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Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs.
Diagnosing drug addiction (substance use disorder) requires a thorough evaluation and often includes an assessment by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Blood, urine or other lab tests are used to assess drug use, but they're not a diagnostic test for addiction.
If your pattern of drinking results in repeated significant distress and problems functioning in your daily life, you likely have alcohol use disorder. It can range from mild to severe. However, even a mild disorder can escalate and lead to serious problems, so early treatment is important.
How opioid use disorder occurs. Opioid use — even short term — can lead to addiction and, too often, overdose. Find out how short-term pain relief leads to life-threatening problems. By Mayo Clinic Staff
Some teens who misuse drugs are at increased risk of substance use disorder. Poor judgment. Teenage drug use is associated with poor judgment in social and personal interactions.
Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay. Working to stop alcohol use to improve quality of life is the main treatment goal. Treatment for alcohol use disorder may include: Detox and withdrawal.
Drug addiction, also known as substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. When you’re addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.
An intervention can motivate someone to seek help for alcohol or drug misuse, compulsive eating, or other addictive behaviors. Discover when to hold one and how to make it successful. By Mayo Clinic Staff
People who have depression, schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or other forms of mental illness are more likely to be smokers. Substance use. People who abuse alcohol and illegal drugs are more likely to be smokers.
Drug addiction affects your brain and behavior to the point where you can't control your use of legal or illegal drugs, even when you know they cause harm.