Effects

• The chemical substances people abuse have varied effects. Examples include cocaine and methamphetamine, which create initial feelings of boundless energy. Drugs like heroin and oxycontin, the latter a prescription drug, can make you feel extremely calm. What most drugs have in common, however, is that they overstimulate the pleasure center of the brain. Over time, the brain's chemistry changes to the point where not taking the drug becomes uncomfortable, even painful.
  
  

Significance

• Drug addiction puts addicts at a greater risk for health problems. Heavy drug abuse can cause arthritis, lung disease, brain damage, heart problems and even death from overdose. Over time, addicts become less productive at work and eventually have trouble keeping a job, which leads to homelessness. Drug addiction is so powerful that engaging in criminal activity for more drugs or money to buy more drugs can tempt addicts.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Becoming sober from drugs is the first step of the healing process. Once you're sober, your brain needs time to rebuild connections that were altered when you were addicted. In this time, drug cravings and depression can be intense and difficult to fight. Without support, it is very likely you will relapse. A good treatment program helps you learn and apply new coping skills to deal with whatever triggers your addiction.
  
  

Types of Treatment

• You can go through a residential treatment program, which involves living at a treatment center while undergoing treatment for one to three months. You can visit your primary care doctor to find out about an addiction medicine specialist you can work with. Partial hospitalization is a relapse prevention treatment that involves three to five meetings per week. Intensive outpatient programs involve three meetings per week. Halfway houses help addicts gain employment and permanent housing with the support of other recovering addicts. Meetings like those of Drug Addicts Anonymous are another support group option. Counseling works well in conjunction with other types of treatment or as a follow-up support. It involves identifying the root causes of your drug use, which helps you make better choices in the future.
  
  

Warning

• If someone you care about has a drug addiction, it is important to keep in mind that you cannot force him to stop abusing drugs. The cause of drug abuse is often an attempt to mask painful feelings that are sure to rise to the surface during the recovery process. Many in recovery have depressed moods for as long as a year or more as the brain rebuilds itself after the drug abuse. Ongoing support from multiple sources is essential for your loved one to recover.