Drug addiction refers to the compulsive and repeated use of increasing amounts of drugs with the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when drug use ceases. While the specific causes of drug addiction are not known, genetic, psychological and environmental factors are thought to play a significant role. Rather than a single cause of drug addiction, it is likely multiple factors lead to drug addiction in any given person.

Some drug addicts also identify drug use and ignorance as a cause of drug addiction. Often, if a person is dealing with pain-management issues, the drug they receive, like oxycodone, can be very addictive. The ignorance of the drug's addiction potential, along with the physical pain of the condition, becomes a cause of drug addiction.

Psychological Causes of Drug Addiction

While biological causes of drug addiction have been suggested, many people still believe psychological factors comprise the bulk of what causes drug addiction. Some of the psychological causes of drug addiction appear to stem from trauma, often when the drug addict is young. Sexual or physical abuse, neglect, or chaos in the home can all lead to psychological stress, which people attempt to "self-medicate" (decrease the stress's pain through drug use). This self-medication becomes a cause of drug addiction.¹

Other psychological causes of drug addiction include:

• A mental illness such as depression
• Inability to connect with others, lack of friends
• Poor performance at work or school
• Poor stress coping skills

Environmental Causes of Drug Addiction

A person's environment can be part of what causes drug addiction. Drug addiction is more common in environments where drug abuse is seen or where it's seen as permissible. Children who grow up in homes with drug addicts often become drug addicts themselves.

Because most drug use starts in adolescence (read: teenage drug abuse). Those with inattentive, abusive or neglectful parents are more prone to drug abuse. One cause of drug addiction can be the combination of drug experimentation with the lack of parental oversight.

Other environmental factors that can be causes of drug abuse include:

• Participation in a sport where performance-enhancing drugs are encouraged
• A peer group that uses or promotes drug use
• People of lower socioeconomic status are at greater risk of drug addiction
• Gender and ethnicity contribute to addiction of some drugs

Genetic Causes of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction tends to run in families, indicating genetics may have a role in causing drug addiction. In fact, in studies of twins it appears half of someone's risk of becoming addicted to drugs is genetic.² Genetic causes of drug addiction appear to involve multiple gene sequences and science has not yet been able to pinpoint all the genes involved. However, it is known some genes, like those involved in brain receptors of nicotine, contribute to the cause of drug addiction.

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The definition of drug addiction refers to the obsessive and repeated use of dangerous amounts of drugs and the appearance of withdrawal symptoms when not using drugs. The effects of drug addiction seen, due to this compulsion, are wide-ranging and profound. Effects of drug addiction are felt by the addict both physically and psychologically. The effects are also seen in those around the addict, like family members.

The effects of drug addiction also include the cost to the justice and health care systems. Violent behavior is most closely tied to alcohol use and alcohol abuse is responsible for the disability of 58.3 million people worldwide.¹ It was estimated the effects of drug addiction cost the U.S. $245.7 billion in 1992. This number represents health care expenses, lost wages, prevention program costs and criminal justice system costs, among others.²

Psychological Effects of Drug Addiction

The psychological effects of drug addiction come from the reason the user is addicted to drugs, as well as the changes that take place in the brain once a person becomes a drug addict. Initially, many people start using drugs to cope with stress or pain (read about: what causes drug addiction) An effect of drug addiction is the creation of a cycle where anytime the user encounters stress or pain, they feel the need to use the drug. This is one of the psychological effects of drug addiction involved in "craving" of the drug. Craving is an effect of drug addiction whereby the addict is obsessed with obtaining and using the drug, to the exclusion of all else. One of the psychological effects of addiction involved in craving is the belief the addict cannot function or handle life without the use of the drug.

Other psychological effects of drug addiction include:³

• Wild mood swings, depression, anxiety, paranoia, violence
• Decrease in pleasure in everyday life
• Complication of mental illness
• Hallucinations
• Confusion
• Psychological tolerance to the drug's effects creating a desire to do ever-increasing amounts of the drug
• Desire to engage in risky behavior

Physical Effects of Drug Addiction

Physical effects of drug addiction vary by drug but are typically seen in all systems of the body. Some of the primary physical effects of drug addiction take place in the brain. Drug addiction changes the way the brain functions and impacts how the body perceives pleasure. These effects of drug addiction are because the drug repeatedly floods the brain with the chemicals dopamine and serotonin during drug use. The brain adapts and comes to expect, and depend on, these drug-induces highs.

Physical effects of drug addiction are also seen in babies of drug abusers as well as in mortality statistics. One effect of drug addiction is: children born to drug-using mothers can be cognitively affected throughout life. Regarding mortality, one-in-four deaths are due to the effects of drug addiction.⁴ Other physical effects of drug addiction include:

• Contraction of HIV, hepatitis and other illnesses
• Heart rate irregularities, heart attack
• Respiratory problems such as lung cancer, emphysema and breathing problems
• Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea
• Kidney and liver damage
• Seizures, stroke, brain damage
• Changes in appetite, body temperature and sleeping patterns

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Drug addiction facts and drug addiction statistics have been tracked by a variety of groups in the United States and worldwide. In spite of this, drug addiction statistics are still considered inaccurate because of the way in which they are collected (self-reporting) and the limited sample size and sample type. Drug addiction statistics collected as a result of emergency room visits or entry into treatment are considered representative of people in that situation, however.

Facts about drug addiction, as well as drug addiction statistics, are collected by The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The government agency authored the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Here are some staggering drug addiction facts, based on statistics from 2009:¹

• 23.5 million people, aged 12 or older, needed treatment for problems with drug or alcohol abuse
• This represents 9.3% of that population, or almost one-in-ten
• Of those needing treatment, only 2.6 million (11.2%) received it at a specialized facility

Facts About Drug Addiction

The good news is alcohol use and binge drinking has been gradually declining in popularity among teens. Facts about drug addiction show cigarette usage has also declined among teens. However, recently, concern has been raised over teens smoking tobacco from a hookah pipe or cigar. When asked, 17% of 12^th-graders reported hookah smoking and 23% reported smoking small cigars.²

Drug Addiction Statistics on Treatment Admission

As the above drug addiction statistic shows, almost one-in-ten people sought treatment for substance abuse in 2009. Drug addiction facts collected in 2008 suggest the vast majority of these, over 40%, involve alcohol abuse. That's double the amount of the second largest category of treatment seekers, those with addiction to heroin (and other opiates), at around 20%. Of those admitted to treatment in 2008, the following drug addiction statistics provide an inside look into the drug problem in America:

• The largest age group is between ages 20 - 29, making up almost 30% of admissions
• Ages 30 - 39 made up 23% of admissions, almost tied with ages 40 - 49 at 24%
• Above the age of 50, admission rates fall dramatically
• The top three ethnicities of admissions were: white (60%), African-American (21%) and Hispanic (14%)

Other Drug Addiction Statistics

Further drug addiction statistics garnered from the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (SAMHSA) include:

• In 2009, 12% of people aged 12 or older admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol in the last year
• This is a reduction from 2002, where 14.2% admitted driving under the influence of alcohol
• Adults aged 18 - 25 showed decreased cigarette use from 2002 to 2009, from 40.8% to 35.8% respectively
• In those 12 or over, cocaine use declined from 2002 to 2009 from 2.3 million to 1.6 million people, respectively³
• In 2006, almost 1.7 million emergency room visits involving drug and alcohol misuse or abuse
• Emergency room visits involving pharmaceuticals, like oxycodone, increased up to 44% for 2004 - 2006

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Help with drug addiction was sought by almost one-in-ten people in 2009,¹ yet many don't know where or how to get drug addiction help. Often it isn't until an addict ends up in an emergency room that help with drug addiction becomes a reality. However, there is no need to let addiction progress to this point. There are several ways of getting and providing drug addiction help for yourself or someone else.

Drug Addiction Help - How to Get Help with Drug Addiction

Drug addiction help should be accessed medically through a clinic, emergency room or doctor. When getting help for yourself or someone else, it's important to start with medical personnel as they will rule out any additional health problems that may interfere with the treatment process.

Once initial medical help with drug addiction is given, referral to a treatment program or other resources is critical. The referral must be followed up and any medications ordered by the doctor must be taken as prescribed.

Then help for drug addiction will come from the treatment program itself. Treatment programs typically include access to medical personnel, as well as counselors and other addiction treatment specialists to further provide help with drug addiction.

How to Help a Drug Addict

It is hard to know how to help a drug addict. Drug addiction help may not be wanted by the drug addict, even if it is needed. For this article, we'll consider two types of situations - emergency treatment and long-term treatment for drug addiction.

How to Help a Drug Addict in an Emergency

In an emergency, help with a drug addiction should always be given by a medical professional. No home care is appropriate in an emergency. Any time an overdose is suspected or the person loses consciousness, has seizures or drastic changes in vital signs, help with drug addiction means calling 9-1-1 immediately. Other emergencies that require immediate, medical help with drug addiction include:²

• Thoughts of self-harm or harm to others
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing, lightheadedness
• Confusion or ongoing hallucinations
• Difficulty speaking, numbness, weakness, severe headache, visual changes, or trouble keeping balance
• Severe pain at a drug injection site (possibly with redness, swelling and fever)
• Dark colored urine
• Any suspicion of sexual assault

More detailed information on effects of drug addiction.

How to Help a Drug Addict Get Treatment

When the drug addict adamantly chooses to use drugs in a non-emergency situation, there is little that can be done. However, once the person chooses to get drug addiction help, you should know how to help a drug addict get drug addiction treatment.

The following are suggestions on how to help a drug addict who has decided to quit using drugs:

• Help for drug addiction needs to start with a medical assessment. Make an appointment and drive the addict to and from the doctor, or take the addict to a clinic or emergency room. Make sure the addict is referred to a drug treatment program.
• The period right after quitting drug use can be the most difficult. Offer drug addiction help by letting the addict stay with you or make them meals and visit them.
• If the addict is entering a paid treatment program, make sure the paperwork is done and filed with the insurance company.
• If the addict is given medication to ease withdrawal, ensure the medication schedule is followed.
• Offer drug addiction help by taking the addict to and from future treatment appointments.
• When offering drug addiction help, be supportive and ask the addict what they need.

Read more information on drug rehab centers.

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Drug addiction treatment was sought by people 23.5 million people, age 12 or older, in the U.S. in 2009¹but only a fraction of those achieved drug addiction recovery. This is likely due to the complex factors, including changes in brain chemistry, associated with drug addiction. Critical to successful drug recovery is medical services, behavioral and personal counseling, and an ongoing support system to prevent future relapse.

Drug Recovery - Detox Treatment of Drug Addiction

Detoxification is the term given to the short period after the drug addict quits a drug when withdrawal symptoms are at their worst. Detoxification treatment of drug addiction may be done inpatient at a hospital or drug addiction treatment center or may be done on an intensive outpatient basis with the addict checking in with medical staff frequently. Detoxification drug addiction programs are designed to handle withdrawal effects like hallucinations, cravings, and seizures.

During detox, drug addiction treatment patients are often prescribed medications to help with withdrawal symptoms. Drugs commonly prescribed during detox treatment of drug addiction include:

• Tranquilizers - like benzodiazepines for anxiety or sleep
• Pain medication - over-the-counter or prescribed
• Anti-nausea / anti-diarrhea medication
• Antihistamines
• Methadone / opiate blockers
• Other medications for symptom management

Drug Addiction Programs

Once detox treatment of drug addiction occurs, a drug addiction program typically starts. A drug addiction program may be done at a drug addiction treatment center, hospital or another community facility. Drug addiction programs are designed for both residential and outpatient treatment of drug addiction. The choice of drug addiction program is a personal one but is generally influenced by:

• Cost
• Location
• Schedule
• Availability
• Number of previous attempts at drug addiction recovery
• Severity and length of addiction
• Drug abused
• Age / gender of addict

Drug addiction programs consist of multiple types of treatment including medical, psychological and behavioral treatments (read: drug addiction therapy). Drug addiction programs are designed to give an addict all the tools they need to be successful in drug addiction treatment and maintain drug addiction recovery over the long-term.

Drug Addiction Recovery

The goal of all drug addiction treatment programs is drug addiction recovery. While addiction is considered to be a lifelong illness, drug recovery can be achieved through drug addiction treatment and maintained through drug recovery services such as support groups. Drug addiction recovery can also be aided by residing in a sober living community.

Once in recovery, relapse is common, but this doesn't have to derail drug addiction recovery. While relapse is discouraging, it should not be seen as a failure. Recovery is a lifelong process and a slipup is normal. A relapse can be seen as a way to learn from a mistake. Attending drug addiction recovery groups, seeing a counselor, talking to a sober friend or seeing a doctor can all be used to get back on the path of drug addiction recovery.

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Drug addiction therapy is offered as part of almost all drug treatment programs. Drug addiction therapy is critical, as drug addiction is not only a physical but psychological and behavioral issue as well. Drug addiction counseling provides a way of looking at all the effects of drug abuse.

Anyone facing drug use issues should get drug addiction counseling. This includes the addict and the addict's loved ones. Drug addiction therapy can help in the following ways:

• Educate on addiction
• Identify underlying reasons for drug use
• Change thoughts and behaviors around drug use, enhance motivation to change
• Help with life coping skills, particularly stress tolerance
• Work to repair relationships negatively affected by drug addiction
• Create skills to prevent relapse
• Offer support

Drug Addiction Therapy - What Drug Addiction Counseling is Available?

Drug addiction therapy, sometimes referred to as behavioral therapy, is the most commonly used drug abuse treatment. Drug abuse therapy comes in many forms, with different techniques and goals. Drug addiction counseling may happen individually, with loved ones or in a group setting.

The following types of drug addiction therapy are evidence-based as recognized by the National Institute on Drug Abuse:¹

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - addresses addiction-related behaviors by identifying them and learning skills to modify them. Self-awareness and self-control are emphasized. People who received CBT have been shown to retain their treatment gains over the following year.
• Community Reinforcement Approach (CRA) - focuses on improving relationships, learning life and vocational skills, and creating a new social network. This is combined with frequent drug testing whereby drug-free screenings are rewarded with vouchers which are exchangeable for health-related goods. CRA has been shown to increase patient participation in drug addiction counseling and increase periods of drug abstinence.
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) - focuses on increasing the internal motivation towards treatment and addiction behavior change. A plan for change is created. MET is most successful at increasing patient participation in drug addiction therapy and treatment.
• The Matrix Model - a multi-approach system built on promoting patient self-esteem, self-worth and a positive relationship between the therapist and patient. The therapist is viewed as a teacher and coach and uses their relationship to reinforce positive change. The Matrix Model drug addiction therapy contains detailed manuals, worksheets, and exercises drawing from other types of therapy. The Matrix Model has been shown effective particularly when treating stimulant abuse.
• 12-Step Facilitation Therapy (FT) - designed to increase the likelihood of the addict joining and participating in 12-step groups. The three key aspects of this type of drug addiction counseling are: acceptance of drug addiction; surrendering oneself to a higher power; active involvement in 12-step activities. FT has been shown effective, particularly in cases of alcohol addiction.
• Behavioral Couples Therapy (BCT) - creates a sobriety/(drug) abstinence contract for the couple and uses behavioral therapies. BCT has been shown effective at increasing treatment engagement and drug abstinence as well as decreasing drug-related family and legal problems at a 1-year follow-up.

Other, more general types of drug addiction therapy are also available in the forms of psychotherapy and group therapy. Psychotherapy is an appropriate drug addiction therapy particularly when past traumatic events are involved.

Places providing specific types of drug addiction therapy can found through their respective professional organizations or through substance abuse treatment centers.²

Drug Addiction Therapy - Who is Qualified to Offer Drug Addiction Counseling?

Drug addiction therapy is always best offered by experts in the particular form of drug addiction counseling. Some types of drug addiction therapy have certifications and professional organizations associated with them such as the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists³ and the Association for Behavior Analysis.⁴ Drug addiction counselors or therapists should also be trained specifically in how their method applies to the patient's specific addiction.

Drug Addiction Therapy - How Long is Drug Addiction Therapy? What Does It Cost?

Drug addiction counseling and therapy varies in length from only a few sessions, like in the case of MET, to 12 - 16 sessions for CBT and BCT. Some drug addiction therapy lasts more than 24 weeks, as is the case with CRA and the Matrix Model.

When drug addiction therapy is provided as part of a drug addiction program, the cost of drug addiction counseling is included in the cost of the drug addiction program. Other drug addiction counseling may be offered through community services on a sliding payment scale or free-of-charge. For private drug addiction therapy sessions, one hour may cost $150 or more, with health insurance paying some or all of the cost.

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Drug rehab programs vary and drug rehab can take place in a variety of locations. Sections of a hospital or private clinics often offer drug rehab. Many people choose specific drug rehab centers, however, as they are specialized in drug rehab and the surrounding issues.

Drug rehab programs run from drug rehabilitation centers can be inpatient or outpatient, but inpatient drug rehab programs are typically the best choice for those who have:

• Longstanding drug addictions
• Severe addictions
• Medical complications including mental illness
• Failed previous attempts at drug recovery

Drug Rehab Center - Drug Rehab Programs

The best drug rehab programs are evidence-based and designed around addiction research. These drug rehab programs will offer therapies like cognitive behavioral or Matrix Model therapy which have been proven beneficial in drug rehab (read about drug addiction therapy). Drug rehab programs typically offer classes and treatments throughout the day to enforce a new, healthy schedule.

Other services drug rehab programs typically offer include:

• Medical and psychiatric assessment and care
• Creation of individual treatment plans
• Group and individual therapy
• Peer support groups
• Life skills training and addiction education
• Specialized classes such as those for pain or anger management
• Aftercare programs

Drug Rehab Center - Inpatient Drug Rehab Centers

A drug addiction treatment facility that offers inpatient drug rehab programs is typically a specialized facility with specially-trained staff. Some drug rehabilitation centers are resort-like, offer many amenities and are located in picturesque locations. Patients at an inpatient drug rehab center are often separated by gender due to particular needs and therapeutic approaches used.

Inpatient drug rehab involves the drug addict living at the drug rehab center. This allows the drug addiction treatment facility to offer around-the-clock care and supervision. Inpatient drug rehab centers offer medical support through the detoxification and withdrawal process and are usually closely associated with a medical facility for any additional requirements of medical care.

Drug Rehab Center - Drug Rehab Costs

Drug rehab costs vary dramatically depending on the type of drug addiction treatment facility. Drug rehab centers often reduce drug rehab costs for patients by offering a sliding scale of payment, where the drug rehab cost is based on what the patient can afford. Some drug rehab centers also accept a certain number of patients for free.

Specific drug rehab costs can be a few thousand dollars a month to $20,000 a month and up. A minimum stay in drug rehab is sometimes 30 days but more frequently is 60 days, with an optimum drug rehab program lasting six months, not all of which is inpatient. Drug rehab costs reduce significantly when attending an outpatient drug rehab program.

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Quitting drugs and alcohol is only the first step in the recovery process. Recovery from drug addiction cannot be maintained without a wide drug addiction support network. It is this drug addiction support that the addict can turn to in everyday life to help keep them sober. Drug addiction support can also help an addict that has had a relapse and needs help to get back to the recovery process.

Drug addiction support can come in many forms. Drug addiction support can be found through medical services, the community as well as drug addiction support groups.

Drug Addiction Support - Professional Drug Addiction Support

Drug addiction is part drug abuse and part drug dependence, both considered to be a mental illness. Drug addicts, then, can receive drug addiction support through medical and mental health resources. Some professional drug addiction support, like psychotherapy, may require payment, while others, like doctor visits may be covered under medical insurance. Professional drug addiction support people can also be useful in suggesting community-based drug addiction support.

Professional drug addiction support include:

• Doctors - for medical issues generally arising from drug use or drug abuse treatment
• Psychiatrists - for treating mental illnesses that may co-exist with addiction issues
• Psychologists / Therapists / Counselors - for psychotherapy, behavioral therapy and some group therapy participation
• Social Workers / Aid Workers - to help with life issues as a result of drug addiction and to put the addict in touch with other services

Drug Addiction Support - Community Drug Addiction Support

Community drug addiction support can be anything from a close friend to that of a sobriety sponsor. Drug addiction support is about building a list of people and places to go to in times of stress or concern over addiction issues.

One strong place of drug addiction support is a sober living home. These homes are a safe place that provide drug addiction support during and after treatment. Drug addiction support is particularly plentiful in this environment as the recovering addict knows everyone around them has been through what they are experiencing and will not judge or derail recovery efforts.

Other community drug addiction support can include:

• Family and friends
• Other sober addicts
• Spiritual advisors

Read more information about how to help a drug addict.

Drug Addiction Support - Drug Addiction Support Groups

Drug addiction support groups are one of the most common drug addiction supports used once an addict completes formal drug addiction treatment. Often drug addiction support groups are part of treatment and are designed to continue into recovery for as long as is needed. Some addicts find continuing to attend drug addiction support groups indefinitely prevents relapse in times of stress. Drug addiction support groups also often provide a sponsor whose job it is to help a less-experienced recovering addict maintain and progress in recovery.

Common drug addiction support groups include:

• 12-step drug addiction support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous¹ or Narcotics Anonymous² - promote substance abstinence and believe in physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing during recovery.
• SMART Recovery³ - promotes substance abstinence by using non-confrontational motivational, behavioral and cognitive, secular methods.

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Drug addicts abuse and are physically and mentally dependent on drugs or alcohol. Drug addicts continue to use drugs in spite of the negative consequences experienced by the drug addict and those around them. Overdose is frequent, as addicts continually use greater amounts of the drug, reaching dangerous levels. They cannot physically or psychologically function without their drug and when they are not using drugs, they face sometimes dramatic withdrawal symptoms.

In spite of all this, drug addicts crave drugs, resulting in the life of a drug addict being determined by their drug addiction. Most addicts find they need professional help to quit doing drugs.

Drug Addict Symptoms

Drug addicts were once drug users, like many people. Like many young people, addicts frequently start experimenting with drugs in adolescence (read about teenage drug abuse). Drug addicts, however, cross a boundary between drug use and drug addiction. Sometimes, this is because addicts find they need to escape from the painful circumstances of their lives. Other times, they find their drug use spiraled out of control without them even noticing. Either way, the lives of drug addicts are ruled by drug addict symptoms. (read: what causes drug addiction)

The most profound drug addict symptoms stem from the fact that addicts choose drug use over all else. This single fact explains a large part of the life of a drug addict. Drug addicts quit participating in sports, hobbies and interests in favor of spending all their time seeking and using drugs. No longer caring about friends or family, drug addicts typically only associate with others involved in drug use. Addicts may choose drug use over employment, school, and other responsibilities.

Additional drug addict symptoms include:

• Unexplained expenses, always requiring more money
• Lying, secretive behavior, hiding drug use
• Risky behavior putting the safety of drug addict and others in jeopardy
• Continually consuming more of the drug, consuming multiple drugs, switching to "harder" drugs
• Drug use required for everyday functioning
• Drug use no longer makes the drug addict feel "good" it now only makes them feel "normal" and avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Knowledge that drug use is hurting yourself or others but you cannot or will not stop
• Failed attempts at sobriety

More on drug addiction signs and symptoms

Life of Drug Addicts

The life of drug addicts is governed by the drug addict's obsession to use drugs. This obsession often leads the addict to unemployment, poverty and homelessness. Once in this state, they often turn to crime to finance or obtain their drugs. Thanks to overdose and committed crimes, the life of a drug addict is often spent in and out of medical facilities and prisons. Drug addicts also tend to have other chronic health problems, like breathing problems and infections.

The life of a drug addict tends to spiral downward until the severe drug addict symptoms cause the addict to hit "rock bottom." Rock bottom is when the addict's life has gotten so bad, they don't feel it can get any worse. Often, it is only at this time that drug addicts seriously consider getting treatment for their drug addictions.

Read about celebrity drug addicts.

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Many addicts start using drugs in their teens and facts about drug abuse in teenagers are of interest to agencies who wish to reduce teenage drug abuse. It is thought if the number of teen drug abusers can be reduced, then addiction overall will decline.

Teenage Drug Abuse - Why Teens Turn to Drugs

Teenage drug use is common due to an adolescent's curiosity, desire to rebel and desire to fit in with a peer group. The vast majority of teens who try drugs will not become teen drug abusers. However, once addicted, the younger a person was when they start using drugs, the more difficult drug addiction recovery tends to be.

The reasons behind drug abuse in teenagers are similar to those involving drug abuse in adults. Often teenage drug addiction occurs because of stress at home and desires to reduce the emotional pain felt by teen drug abusers. Other reasons for drug use leading to teen drug abuse include:¹

• Low self-esteem
• Boredom
• Permissive parents, parents with drug abuse problems
• Ease of access
• To get attention

Teenage Drug Abuse - Signs of Teenage Drug Addiction

Unfortunately, the teenaged years are about rebelling against authority, self-expression and often moodiness, so detecting teenage drug addiction can be challenging. Knowing what is normal for your teen and looking for specific, dramatic lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to watch for teen drug abuse. A dramatic lifestyle change for a teenage drug abuser is likely to include pulling away from loved ones, a new peer group, a lack of interest in sport and hobbies, and poor grades in school.²

Other signs of teenage drug addiction include:

• Use of incense, room deodorant, perfume or mouthwash to hide the smell of drugs on the teen and in the air
• Increasing need for money
• Talking in code with friends, wearing clothes that highlight drug use
• Use of eye drops
• Missing prescription drugs
• Sudden mood changes including sudden rages, paranoia, depression or hyperactivity

Teenage Drug Abuse - Teenage Drug Rehab

Once the signs of teenage drug addiction have been spotted, a professional should screen for teen drug addiction. If teenage drug addiction is found to be at issue, teenage drug rehab can be considered. While teenage drug rehab programs will offer many of the same types of services as adult drug abuse rehab programs, the content of teenage drug rehab services is designed specifically for teen drug abusers. Teenage drug rehab often provides the following:

• Therapy, individual and group
• Family involvement including in workshops
• A heavily structured environment
• Accredited academics

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