Drug addiction can often times be hidden in plain sight, making it difficult to identify. Understanding and recognizing the signs, symptoms, risks and more is the first step in the recovery journey.

Understanding Drug Addiction

Learn about drug addiction

The term “substance abuse” refers to the misuse of legal or illicit drugs. The most commonly abused substances in the United States include alcohol, marijuana, and prescription painkillers that contain opioids. Cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and a variety of other drugs also contribute to the nation’s substance abuse problem.

Some people engage in substance abuse in an attempt to self-medicate. Others do so solely for recreational purposes. Regardless of the reason, substance abuse can expose you to immediate damage and long-term harm. The risks of substance abuse include physical and psychological distress, overdose, and the development of an addiction.

Statistics

Drug addiction statistics

The following statistics are from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which was conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

28.6 million Americans age 12 and above, or 10.6% of the population, used an illicit drug in the past 30 days.
About 20.1 million people age 12 and above met the diagnostic criteria for a substance use disorder (addiction) in 2016.
About 25% of young adults ages 18-25 engaged in illicit drug use in the past month. This is the highest rate among all age groups.
About 11.8 million people abused opioids in 2016. This includes approximately 11.5 million people who reported misusing prescription painkillers and 948,000 people who told researchers they had used heroin.
16.3 million Americans age 12 and above reported heavy alcohol use in the past month. SAMHSA defines heavy alcohol use as five or more episodes of binge drinking in a 30-day period.

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes and risk factors for drug addiction

A person’s risk for substance abuse and addiction can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the following:

Having a parent or sibling who has struggled with addiction
Family history of mental illness
Personal history of trauma, mental illness, or prior substance abuse
Personality characteristics such as impulsivity and novelty-seeking
Associating with peers who abuse alcohol or other drugs
Early exposure to substance abuse

Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of drug addiction

Symptoms of substance abuse can vary widely depending upon the type of drug or drugs that a person has been abusing. However, the following are common signs that you may have a substance abuse problem:

Behavioral symptoms:

Being incapable of experiencing joy or coping with stress without using the substance
Using the substance more frequently and in larger amounts
Using the substance when it is clearly dangerous to do so, such as in combination with other substances or prior to driving
Continuing to use the substance despite experiencing negative effects from prior use
Trying but failing to stop using the substance
Withdrawing from family and friends

Physical symptoms:

Slurred speech
Impaired coordination
Dramatic increase or decrease in energy levels
Altered sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia)
Changes in appetite

Mental symptoms:

Confusion or disorientation
Poor decision-making skills
Inability to concentrate or focus
Mood swings
Anxiety, depression, or paranoia
Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or other significant issues

Effects

Effects of drug addiction

Depending upon what substance or substances you have been abusing, you may be at risk for a host of negative effects, including the following:

Organ damage
Physical injury due to behaviors while impaired
Exposure to hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS
Sexual dysfunction
Strained or ruined relationships
Family discord
Substandard performance in school or at work
Academic setbacks
Job loss and unemployment
Financial problems
Arrest, incarceration, and other legal problems
Onset or worsening of mental health disorders
Withdrawal and isolation
Pervasive sense of hopelessness and helplessness
Suicidal thoughts and actions

Withdrawal Effects

Withdrawal effects of drug addiction

One of the many risks of substance abuse is that you can become addicted. When this occurs, your body will adapt to the presence of the drug. If you then try to stop using the substance without the help of professional treatment, you may experience a variety of painful withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal will vary depending upon which drug you have been abusing. The following are common withdrawal symptoms: