Drug Addiction
Drug addiction, also referred to as substance use disorder or substance misuse, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are considered drugs. When a person is addicted, they may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes.
Drug addiction can start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and, for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins with exposure to prescribed medications, or receiving medications from a friend or relative who has been prescribed the medication.
The risk of addiction and how fast you become addicted varies by drug. Some drugs, such as opioid painkillers, have a higher risk and cause addiction more quickly than others.
As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it’s increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill (withdrawal symptoms).
General Signs of Substance Abuse:
- Sudden change in behavior
- Mood swings; irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright
- Withdrawal from family members
- Careless about personal grooming
- Isolation
- Loss of interest in hobbies, sports and other favorite activities
- Changed sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeping during the day
- Red or glassy eyes
- Sniffly or runny nose
- Dilated pupils
Take the first step towards recovery and a healthy, happy, drug-free life and call us, or schedule a free, no obligation consultation on drug addiction rehab therapy treatment.
Fraser Valley Detox and Treatment Call Centre is a call centre here to support and facilitate the process of getting you or your loved one into detox and/or treatment for drug and alcohol misuse. Most importantly, we work with the best facilities in the country. We have lived a life of addiction and above all, are now living in Recovery. Consequently, our lives in recovery allow us to help those still struggling. Moreover, our life in recovery combined with being highly educated professionals makes us an indispensable asset to helping your loved one.
Our staff can assess your situation and determine the appropriate facility for you or your loved one. Above all, we have a variety of options to choose from, including exclusive men only and women only centres. In addition, we can also accommodate youth.