Drug Addiction

Addiction and dependence on substances is a dangerous and destructive chronic disease, compelling users to use drugs compulsively and without regard for themselves or others.

Drug addictions in the UK include a broad spectrum of both legal and illegal substances, ranging from something as seemingly harmless as cough syrup and sleeping tablets to hard drugs like heroin and crystal meth Statistics have shown that in the UK alone, over 20% of young adults have abused drugs in the past year.

Drug addiction often starts with the voluntary use of drugs, but repeated use can cause serious damage to our brain function. Once these substances find the root, the user finds it incredibly difficult to stop, fueled by the psychological and physical effects of substance withdrawal. Drug use becomes the anchor for sufferers looking to feel normal, at the expense of themselves, others, and even their own lives.

Drug Addiction and Dependence Explained

Addiction is a disorder of the brain’s reward centres; the repeated exposure to rewarding stimuli forces parts and functions of the brain associated with reward to adjust to this exposure. An example is how the use of cocaine triggers a release of dopamine and other neurochemicals in the brain associated with pleasure and reward. But with repeated use, the brain can become dependent on cocaine to release dopamine, and similarly higher doses are required for the same flood of dopamine. Even more alarmingly, this inhibition of dopamine can result in the negative physical and psychological effects known as withdrawal symptoms, making addicts even more likely to use.

Rehab in UK (United Kingdom)

It’s when addicts start to increase the dosages of drugs they take to chase that ‘high’ that addiction becomes dangerous. To make up for the tolerance, addicts resort to higher doses that can result in deadly consequences. This is what we refer to as overdosing.

Beyond the already alarming physical and mental symptoms of drug addictiondrug addiction can erratically change an abuser’s behaviour, affecting themselves and those around them. The catastrophic effects of addiction, and the sheer strength of their dependence, can feel almost impossible for them to recover from. In most cases an addict is so overcome by addiction that they actively resist the help and advice from those around them, decreasing their recovery rate.

Addictive Substances

Drugs can be both illegal and legal, and in the UK we’ve seen a significant rise in prescription drug addiction. Besides illegal drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, ecstasy and more, there are other substances that fall under hallucinogenic drugs, Benzodiazepines, stimulants such as Ritalin, opiates, and even legal substances like cough syrup and bath salts. All have varying effects and symptoms of addiction, and some are more deadly than others.

London Rehabs have also seen a rise in the use of ‘legal drugs’, otherwise known as Spice. These drugs are made up of chopped up plant matter, sprayed with Synthetic cannabinoids to give off the same high as cannabis and other drugs. This doesn’t make it any less addictive or dangerous, and spice addiction poses a very real danger to addicts.

Signs of Drug Addiction

Symptoms of drug addiction can take on many forms, but it’s important to note that symptoms aren’t limited to those seen here. Additionally, the absence of symptoms is never a sign that someone isn’t abusing drugs. Drug addicts go to great lengths to hide their addiction from their GPs and families, and even from themselves. That being said, some of the below symptoms are not inherently indicative of addiction and can be linked to other causes.

Physical Symptoms of Drug Abuse include:

Behavioural Signs of Drug Abuse include:e:

Treatment for Drug addiction in the UK

No matter how impossible it may seem to overcome addiction, either in yourself or in loved ones, recovery is possible. With the help of a private London rehab centrerehab specialists, counsellors and peer support, it’s possible to find recovery and pursue a life of sober living. The first step is reaching out. Get in contact with us, and we’ll help get you or your loved one the care needed.

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