Drug addiction – Behavioral sciences explore the cognitive processes within organisms and the behavioral interactions between organisms in the natural world. It involves the systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal behavior through the study of the past, controlled and naturalistic observation of the present and disciplined scientific experimentation and modeling.
It attempts to accomplish legitimate, objective conclusions through rigorous formulations and observation. Generally, behavior science deals primarily with human action and often seeks to generalize about human behavior as it relates to society.
Drug addiction
Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a dependence on a legal or illegal drug or medication. Keep in mind that alcohol and nicotine are legal substances, but are also considered drugs.
When someone is addicted, he is not able to control his drug use and he may continue using the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction can cause an intense craving for the drug. He may want to quit, but most people find they can’t do it on their own.
Drug addiction can cause serious, long-term consequences, including problems with physical and mental health, relationships, employment, and the law.
Signs of Drug Addiction
Depending upon the substance of choice, the signs of being under the influence will vary. But drug addiction can create a number of problems that are common to all who live with the issue. These include:
- Hiding substance use
- Lying about substances used or the amount of the drug used
- Violent or erratic behavior
- Extreme mood changes
- Complaints of physical illness
- Continued use of drugs despite negative consequences
- Inability to maintain employment or function well at work
- Rationalizing drug use despite consequences
- Inability to remain clean and sober for any length of time
- Disrupted sleeping and eating patterns
- Choosing to get high over other activities
Risk Factors of Drug Addiction
A. Family history of addiction. Drug addiction is more common in some families and likely involves genetic predisposition. If you have a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, with alcohol or drug problems, you’re at greater risk of developing a drug addiction.
B. Being male. Men are more likely to have problems with drugs than women are. However, progression of addictive disorders is known to be faster in females.
C. Having another mental health disorder. If you have a mental health disorder such as depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or post-traumatic stress disorder, you’re more likely to become dependent on drugs.
D. Peer pressure. Peer pressure is a strong factor in starting to use and abuse drugs, particularly for young people.
E. Lack of family involvement. Difficult family situations or lack of a bond with your parents or siblings may increase the risk of addiction, as can a lack of parental supervision.
F. Anxiety, depression and loneliness. Using drugs can become a way of coping with these painful psychological feelings and can make these problems even worse.
G. Taking a highly addictive drug. Some drugs, such as stimulants, cocaine or painkillers, may result in faster development of addiction than other drugs. However, taking drugs considered less addicting-so-called “light drugs” can start you on a pathway of drug use and addiction.
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