Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs

What is addiction?








Addiction vs. misuse

drugs and addiction
Not everyone that misuses a substance has an addiction.

Drug addiction and drug misuse are different.








The primary indications of addiction are:

  • uncontrollably seeking drugs
  • uncontrollably engaging in harmful levels of habit-forming behavior
  • neglecting or losing interest in activities that do not involve the harmful substance or behavior
  • relationship difficulties, which often involve lashing out at people who identify the dependency
  • an inability to stop using a drug, though it may be causing health problems or personal problems, such as issues with employment or relationships
  • hiding substances or behaviors and otherwise exercising secrecy, for example, by refusing to explain injuries that occurred while under the influence
  • profound changes in appearance, including a noticeable abandonment of hygiene
  • increased risk-taking, both to access the substance or activity and while using it or engaging in it


depression addiction symptom
Stopping the use of a drug can lead to anxiety.

When a person has an addiction, and they stop taking the substance or engaging in the behavior, they may experience certain symptoms.

These symptoms include:

  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • tremors and shaking
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • fatigue
  • a loss of appetite

If a person has regularly used alcohol or benzodiazepines, and they stop suddenly or without medical supervision, withdrawal can be fatal.


drug support meeting
Support groups and rehabilitation programs can be vital to recovery.

Medicinal advances and progress in diagnosing have helped the medical community develop various ways to manage and resolve addiction.

Methods include:

  • behavioral therapy and counseling
  • medication and drug-based treatment
  • medical devices to treat withdrawal
  • treating related psychological factors, such as depression
  • ongoing care to reduce the risk of relapse

Addiction treatment is highly personalized and often requires the support of the individual’s community or family.

Treatment can take a long time and may be complicated. Addiction is a chronic condition with a range of psychological and physical effects. Each substance or behavior may require different management.


Addiction is a serious, chronic dependence on a substance or activity. The prevalence of addiction costs the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars every year.

A person with an addiction is unable to stop taking a substance or engaging in a behavior, though it has harmful effects on daily living.

Misuse is different from addiction. Substance misuse does not always lead to addiction, while addiction involves regular misuse of substances or engagement in harmful behavior.

Symptoms of addiction often include declining physical health, irritation, fatigue, and an inability to cease using a substance or engaging in a behavior. Addiction can lead to behavior that strains relationships and inhibits daily activities.

Ceasing to use the substance or engage in the behavior often leads to withdrawal symptoms, including nausea and shaking. Do not attempt to suddenly stop using alcohol or benzodiazepines without medical supervision.

Addiction treatment can be difficult, but it is effective. The best form of treatment depends on the substance and the presentation of the addiction, which varies from person to person. However, treatment often involves counseling, medication, and community support


I have a family member with severe addiction, but they refuse to seek help. What is the best way to connect a relative with the care they need?


The best way to help your relative is to establish trust, so they will believe that you have their best interests in mind.

Make sure that any conversation about your concerns does not occur while they are under the influence. Avoid criticizing or shaming them for their addictive behaviors. Instead, say something like, “I care about you and am worried about your safety and health,” and share your observations about their behavior.

Remember, many people deny that they have problems for a long time. If that happens, don’t challenge them, just remind them that you care, and ask permission to keep checking in with them.

This resource might help once the individual acknowledges the presence of an addiction. 

Vara Saripalli, PsyD Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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