Comprehensive Psychology Services

Addiction can disrupt relationships, employment, and the overall enjoyment of life. Over time, addiction can lead to health concerns and legal problems.

 

When addiction begins interfering with day-to-day activities, it develops into a mental health condition that requires treatment.  Different age groups and populations can be addicted to many different things — such as cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, stimulants (methamphetamines, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine), hallucinogens (LSD and PCP), inhalants, and opiates (heroine and prescription narcotic medications including morphine, codeine, methadone, and oxycodone).

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Common addiction symptoms and behavior include:

 

• Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — this can be daily or even several times a day

• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug

• Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

• Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it

• Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing

• Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems

• Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug

• Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug

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