What is Substance Addiction? What are the Symptoms?

Substance abuse, one of the biggest problems of recent years, causes serious problems both individually and socially.

Substance addiction is when harmful substances taken into the body cause addiction and lead to various problems that can negatively affect a person's overall health.

In this content, we will talk about what substance addiction is, its symptoms, its effects on the body and the types of addiction. Read on to find out!

What is substance addiction?

In the simplest terms, substance addiction is when a person continues to use harmful substances such as cigarettes, alcohol or drugs even though they are harmed as a result of taking them into the body.

Substance addiction can lead to physical and psychological problems and negatively affect a person's social and professional life.

What are the Types of Substance Addiction?

There are many types of substance addiction. It is generally classified according to the type of substance used. Common types of substance addiction are detailed below.

Alcohol Addiction

Alcohol addiction is a persistent and uncontrolled need to consume alcohol. The person has difficulty cutting down on alcohol and exhibits sudden emotional changes when they cannot drink.

Nicotine Addiction

Nicotine dependence is the development of an addiction to nicotine. Difficulty in reducing smoking, restlessness and irritability are common.

Drug Addiction

There are many different types of drug addiction. Each one can have a different effect on the body.

Cocaine Addiction: It is the individual's constant need to use cocaine. As a result of cocaine use, the person's feeling of happiness increases in the short term.

Cannabis Addiction: A person who uses cannabis feels relaxed. However, with long-term use, there is an intense increase in mental problems.

Methamphetamine and Amphetamine Addiction: The body develops an addiction to stimulants.

Opiate Addiction: This is the development of addiction to painkillers.

Volatile Substance Addiction

It is the body's addiction to volatile substances such as gasoline, glue or paint thinner. As with other types of addiction, it has serious long-term effects.

Prescription drug addiction

Addiction occurs as a result of the abuse of prescription drugs. The person has a constant desire to take medication and withdrawal occurs when they cannot take it.

What are the Symptoms of Substance Addiction?

Althoughthe symptoms of substance addiction vary from person to person, there are some common symptoms. Symptoms of substance addiction may vary depending on the type of substance used, how often the person uses it and structural characteristics.

Symptoms of substance addiction are as follows:

• Increased negative behaviors
• Inability or difficulty in controlling oneself
• Difficulties in family and friendship relationships
• Occurrence of physical and mental problems
• Feeling constantly restless
• Outbursts of anger
• Sudden emotional changes
• Feeling of numbness
• Not taking care of personal hygiene
• Introversion
• Increased failure status
• Sleep disorders
• Anxiety when the amount of substance used decreases
• Deprivation status
• Tremor
• Inability to control substance use
• Development of tolerance (increasing amount of substance used as the effect decreases)

How is Substance Addiction Diagnosed?

In order todiagnose substance addiction, a comprehensive evaluation must be carried out. Blood, urine, sweat or hair samples can be taken for medical evaluation. It is very important for people who may be addicted to substances to have these tests done.

In addition, there may be differences in the person's speech, physical movements and general condition. At this point, the person should seek expert support as soon as possible. Treating it before it is too late will prevent it from progressing.

Substance abuse is a serious public health problem. If it is not prevented, many negative situations are encountered both individually and socially. As such, it becomes difficult for the person to maintain daily life and various health problems arise. Substance abuse treatment involves a process that includes medical support and treatment methods.

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