DRUGS

DRUG
DEPENDENCE DRUG
ABUSE
(ADDICTION)

Drug abuse is an intense desire to obtain increasing amounts of a particular substance. Drug
dependence is the body's physical need, or addiction, to a specific agent. Over the long term, this
dependence results in physical harm and behavior problems which causes tolerance and cross tolerance.
Thus, it creates a vicious cycle. Drug and alcohol use alters the way the brain and certain
neurotransmitters function. These changes in brain chemistry create addiction, tolerance and
withdrawal symptoms, which all lead to cravings.

The Cycle of Addiction Is Characterized By:

 Frustration and internal pain that leads to anxiety and a demand for relief of these
symptoms
 Fantasizing about using alcohol and drugs or behaviors to relieve the uncomfortable
symptoms
 Obsessing about using drugs and alcohol and how his or her life will be after the use of
substances
 Engaging in the addictive activity, such as using substances to gain relief (acting out)
 Losing control over the behavior
 Developing feelings of remorse, guilt and shame, which lead to feelings of dissatisfaction
 Have mood swings  Have difficulty paying bills
 Be unreliable
 Be unable to finish projects  Have difficulty with interpersonal
 Have unexpressed resentment relationships
 Be dishonest and lie to family,  Have difficulty with work
friends and employers relationships or is unable to hold
 Isolate and withdraw from loved a job
ones
 Appear chronically depressed  Engage in illegal activities to
obtain drugs
 Making a promise or resolve to oneself to stop the behavior or substance use

DRUG PERSONALITIES