Drug Abuse versus Drug Addiction

What are the differences between drug abuse versus drug addiction? Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted, but drug abuse can cause problems for individuals whether they are technically addicted or not. There are different levels of drug abuse versus drug addiction, and all of them can be dangerous.

Drug Abuse Disorder: Drug abuse versus drug addiction is when the person is using drugs or other substances and becomes abusive. Drug abuse is categorized as a "disorder" when the use begins to cause continuing or growing problems in the user's life. These problems include missing work or school, driving under the influence, legal problems, and problems with friends or family relationships.

Chemical Dependency: Dependency, drug abuse versus drug addiction usually becomes noticeable in drug abusers when they continue their pattern of drug use in spite of incurring significant problems in their lives. Some signs of drug abuse versus drug addiction include spending more time on drug-seeking behavior, withdrawing from society and activities, an increased tolerance to the substance, unsuccessful attempts to quit, withdrawal symptoms during abstinence or reduced intake, and continuing use in spite of negative consequences.

Chemical Addiction: Drug abuse versus drug addiction can best be described as a compulsive continued use of a drug or substance and a complete inability to stop. This is a defining characteristic of drug addiction. Drug abuse versus drug addiction is when the drug addict is controlled by the drug or substance.

One of the most powerful drug abuse versus drug addiction problems is denial. The urge to use is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drug use. Someone abusing drugs may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs they are taking, how much it is costing them, and how much time it takes away from their family and work. They may lash out at concerned family members, making the family feel like they are exaggerating and overstating the problem.

What makes this so frustrating for family members is the person abusing drugs often sincerely believes they do not have a problem and can make the family member feel like the dysfunctional one. Drug abuse versus drug addiction both disrupt family life and create destructive patterns of codependency. Codependency occurs when family members inadvertently enable the user out of love or fear of consequences. This may come in the form of covering up for the addict, supplying money, or denying there is a problem.

Do You Have a Problem?

The following questions were written by recovering addicts and published in the brochure "Am I an Addict?" If you have doubts about whether or not you have a problem with drug abuse versus drug addiction, take a few moments to read the questions below and answer them as honestly as you can.

Do you avoid people or places that do not approve of you using drugs?
Do you continue to use despite negative consequences?
Do you ever question your own sanity?
Do you ever use alone?
Do you feel it is impossible for you to live without drugs?
Do you put the purchase of drugs ahead of your financial responsibilities?
Do you regularly use a drug when you wake up or when you go to bed?
Do you think a lot about drugs?
Do you think you might have a problem with drug abuse versus drug addiction?
Does the thought of running out of drugs terrify you?
Does using interfere with your sleeping or eating?
Has using affected your sexual relationships?
Has your job or school performance ever suffered from the effects of your drug use?
Have you ever been arrested as a result of using drugs?
Have you ever been in a jail, hospital, or drug rehabilitation center because of your using?
Have you ever felt defensive, guilty, or ashamed about your using?
Have you ever lied about what or how much you use?
Have you ever manipulated or lied to a doctor to obtain prescription drugs?
Have you ever overdosed on any drugs?
Have you ever stolen drugs or stolen to obtain drugs?
Have you ever substituted one drug for another, thinking that one particular drug was the problem?
Have you ever taken drugs you didn�t prefer?
Have you ever taken one drug to overcome the effects of another?
Have you ever thought you couldn�t fit in or have a good time without drugs?
Have you ever tried to stop or control your using?
Have you ever used a drug without knowing what it was or what it would do to you?
Have you ever used drugs because of emotional pain or stress?
Have you had irrational or indefinable fears?
Is your drug use making life at home unhappy?

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to spotting drug abuse versus drug addiction warning signs. The main thing to look for is changes in behavior, attitude, appearance, friends, or activities. People who have a problem with drug abuse are often trying to self-medicate or find escape from the issues that are really bothering them.

Keep in mind that many of the drug abuse versus drug addiction warning signs listed above may also be the result of stress, depression, or other problems. Whatever the cause, these warning signs may warrant attention, especially if they persist or if several of them are taking place at once. Consult a trusted professional to identify the best way to address these signs. It is important to remember that getting help early on can help your loved one to get back on track and develop more effective coping skills, often preventing further drug abuse problems.