Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a complex condition, that for most has devastating consequences on the quality of life, of the individual and the important people around them. These Impacts extend to everything that is important in a person’s life, physical and mental health, important relationships, employment performance, and the self-relationship to name but a few. When addicted, the ability to exhibit any control over drug use is lost, obtaining, using and recovering consumes a life.

Over time, larger doses of the drug are required to get the desired effect. Use of the drug may be required ‘just to feel normal’. As drug use increases, you may find that it's increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use may cause intense cravings and the experience of intolerable emotional and physical discomfort (withdrawal symptoms).

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviours include, but not limited to:

• Having to use the drug regularly; this can be daily or even several times a day
• Having intense urges for the drug Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect (tolerance)
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
• Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
• Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, or other high-risk activities when you're under the influence of the drug
• Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Experiencing physical and emotional discomfort when not taking the drug (withdrawal)

Drug addiction can cause an intense craving for the drug. You may want to quit, but most people find they can't do it on their own.

The Loss of Freedom and Self-Control

The loss of freedom and self-control is an inherent factor of drug addiction. Often there seems no way out of the cycle for either the individual concerned or their family. The good news is that effective treatment works. Start a partnership with Capri Sanctuary today for a better quality of life.