Drug Addiction

Reading Comprehension About Drug Addiction
Reading Comprehension About Drug Addiction


Understanding Drug Addiction: Symptoms, Causes, Examples, and Treatment

Drug Addiction
Stop Drug Addiction

Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a brain disorder involving compulsive drug use despite its detrimental consequences. Biologically, although drug use leads to unfavorable results, the brain of a drug addict functions to reward drug-taking. Additionally, at the psychological level, the drug addict becomes enslaved and loses control over the addictive behavior.

What Are the Symptoms of Drug Addiction?

The symptoms of drug addiction include:

  • Urge to use the drug regularly (daily or even several times a day)
  • Keeping a supply of the substance for fear of running out
  • Decreased participation in family activities and a preference for self-isolation
  • Problems at work or school and financial issues
  • Dishonesty and lying to continue drug use
  • Blaming others for the addiction
  • Poor personal hygiene and neglected appearance

What Causes Drug Addiction?

Biologically, the normal function and chemistry of our brain encourage individuals to repeat enjoyable behaviors such as sleeping, eating, and sex. Unfortunately, although the repetition of pleasurable activities may ensure our species’ survival, it can also have detrimental consequences by making individuals vulnerable to addiction. Psychologically, drug addicts cling to addictive behavior despite its harmful effects because they anticipate some benefit from it, such as relief from stress or boredom, or escaping from a difficult situation.

What Are Some Examples of Drugs?

A drug is any substance that causes a change in an organism’s physiology or psychology when consumed, and it can be legal or illegal. Examples of addictive substances include:

  • Alcohol
  • Opiates (such as heroin and morphine)
  • Cannabis
  • Sedatives (such as Valium)
  • Caffeine
  • Nicotine
  • Amphetamines (such as speed or ice)
  • Ecstasy
  • Cocaine
  • LSD (acid)
  • Some medical drugs such as benzodiazepines and painkillers

How Is Drug Addiction Treated?

Can addiction be treated? Yes, but like all chronic diseases, quitting a drug for a few weeks does not mean the drug addict has been cured. Drug addicts need a long time to completely recover and regain control of their lives.

The first step in drug addiction treatment is detoxification. Medication can help drug addicts in the treatment process by alleviating withdrawal symptoms. However, detoxification alone is not enough. Patients must receive further treatment, otherwise, they will likely relapse.

To prevent relapse, patients are given medications that help them have healthier brain function and reduce cravings. Additionally, behavioral therapies help drug addicts change their perspectives and behaviors towards drug use and replace harmful drug habits with new healthy life skills.

More on Drug Addiction on Wikipedia

Comprehension:

  1. Addiction is caused by biological and psychological factors.
    a. True
    b. False
  2. It is allowed to buy some drugs.
    a. True
    b. False
  3. Drug addiction is similar to chronic disease.
    a. True
    b. False
  4. The treatment starts with detoxification.
    a. True
    b. False

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