Drug Abuse: How to Break the Habit

Basically people use drugs because they like the way drugs make them feel. Pleasure is a powerful force. If you do something pleasurable, your brain is wired in such a way that you want to do it again. All drugs that are addicting can activate and affect the brain's pleasure circuit.

What is addiction?

Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and your behavior. You have control over your choice to start using drugs, but once you start, the pleasurable effect of drugs makes you want to keep using them. Over time, your brain actually changes in certain ways so that a powerful urge to use drugs controls your behavior. This is what it means to be addicted to drugs. Someone who is addicted uses drugs without thinking or caring about the consequences.

What drugs can cause addiction?

People can become addicted to both illegal drugs and drugs that doctors prescribe. Commonly abused illegal drugs include marijuana (pot), hallucinogens (PCP, LSD), methamphetamine (speed, crank, crystal, meth), cocaine and crack, and heroin. People can also become addicted to things they may not think of as drugs, such as alcohol and tobacco.

Aren't prescription drugs safe?

When prescription drugs are taken the right way, they are safe and there is little chance of addiction. However, prescription drugs can be dangerous if they are abused (for example, taking too much or taking them when they're not needed). Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs are painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs.

How do I know if I have a problem?

You have a problem if you keep craving and using a drug even if it's causing trouble for you. The trouble may be with your health, with money, with work or school, or with your relationships with family or friends. Your friends and family may be aware you're having a problem before you realize it, because they see changes in your behavior.

Can addiction be treated?

Yes, but addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease. It may take a number of attempts before you can remain free of drugs or alcohol.

Why should I quit?

Breaking your addiction is the only way to stop the problems drugs are causing in your life. It may not be easy to quit. But your efforts will be rewarded by better health, better relationships with the people in your life and a sense of accomplishment that only living drug-free can give you. As you think about quitting, you may want to make a list of your reasons to quit.

How do I stop?

The first step in breaking addiction is realizing that you control your own behavior. You can't control how the people around you act. But you can control how you react. It's the only real control you have in your life. So use it. The following are the first steps to breaking your addiction:

1. Commit to quitting. Once you decide to quit, make plans to be sure you really do it.

2. Get help from your doctor. He or she can be your biggest ally, even if you're trying to quit a drug he or she prescribed. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medicine that makes you less likely to crave the addictive drug. Talking with your doctor or a counselor about your problems and your drug use can be helpful too.

3. Get support. Contact one of the organizations listed in the column to the right. These groups are dedicated to helping people who have addictions. They want you to succeed, and they will give you the tools and support you need to quit and move on with your life. Ask your family and friends for support too.

Other Organizations:

Alcoholics Anonymous
http://www.aa.org
check your phone book for a local listing

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
http://www.ncadd.org
800-475-HOPE

National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
http://www.health.org
800-788-2800

Why do people use drugs?