Drug Addiction Definition

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Drug Addiction as a Disease

Drug addiction is a disease, because drug abuse causes changes in brain chemistry that make it difficult to function without the substance of choice. However, like diabetes and heart disease, it can be managed with proper intervention.

Why Some People Become Addicts

It is impossible to determine with certainty when drug use will turn a person into a drug addict. Biology, genetic development and living environment may all play a role in why some people become addicts and other users do not.

Addiction to Illegal Drugs

Commonly abused illegal drugs include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Rohypnol, GHB and LSD. These drugs, like legal drugs and alcohol, increase dopamine in the brain, which leads to a feeling of euphoria that users wish to repeat.

Abuse of Legal Drugs

Addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol is a growing problem. Drug addicts abuse stimulants such as Ritalin, sedatives such as Xanax, painkillers such as Vicodin, and sleeping aids such as Ambien.

Costs of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction and subsequent abuse cost United States taxpayers about half a trillion dollars each year. These figures include alcohol, and account for health-related and crime-fighting expenses associated with acts resulting from drug addiction.


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