What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse can be defined as either the use of a drug in excessive quantities or as using a drug for purposes for which it was not intended. A drug addict is dependent on a drug, either physically or psychologically. Addiction can be considered a chronic disease in which the addict seeks drugs despite harmful consequences. Repeated drug use can result in changes in the brain that make it more difficult for the addict to resist the urge to take drugs.

There is a wide range of drugs that are abused – illegal drugs (for example cocaine, heroin and cannabis), legal drugs (such as alcohol) and prescription medicines.
A drug addict will continue to use drugs despite adverse consequences.

Signs and symptoms of addiction?

The first step in recovery is to recognise your addiction. These questions can be used to help you recognise if you have a problem:-

• do you ever use drugs?
• have you ever substituted one drug for another, thinking that one particular drug was the problem?
• have you ever manipulated or lied to a doctor to obtain prescription drugs?
• have you ever stolen drugs?
• do you regularly use a drug when you wake up or when you go to bed?
• have you ever taken one drug to overcome the effects of another?
• do you avoid people or places that do not approve of you using drugs?
• have you ever used a drug without knowing what it was or what it would do to you?
• has your performance at work ever suffered from the effects of your drug use?
• have you ever been arrested as a result of using drugs?
• have you ever lied about what or how much you use?
• do you put the purchase of drugs ahead of your financial responsibilities?
• have you ever tried to stop or control your using?
• have you ever been in a prison, hospital, or drug rehabilitation centre because of your using?
• does using interfere with your sleeping or eating?
• does the thought of running out of drugs terrify you?
• do you feel it is impossible for you to live without drugs?
• do you ever question your own sanity?
• is your drug use making life at home unhappy?
• have you ever thought you couldn’t fit in or have a good time without drugs?
• have you ever felt defensive, guilty, or ashamed about your using?
• do you think a lot about drugs?
• have you had irrational or indefinable fears?
• has using affected your sexual relationships?
• have you ever taken drugs you didn’t prefer?
• have you ever used drugs because of emotional pain or stress?
• have you ever overdosed on any drugs?
• do you continue to use despite negative consequences?
• do you think you might have a drug problem?

These questions are designed to make you see how using drugs has changed your life in a negative way. There is no specific number of ‘yes’ answers that will define you as an addict – it is up to you and how you feel your life is being affected.

Risks of drug abuse

Depending on the drugs used, problems can include:-

• anxiety and depression
• disrupted sleeping
• changes in personality
• apathy
• mood swings
• changes in appearance
• loss of appetite
• psychosis
• slurred speech
• craving for more drugs
• withdrawal symptoms
• decreased co-ordination
• irregular heartbeat
• loss of employment
• falling into debt
• difficulties in relationships with family members, friends, colleagues
• legal difficulties
• professional difficulties

Treatment

Once you have recognised that you have a problem you should consult your GP or local drug dependence unit for treatment advice. You may be given medication to help your withdrawal and this should be coupled with support and advice to help you adjust to life after you have stopped using.
There are also a number of agencies that can help you that are listed below.

What to do if you have a problem

Pharmacist Support Addiction Support

The Addiction Support Programme exists to support those with dependency issues.  This service provides access to a fully qualified addiction specialist with many years of experience in the field, and all calls to the helpline are entirely confidential. For further details, visit our website.

Call the Pharmacist Addiction Support Programme in total confidence
Tel: 0808 168 5132

Or contact Pharmacist Support
Tel: 0808 1682 233
Email: info@pharmacistsupport.org

Mind – Guide to addiction and dependency support
Web: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/addiction-and-dependency/addiction-and-dependency-resources/ 

NHS Choices – Help and support for drug addiction
Web: www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/

Narcotics Anonymous
Tel: 0300 999 1212
Web: www.ukna.org

Families Anonymous
Tel: 0845 1200 660
Web: www.famanon.org.uk

Release
Tel: 0845 4500 215
Web: www.release.org.uk

This information was last reviewed on 19 July 2022.