Drug Addiction

Misusing prescription medications.

Taking harmful street drugs.

Abusing alcohol.

All of these actions can result in the disease of drug addiction; even alcohol abuse, as alcohol addiction and drug addiction are one in the same. Despite the negative side effects associated with any of these drugs, addicts cannot control their use of the substance(s).

Drug addiction affects not only the addict but also his or her family members, friends and loved ones when it “hijacks” the addict’s brain and controls his or her behaviors and emotions. Addicts often think they can control their addiction and amount of drug use when, in reality, it is a brain disease that is out of their control and requires serious, lifelong treatment, support and abstinence to bring sobriety.

Drug addiction may involve one or more of the following substances:

• Alcohol (read more about the specifics of alcohol addiction)
• Barbiturates (sleep-inducing and anxiety-decreasing drugs)
• Benzodiazepines (tranquilizers, including Valium and Xana)
• Club drugs (including ecstasy)
• Cocaine and crack-cocaine
• Hallucinogens (including LSD, PCP)
• Inhalants
• Methamphetamines (also known as “meth,” “crank,” and “speed”)
• Narcotics (heroin, morphine, other pain relievers)
• Prescription Drugs (including OxyContin®, Oxycodone and Percocet)

If left untreated, drug addiction can lead to permanent changes in the brain’s functions and operations. Read more about symptoms of drug addiction and how Nova Counseling Center can help with diagnosing and treating the disease.