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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.
Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others: • Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day • Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts • Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
The prescription drugs most often misused include opioid painkillers, anti-anxiety medicines, sedatives and stimulants. Early identification of prescription drug abuse and early intervention may prevent the problem from turning into an addiction.
When addicted to a drug, a person will continue to use the drug even when it makes life worse. Watch for these common signs of opioid use disorder: Regularly takes an opioid in a way not meant by the healthcare professional who prescribed it.
Diagnosis. 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.
Drug addiction is defined as an out-of-control feeling that you must use a medicine or drug and continue to use it even though it causes harm over and over again. Opioids are highly addictive, largely because they trigger powerful reward centers in your brain.
Alcohol use disorder can be mild, moderate or severe, based on the number of symptoms you experience. Signs and symptoms may include: Being unable to limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Wanting to cut down on how much you drink or making unsuccessful attempts to do so.
Recognizing the warning signs of teen drug abuse Be aware of possible red flags, such as: Sudden or extreme change in friends, eating habits, sleeping patterns, physical appearance, requests for money, coordination or school performance.
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. It's hard helping a loved one who is struggling with any type of addiction.
Doctors generally base a diagnosis of prescription drug abuse on medical history and answers to other questions. In some cases, certain signs and symptoms also provide clues. Blood or urine tests can detect many types of drugs. These tests can also help track the progress of a person who's getting treatment.