To understand what drug addiction is, we must first understand what drugs are and what they do to our body.
What are drugs
Drugs are substances that, when consumed, affect the normal functioning of the body or the brain. They can be classified into different categories depending on their effects and purposes.
- Legal drugs: include substances permitted by law, such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. Although they are legal, these substances can still cause health problems if abused.
- Illegal drugs: substances prohibited by law due to their addictive effects or the significant health damage they cause.
- Prescription drugs: controlled medications used under medical supervision; misuse of these substances can lead to dependence and substance abuse.
Drugs can act in different ways in the body: some stimulate the central nervous system, others depress it, and some even alter perception.
What are addictions
Addictions are defined as a chronic brain disorder characterized by the compulsive seeking and use of drugs despite the adverse effects they may cause on the body.
Addictions are not simply a matter of lack of willpower; they are a complex medical condition involving changes in the brain’s structure and function.
Multiple factors contribute to the development of an addiction:
- Biological: genetic predisposition, chemical imbalances in the brain, or the way drugs interact with reward circuits may be involved.
- Psychological: mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder can increase the risk of developing an addiction.
- Social: family environment, peer pressure, access to drugs, or even socioeconomic conditions are also related.
Repeated drug use can lead to the development of an addictive disorder, where tolerance to the substance appears. This means there is a need to consume larger amounts to achieve the same effect.
If the person stops using the substance, withdrawal may develop, leading to the appearance of physical and emotional symptoms.
The loss of control prevents the individual from limiting consumption, which may result in neglect of responsibilities, as the drug takes precedence over everyday activities; this ultimately defines what drug addiction is.
Consequences of drugs
The physical and mental health of individuals is deeply and complexly impacted by the effects of drug use, which may vary depending on the type of substance, dosage, frequency, and duration of use. Regardless, all drugs have the potential to cause significant harm to the body.
Physically, drugs impact multiple body systems, with the central nervous system being among the most affected. They can disrupt brain chemistry, and stimulant substances in particular can harm the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of hypertension, arrhythmias, and heart attacks.
Other substances can cause serious liver damage, leading to conditions such as cirrhosis or liver failure.
Additionally, injectable drugs carry an added risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C due to shared needle use.
On the other hand, mental health can also be severely affected. Some drugs may trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Cognitive impairments are common, including difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and a reduced ability to make sound decisions. These mental effects are worsened by emotional dysregulation, which causes sudden mood swings, irritability, and in some cases, even aggression.
It is important to understand what drug addiction is and how the use of these substances can affect a person’s health.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Neurology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
IMSS, NIH, MedlinePlus
