Sometimes it’s difficult for people who don’t have an addiction to understand drug abuse, leading them to wonder: what is drug abuse? This disorder, which is also referred to as chemical use disorder, involves the destructive pattern involved in abusing a certain substance. It typically leads to distress and financial, health and relationship problems.
The need for a drug or drugs increases as the user’s tolerance builds. Withdrawal symptoms from not taking the drug tend to become stronger the longer that the user goes without taking it. It’s not uncommon for drugs to take over the life of a person with an addiction. Others often see changes in the person’s behavior, work or school performance, and social life.
Answering the Question – What Is Drug Abuse?
Experts label drug abuse as a chronic disease, so rehab facilities treat it as such. One characteristic of this disease is a compulsive need to seek out drugs despite the consequences. While the initial decision to try drugs is voluntary, the chemical changes that take place in the brain make it hard to quit. Once individuals develop an addiction, they typically need help quitting from a drug rehab center.
Drug abuse is a relapsing disease. Once individuals get treatment, there’s a high risk that they’ll return to using the drugs months or even years down the road. While it’s common for people who suffer from drug abuse to relapse, this doesn’t mean that treatment doesn’t work. It does mean, however, that a change in the treatment plan is in order.
What Happens to the Brain During Drug Abuse?
To fully understand drug abuse, it’s important to know what chemical changes take place in the brain. When someone abuses drugs, they receive a flood of dopamine into the brain. This chemical tells the brain that it’s being rewarded for taking the drug. In turn, this makes the person want to continue taking it.
This stimulation of the brain creates the “high” that people relate to taking drugs. It’s also this high that makes people want to continue taking drugs, no matter the risks.
What Drugs Do People Commonly Abuse?
Any drug that creates a euphoric feeling can lead to abuse and addiction. In some cases, people aren’t even aware that they’re abusing a drug. The drugs that people most commonly abuse include:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Ecstasy
- Inhalants
- Nicotine
Pinnacle Peak Recovery Can Help You
Now that you know the answer to “what is drug abuse,” our trained staff at Pinnacle Peak Recovery can help you on your road to recovery. We offer treatment plans for addictions such as opiates, meth, alcohol and heroin. Some of the treatment programs that we offer include:
- Extended care or 90-day treatment
- Transitional living
- Outpatient treatment
- Dual-diagnosis treatment
- Family therapy
Don’t allow yourself or a loved one to battle addiction alone. Contact Pinnacle Peak Recovery at 866-377-4761 for more information.