Trauma or abuse; mental illness; low self-esteem; poverty; relationship problems; loss of a loved one; stress; chronic pain or medical conditions. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause many serious long-term health problems, especially when used in large doses or in combination. Drug or alcohol use can cause seizures induced by dehydration and damage the immune system. This increases susceptibility to infections and other complications, psychotic behavior, and serious cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and vein collapse.
It can also cause liver overstrain or liver failure, among other dangerous side effects. Addiction is defined as a chronic recurrent disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. These changes can last long after a person has stopped using drugs. 11. The signs and symptoms of drug addiction vary, and some drugs have a higher risk of becoming addicted than others.
Prescription drugs, such as opioid pain relievers and benzodiazepines used for anxiety disorders, are addictive substances that can change brain chemistry over time and create addiction if misused. As with other diseases and disorders, the likelihood of developing an addiction varies from person to person, and there is no single factor that determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs. Clinically known as substance use disorder, drug abuse or addiction is caused by the regular use of addictive substances. The best way to prevent permanent harm is to seek professional treatment for drug addiction as soon as possible to overcome the addiction.
