Defining an addiction is tricky, and-knowing how to handle one is even harder. What Are Substance Abuse and Addiction? The difference between substance abuse and addiction is very slight. Substance abuse means using an illegal substance or using a legal substance in the wrong way. Addiction begins as abuse, or using a substance like marijuana or cocaine. You can abuse a drug (or alcohol) without having an addiction. For example, just because Jason smoked weed a few times doesn’t mean that he has an addiction, but it does mean that his abusing a drug and that could lead to an addiction, though smoking is not permissible for Muslims.
Addiction means a person has no control over whether he or she uses a drug or drinks. Someone who’s addicted to cocaine has grown so used to the drug that he or she has to have it. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both.
Physical Addiction
Being physically addicted means a person’s body actually becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking is physically addictive). It also means building tolerance to that substance, so that a person needs a larger dose than ever before to get the same effects. Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance like drugs, alcohol, or cigarettes may experience withdrawal symptoms. Common symptoms of withdrawal are diarrhea, shaking, and generally feeling awful.
Psychological Addiction
Psychological addiction happens when the cravings for a drug are psychological or emotional. People who are psychologically addicted feel overcome by the desire to have a drug. They may lie or steal to get it. An addicted person whether it’s a physical or psychological addiction or both no longer feels like there is a choice in taking a substance.
Signs of Addiction
The most obvious sign of an. addiction is the need to have a particular drug or substance. However, many other signs can suggest a possible addiction, such as changes In mood or weight loss or gain. (These also are signs of other conditions, too, though, such as depression or eating disorders.) Signs that someone may have a drug or alcohol addiction include:
Psychological signals: 1. Use of drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax
2. Withdrawal or keeping secrets from family and friends
3. Loss of interest in activities that used to be important
4. Problems with schoolwork, such as slipping grades or absences
5. Changes in friendships, such as hanging out only with friends who use drugs
6. Spending a lot of time figuring out how to get drugs
7. Stealing or selling belongings to be able to afford drugs
8. Failed attempts to stop taking drugs or drinking
9. Anxiety, anger, or depression
10. Mood swings
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited