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You have investigated both alcohol and drug usage. When does that usage become addiction? You will learn about this topic next.

Substance Abuse and Addiction

There is only a slight difference between substance abuse and addiction. Substance abuse means using an illegal substance or using a legal substance (e.g., prescription medication) in the wrong way.

You can abuse alcohol or drugs without having an addiction. If a person smoked pot a few times, it doesn't mean that they have an addiction, but it does mean that they are abusing a drug. This could lead to an addiction.

People can get addicted to many different kinds of substances. People become addicted to alcohol and illegal drugs and also medications, cigarettes, even glue! Some substances are more addictive than others. For example, drugs like crack or heroin are so powerful that they might only be used once or twice before the person becomes addicted.

Addiction means that a person has little control over whether he or she drinks or uses a drug.

(adapted from www.kidshealth.org.)

It is important to know the signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction.

Most people certainly do not intend to abuse drugs or become addicted to them. Some may experiment with a recreational drug and then find themselves wanting it again and again. Or some people may become physically dependent or addicted to a medication prescribed to them by their doctor.

How do you know if someone is abusing drugs? People who are addicted to drugs:

will find it increasingly important to use the drug regularly — even several times a day and even if it puts them in danger
may spend a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from using the drug
may start neglecting the things that were once important to them (e.g., friends and family, school, work, and social activities)
may become secretive, especially about how they spend money; they will continue buying drugs even when they know they cannot afford them
may do risky or even illegal things they would not normally do, such as driving dangerously or stealing money
may have difficulty remembering things and following through with commitments

Additional common symptoms and physical signs of drug abuse include:

blood-shot eyes
decreased appetite
nausea and vomiting
changes in sleep patterns

(adapted from http://healthycanadians.gc.ca)

Getting Help

If you think you or a friend may be addicted to alcohol or drugs, you can talk to a parent, your teacher, your doctor, a school counsellor, or a nurse. They can help you get the help you need.

There are different kinds of treatment available for addiction. The two main types are:
behavioral (helping a person change behaviours)
pharmacological (treating a person by using medicine)
Experts in drug treatment will teach them how to live without drugs. They will help them to deal with cravings, how to avoid situations that could lead to drug use, and how to prevent and handle relapses.

It can be very hard to overcome drug addiction without professional help and treatment. It takes time and isn't something that can be done alone — everyone needs support.

Digging Deeper

Click here to watch videos from young people who were addicted to prescription drugs. Scroll down the page; there are eight videos, you may choose the ones you would like to view.