signs of Substance Use Disorder

Recognizing the warning signs of substance use disorder can help with early intervention. These signs may vary depending on the substance being used but often include several categories of symptoms.


Physical Signs

Physical indicators include changes in appetite or sleep patterns, deterioration in physical appearance, unusual smells on breath or clothing, slurred speech or impaired coordination, and bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.


Behavioral Signs

Behavioral changes often include unexplained financial problems, missing work, school, or other obligations, secretive or suspicious behaviors, changes in social circles, continued use despite negative consequences, and legal problems related to substance use.


Psychological Signs

Psychologically, a person may experience sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts, periods of unusual hyperactivity or agitation, lack of motivation, anxiety or paranoia without reason, and general changes in personality or attitude.


Health Effects of Substance Use Disorders

The impact of substance use on health depends on various factors, including the type of substance, how much and how often it's used, and individual health factors.


Short-term Effects

In the short term, substances can produce an altered mental state, changes in vital signs, impaired coordination and judgment, nausea and vomiting, and risk of overdose.


Long-term Effects

Long-term use typically leads to tolerance and physical dependence, organ damage, weakened immune system, increased risk of infectious diseases (particularly with injection drug use), mental health issues, cognitive impairments, and various social consequences affecting relationships, employment, and housing.


Treatment Approaches for Substance Use Disorders

Substance use disorders are treatable conditions, and recovery is possible with appropriate care. Effective treatment typically involves a combination of approaches.

Medical Detoxification

For many substances, the first step in treatment is medical detoxification—the supervised withdrawal from the substance. This process manages physical withdrawal symptoms and provides a bridge to longer-term treatment.


Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

For certain substances, particularly opioids and alcohol, medication-assisted treatment combines behavioral therapy with medications that reduce cravings, block the rewarding effects of substances, normalize brain chemistry, and support long-term recovery.[5]


Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies form the foundation of substance use treatment. Effective approaches include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Contingency Management, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Family Therapy.


Levels of Care

Treatment is offered at various levels of intensity, from intensive inpatient/residential treatment to outpatient care. The appropriate level depends on the severity of the substance use disorder and individual needs.


Recovery and Relapse Prevention

Recovery from substance use disorder is a lifelong process that extends beyond formal treatment.

Ongoing Support

Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery provide peer support. Recovery coaching and structured aftercare planning also help maintain recovery progress.


Lifestyle Modifications

Recovery encompasses building a fulfilling life through healthy coping mechanisms, supportive relationships, meaningful activities, physical wellness, and stress management practices.


Relapse Prevention Strategies

Relapse prevention involves identifying personal triggers and high-risk situations, developing specific coping strategies for cravings, creating a relapse prevention plan, and understanding that relapse is not a failure but a signal that treatment needs adjustment.


Supporting a Loved One

If you're concerned about someone's substance use, approach the conversation with compassion and without judgment. Express specific concerns about observed behaviors, listen actively, and encourage professional assessment and treatment. Setting healthy boundaries is also important, as is seeking support for yourself through family support groups.


Finding Specialized Treatment

Finding the right treatment program is crucial for recovery success. The SoCal Mental Health Directory can help you locate facilities that specialize in treating substance use disorders with evidence-based approaches.


Key considerations when selecting a treatment provider include their experience with specific substances, approach to assessment and treatment planning, available levels of care, credentials, insurance coverage and payment options, location, and aftercare planning.


Take the First Step Today

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use, know that recovery is possible with the right support. Our Directory can connect you with specialized treatment centers that address substance use disorders with compassion and evidence-based approaches.


Whether the concern involves a single substance or polysubstance use, professional help can make a tremendous difference. Many people who have struggled with substance use disorders have found their way to recovery and gone on to live fulfilling, healthy lives.


Use our location search tool to find substance use disorder treatment centers near you. Our directory includes facilities offering various levels of care, specialized approaches for different substances, and insurance coverage options to meet your specific needs.


Related Conditions

For more specific information about particular substances, please visit our dedicated pages:


Sources

  1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023). "Substance Use Disorder." https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/substance-abuse-chemical-dependency

  2. Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (n.d.). "Drug Wheel." https://adf.org.au/insights/drug-wheel/

  3. Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. (2022). "Types of drugs." https://www.health.gov.au/topics/drugs/about-drugs/types-of-drugs

  4. ARK Behavioral Health. (2024). "Polysubstance Abuse | Overview & Treatment." https://www.arkbh.com/polysubstance/

  5. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). "Drugs A to Z." https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts

  6. National Center on Drug Abuse Statistics. (2024). "Substance Abuse and Addiction Statistics." https://drugabusestatistics.org/

  7. The Recovery Village. (2022). "Types of Drugs: Opioids, Depressants, Stimulants, Hallucinogens and More." https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/drug-addiction/types-of-drugs/