Drug addiction

0


What is it about ?
Drug addiction (addiction) is characterized by the repetition of addictive behaviors, for example the consumption of drugs. It is due to irrepressible cravings, despite a desire and motivation to abstain. There is then a psychological and / or physical need with signs of withdrawal. It is necessary to gradually increase the doses of the drugs consumed to feel the same effects. We are talking about tolerance and addiction. The person loses control of the situation.

Several factors, sometimes cumulative, can increase the risk of drug addiction: certain diseases, certain characteristics of the drug and certain characteristics of the person or the doctor.

The health problems that most often lead to drug addiction are sleep problems, psychiatric disorders, long-lasting pain (chronic pain), and physical problems.

The drugs that can cause abuse are mainly painkillers, sedatives and stimulants. Some can indeed mimic the action of certain substances in our brain, but with increased power. They allow us to feel good, to relax, to feel pleasure, etc. You can develop an addiction to different drugs:

  • Opioid painkillers such as morphine, oxycodone, codeine, tramadol;
  • Stimulants that improve concentration: centrally acting appetite suppressants, a drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (methylphenidate);
  • Painkillers: cough preparations that contain opioids, sleeping pills (benzodiazepines) such as alprazolam or lorazepam;
  • Medicines which have a euphoric effect when combined with alcohol.

What is its frequency?
The consumption of painkillers, sedatives and sleeping pills is extremely high in Belgium. Unfortunately, we do not have concrete data on the extent of drug addiction in our country. Doctors, however, report an increase in dependence, abuse and inappropriate use of drugs.

How to recognize it?
You are addicted to drugs if, in the past year, you have had at least three of the following symptoms:

  • An overwhelming urge to use the medicine;
  • Difficulty in keeping control over your consumption;
  • Signs of withdrawal (withdrawal syndrome) when stopping or reducing the dose, or taking the drug to avoid withdrawal syndrome;
  • Drug tolerance, i.e. that you must increase the dose to achieve equivalent effect;
  • A general indifference to anything that does not concern the drug or the search for the drug;
  • Continue to use the medicine even if you are aware of the problems it is causing.

These symptoms persist for a minimum period of a month or occur repeatedly.

How is the diagnosis made?
If you are taking medicines which can lead to addiction, your doctor will occasionally ask you a few questions about the dose you are using, how long you take and how these medicines work.

What can you do ?
From the start of treatment, determine the duration of use with your doctor. Always take the prescribed dose. If the prescribed dose of the product no longer works, talk to the doctor. If you suspect an addiction to certain drugs, consult the doctor and together establish a plan to modify or stop the treatment.

What can your doctor do?
If your doctor prescribes pain relievers, sleeping pills, or painkillers, they will talk to you about the risk of drug addiction and / or withdrawal symptoms. Thereafter, he will reassess the need for prolonged use at least once a year.

Treatment for drug addiction depends on the type of drug you have become addicted to. In the case of an addiction to opiates (opioids) (for example morphine, codeine, etc.), the general practitioner will also offer you follow-up with a psychologist or psychiatrist.

In the case of dependence on sedatives (benzodiazepines), your doctor will gradually reduce the dose over a period of 10 weeks. This gradual reduction regimen, which aims to prevent the onset of withdrawal symptoms, is also applied in cases of dependence on antidepressants and antipsychotics (drugs used to reduce agitation, aggression and anxiety).

Want to know more?

Are you looking for more specialized help?

Sources