There are lots of myths about what drug dependency is and how you get hooked on drugs.   Sometimes people think you can only get hooked on “hard” drugs like crack, heroin or ice but that’s not true.  Any mind-altering drug can be addicting.  This includes alcohol, huffing substances, nicotine (cigarettes) and other drugs that change the way you feel. 

     Another false belief is that you can’t get addicted to drugs or other substances if you take them in moderation or only some of the time.  This is dangerous because moderation and occasional use is where most people that get addicted start. The more often you use something, the higher your chances of becoming addicted.  It’s also possible to get addicted when you try something for the first time. 

     There are some things that make people more likely to get addicted.  Some risk factors for drug addiction or dependence include low self-esteem, inability to deal with stress, emotional instability, as well as a family history of drug abuse.  So while these things can increase the possibility of getting addicted, it can truly happen to ANYONE. 

     When someone’s dependent or addicted to drugs or other substances their brain works differently.  The drugs or other substances changed their brain so it cannot make enough of the natural chemicals people need to live daily life.  The problem is that since our bodies build tolerances to the thing we’re addicted to, it takes more and more to get the same effects.  So for someone who is addicted, it goes beyond just getting high; they need to keep taking more and more just to feel normal or alright.  This is when people can go through painful withdrawal symptoms if they don’t get their drug or substance of choice; withdrawal symptoms can range from shakes and sweats to convulsions, massive pain, depression, and in some extreme cases, death.   

     People at this point of addiction can tend to begin doing things they wouldn’t normally just to get their drug or substance of choice.  If people don’t have the money to support their addiction they can turn to crime so they can get their drug or substance of choice.  This can range from stealing from loved ones to selling your body on the streets just to get enough money for the next high.

     Some signs or symptoms of addiction include:

·        Always having reasons for taking the drug – having a bad day, having a great day, feeling lonely, having fun with your friends, getting hassled, etc.

·        Persistently thinking about getting high – when, where, and how, for example. 

·        Staying high continuously for a long period, like 24 hours at a time.

·        Increasing your use of a drug and combining it with others.  For example, drinking more and more beer, and smoking marijuana at the same time. 

·        Using negatively interferes with your life – like failing school, getting busted by cops, not being motivated to do stuff you like – and you still continue to use.

     Lots of people that get dependent on drugs or other substances want help, but don’t get it because they’re ashamed or don’t know where to turn.  Even though it’s hard to look for help for an addiction, it’s an important step to get your life back under your control.  Addiction is an illness that often sneaks up on people.  If you think you might have an addiction problem, try not to feel embarrassed or guilty; you’re not alone, and there’s always someone there to help you out.  Please check out our links for more information.