Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a person’s brain and behaviour and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug or medication. Drug addiction can start with the experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations and for some people, the drug becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids drug addiction begins with exposure to prescribed medications or receiving medication from a friend or relative who has been prescribed medication.

How to identify if you are developing a Drug Dependency  

• Have you used drugs other than those required for a medical reason?

• Have you abused prescription drugs?

• Do you abuse more than one drug at a time?

• Can you get through the week without using drugs? (Other than those required for medical reasons.)

• Are you always able to stop using drugs when you want to?

• Do you abuse drugs on a continuous basis?

• Do you try to limit your drug use to certain situations?

• Have you had “blackouts” or “flashbacks” as a result of your drug use?

• Do you ever feel bad about your drug abuse?

• Has drug abuse ever created problems between you and your spouse/partner? 

• Have you engaged in illegal activities to obtain drugs?

• Have you ever been arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs?

• Have you ever gone to anyone for help for a drug problem?