Dual Diagnosis Articles

What is drug abuse and drug addiction?

Drug abuse is really a description of when a person uses a drug for purposes other than which it was intended or when a person uses an illegal drug and does not develop a physical or psychological dependence. On the other hand, drug addiction is when an individual develops a physical or psychological dependence on a particular drug, including alcohol.

A physical addiction is characterized by the presence of tolerance and drug withdrawal symptoms that is managed thru the process of drug detoxification. Drug detox is the medical management of withdrawal symptoms as drugs in the body continue to dissipate. Drug detox is only the first step in drug abuse treatment and drug addiction treatment and most of the individuals that do not go on for additional substance abuse treatment tend to relapse.

Get Help Now - Call 1-800-231-2950 - The National Addiction Helpline is toll free and help is available 24/7.

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