Carbonell Institute

Addictions

What are substance abuse and addiction?

The difference between substance abuse and addiction is subtle. Substance abuse means using an illegal substance or misusing a legal substance. Addiction begins with abuse, or using substances like marijuana or cocaine. You can use a drug (or alcohol) without being addicted. For example, just because Sara has smoked marijuana a few times doesn't mean she's addicted, but it does mean she's used a drug, and that can lead to addiction.


People can become addicted to all sorts of substances. When we think of addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs. But people can become addicted to medications, tobacco, even glue. And some substances are more addictive than others: drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that trying them once or twice can be enough for the user to lose control.


Addiction means that a person cannot control their urge to use a drug or drink. Someone addicted to cocaine has become so accustomed to the drug that they cannot stop using it. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both.


Physical addiction

Being physically addicted means that a person's body becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking can be addictive). It also increases a person's tolerance to that substance, so they need increasingly larger doses to achieve the same effect. Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance, such as drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, experiences withdrawal. Some symptoms of withdrawal include diarrhea, tremors, and feeling generally unwell.


Psychological addiction

Psychological addiction occurs when the craving for a drug is psychological or emotional. People who are psychologically addicted feel that the desire to use a drug overwhelms them. They may lie or even steal to obtain it.


A person crosses the line between use and dependence when they no longer use the drug for fun or to get high, but have become dependent on it. Their life revolves around their need for the drug. An addicted person—whether they have a physical or psychological addiction, or both—feels they cannot stop using the drug.

Signs of addiction

The most obvious sign of addiction is the need to use a particular drug or substance. However, there are many other signs that can indicate a possible addiction, such as mood swings or weight loss or gain. (Although these signs can also indicate other problems, such as depression or eating disorders.) Signs that you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol addiction include:

Psychological signs:

Using drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax; withdrawing or hiding secrets from family and friends; loss of interest in activities that were once important; problems with school performance, such as getting worse grades or skipping school; changes in friendships, such as hanging out with friends who use drugs; spending time thinking about how to get drugs; stealing or selling belongings to pay for drugs; failed attempts to stop using drugs or drinking; anxiety, anger, or depression; mood swings

Physical signs:

Changes in sleep patterns; feeling weak or unwell when trying to stop using the substance; needing to use more of the substance to achieve the same effect; changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain

Addiction treatment

Unfortunately, overcoming addiction is not easy. Quitting drugs or alcohol will likely be one of the hardest things you've ever done. It's not a sign of weakness to need professional help from a counselor or psychotherapist specializing in addiction.

LEARN MORE

Alcoholism

Alcoholism occurs when you show signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continue to drink despite problems with your physical health, mental health, and social, family, or work responsibilities. Alcohol can control a person's life and relationships.

LEARN MORE

Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful brain-stimulating drug. People who use it can develop a strong addiction. They may need to use increasingly larger amounts of the drug to feel the same effect. When used repeatedly, cocaine can induce long-term changes in the brain's reward system as well as other brain systems.

LEARN MORE

Cannabis

Marijuana abuse can result in problems with memory, learning, and social behavior. In the long term, it can lead to problems such as lung cancer and an increased risk of infections. It can interfere with family, school, work, and other activities.

LEARN MORE