Substance use disorder (SUD) can involve a wide range of drugs and other substances. Common types of drug addiction include opioid use disorder (OUD) and marijuana use disorder. Drug abuse can also involve inhalants, sedatives, stimulants, and nicotine. Most substances involved in drug abuse are illegal, but sometimes, the addiction is based on the problematic use of a legal substance. For example, misusing prescription drugs, problematic use of marijuana in states where it’s legal, or overusing caffeine could be addictions. Drug and alcohol addiction often have a very negative impact on people’s lives.
When is drug use a disorder?
Drug use can be a disorder even if you’re able to manage your daily life while using. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) lists the criteria for diagnosing opioid use disorders, but the criteria for other substances are almost the same.
You might have an SUD if you:
- Take drugs in larger amounts over time as you develop a tolerance
- Have a desire and/or unsuccessful attempts to use less or stop using
- Spend significant time on obtaining the drug, using it, and recovering from use
- Have drug use that interferes with work, school, or home obligations
- Continue using drugs despite recognizing ongoing negative effects from doing so
- Give up or reduce other activities because of drug use
- Use drugs in situations that are physically dangerous
- Have developed a significant tolerance to the drug
- Are experiencing withdrawal symptoms if you stop using the drug
Even having just two or three of these characteristics indicates a mild SUD. Addiction is not a lack of willpower or morals — it’s a chronic disease that impacts the brain’s reward system. Fortunately, there is addiction treatment in Indiana that can help including both outpatient and inpatient rehab programs.
Why does drug addiction happen?
Drug abuse often has two sources. There’s something that triggers a person to start using a substance, and then the drug itself impacts the brain in a way that reinforces the desire to use over and over again.
The trigger for initial use can be completely innocent — millions of Americans struggle with opioid addiction after using opioids legally under a doctor’s direction after surgery or an injury. Other times, a person turns to drugs due to peer pressure, experimentation, an underlying mental health issue, or as a coping mechanism for trauma.
Once a drug is used, it begins to change the way the brain functions in a way that encourages the person to keep using it. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes how drugs affect the brain:
- Drugs flood the brain with dopamine, creating feelings of pleasure
- The brain adapts by producing less dopamine naturally to restore balance
- The person uses more drugs to feel the same pleasure, leading to the brain producing even less dopamine
- The drug also negatively affects areas of the brain involved in learning, decision-making, memory, judgment, and behavior
This process not only causes people to want more of the substance, but it also decreases the amount of dopamine and pleasure they get from normally enjoyable activities. That can result in drug use taking over someone’s life and becoming the only way they can have positive feelings.
These physical changes are why addiction is defined as a disease. The good news is that through drug addiction treatment and long-term recovery, your brain can rebound from drug abuse, and you can find joy in daily life again.
You can overcome addiction. Reach out to discover:
The impacts of drug addiction
The effects of drug abuse on your life will vary somewhat depending on what substance you’re using, but all addictions have negative impacts on your mental and physical health, relationships with family and friends, and finances. Most addictions also result in legal consequences, either because the drug is illegal or because people do illegal things to get more of the drug.
The Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration points out the negative physical consequences of certain types of drugs. Cocaine frequently leads to death from overdose and can cause health problems such as asthma, bowel issues, and a higher risk of HIV. Meth can cause death the first time you try it. It speeds up all of your body’s systems in dangerous ways, and over time, users experience paranoia, confusion, anxiety, aggression, insomnia, and other effects.
Opioids are the substance most likely to cause overdose deaths, especially now that many opioids are being mixed with fentanyl. Those who misuse opioids often have confusion, constipation, nausea, and can even fall into a coma or have brain damage.
Marijuana, while legal in some areas, is also linked to negative health impacts. Research shows that you lose IQ points if you start using it young, and marijuana use is linked to mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and psychotic episodes. The drug is also linked to reductions in coordination and reaction time. The health risks of nicotine, whether smoking or vaping, are also well known — damage to your lungs, cancers, diabetes, COPD, dental and vision problems, and more.
You might lose your job due to the amount of time and focus you put into substance use, which can result in not being able to pay for a place to live and other necessities. You could find yourself in dangerous situations or spending time with dangerous people in order to continue access to the drug. And, of course, substance use and using illegal drugs can result in significant legal issues, which can have you spending years in jail.
Here’s the positive part, though: no matter what kind of addiction you have, there are addiction treatment programs that can give you the help you need to quit. Stopping the use of drugs will have significant positive impacts on your health, circumstances, and relationships and put you on a path to enjoying life again.
Signs and symptoms of drug addiction
The signs and symptoms of drug addiction vary depending on the drug, how often it’s used, and the individual’s physical and mental health. Various risk factors, including genetics, environment, and mental health conditions, can influence how quickly addiction develops. Some people may show obvious changes, while others may function for a long time before their addiction becomes apparent. Some general signs to look for include:
Physical symptoms
- Changes in appetite or sudden weight loss or gain
- Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual
- Unusual body odors, poor hygiene, or a lack of self-care
- Slurred speech, tremors, or impaired coordination
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or frequent nosebleeds (often linked to snorting substances)
- Withdrawal symptoms like sweating, shaking, nausea, or headaches when not using
Behavioral symptoms
- Increased secrecy, lying, or avoiding family and friends
- Sudden financial issues, borrowing money, or stealing
- Loss of interest in hobbies, work, or school responsibilities
- Engaging in risky or illegal activities to obtain drugs
- Frequent mood swings, paranoia, or unexplained aggression
- Neglecting personal and professional obligations
Mental and emotional symptoms
- Depression, anxiety, or irritability
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
- Increased sensitivity to stress or emotional instability
- Loss of motivation or apathy toward daily activities
- Defensiveness or anger when confronted about drug use
Some signs of addiction might seem like typical stress or mental health struggles, but when these behaviors start affecting everyday life, relationships, or responsibilities, they could indicate a SUD. When people enter treatment, they have the opportunity to address both the addiction and the underlying factors that contribute to it.
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How is drug addiction diagnosed and treated?
Testing and assessments
There are two parts to getting diagnosed and treated for SUD. The first is to determine if you have a SUD, and if you do, the next step is to do an ASAM assessment to determine what treatment options are best for your needs. A mild or moderate addiction issue might need intensive outpatient treatment or day programs, while a more severe one might need to start with residential addiction treatment programs.
Mental health assessment
It’s very common to have a mental health disorder alongside a substance use disorder, and this is known as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Along with screening you for substance use disorder, your doctor may perform or order testing for other mental health conditions as well. A mental health professional can determine if you’re also struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, a personality disorder, or another mental health issue.
It’s very important to know if you have a dual diagnosis because mental health problems and substance use can interact in ways that make both worse. Getting integrated treatment that gives you mental health care and addiction treatment together is essential to long-term recovery, and many people with co-occurring disorders need to begin addiction treatment at a higher level of care.
Physical health assessment
As mentioned earlier, drug use can have significant health impacts. Your doctor will also run a variety of tests to see how your heart, lungs, and circulation are doing. You may also be tested for HIV and viral hepatitis, as these are common health issues among those engaging in risky behaviors such as substance abuse, injection of drugs, and unsafe sex.
Some drugs also result in open sores, significant dental damage, and other medical issues that may need to be addressed promptly to help you feel better as you head into recovery.
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Drug rehab programs: addiction treatment and mental health services for alcohol and drug abuse
Alcohol addiction treatment and drug addiction treatment are long-term processes that require a substance abuse treatment program that fits your unique needs. There are multiple levels of care available in a rehab program. Those who need 24-hour support or who have co-occurring disorders tend to start in inpatient treatment programs with a residential treatment center where they live with others who are also in treatment and get intensive care. You’ll get effective alcohol and drug treatment in a structured environment. After residential treatment, or as a starting point for less severe disorders, there are several types of outpatient services that include addiction services such as behavioral health counseling and support groups.
Medical detox
Detox is the first step in substance use disorder treatment for many people struggling with substance addiction. Stopping drugs or alcohol can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be uncomfortable or even dangerous, depending on the substance and how long it’s been used. In a medical detox addiction treatment program, doctors and nurses monitor symptoms, provide medication assisted treatment when needed, and help manage cravings to make the process safer and more comfortable.
Detox alone isn’t treatment for substance abuse issues—it clears substances from the body, but it doesn’t address the reasons behind addiction. After detox, entering a residential or outpatient program gives people the support they need to stay sober.
Residential programs
Residential treatment at a drug and alcohol treatment center provides a highly structured environment where individuals receive 24/7 care. These drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs are suited for those who need intensive support due to severe substance use disorders or co-occurring mental illness. Treatment centers offering residential care focus on stabilizing individuals through medical care and therapeutic services. Evidence-based drug treatments such as motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, music therapy, positive reinforcement strategies and holistic therapies help address addiction and the underlying factors that contribute to it. Medication-assisted treatment may also be available to help manage drug cravings. While in treatment, residents build coping skills, improve family relationships and their own well being.
Outpatient programs
Outpatient treatment is an option for individuals who do not require 24-hour supervision but still need structured care. Programs range in intensity and may include partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient care. These programs focus on therapy, counseling, and peer support, allowing participants to continue daily responsibilities while getting treatment. Evidence based treatments, group therapy, individual counseling, and participation in support networks like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) are common and encouraged.
Both residential and outpatient programs incorporate behavioral therapies, individual counseling, group therapy, family therapy sessions and psychiatric care when needed to address mental disorders and addiction recovery. Major insurance providers often cover some or all of the cost of the treatment center programs.
Once you finish addiction treatment, your recovery journey has just begun. Taking advantage of recovery support resources for housing, employment, and other social services will help you stay on your feet as you establish long-term sobriety. Sober support groups can also make a big difference in helping you establish new friendships and relationships that support recovery and relapse prevention.
If you’re ready to take control of your life and break free from addiction, we’re here to help. Contact us today!
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Get the drug addiction treatment you need at our drug addiction treatment center in Indiana
Admitting you might have a problem with drugs and reaching out for help isn’t easy. If you or someone you love is struggling with drug addiction and are ready to take the next step, our Indiana rehab is here to support you. Call (317) 707 9848 or complete our confidential contact form. When you reach out to our team, you’ll speak with a recovery expert who will help determine whether drug or alcohol treatment is necessary. If treatment is recommended, they’ll guide you in choosing the appropriate level of care and assist with coordinating insurance benefits.
We are here to help you or a loved one find addiction treatment near you.
Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and asking for help is not always easy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or another substance use disorder, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (317) 707 9848 to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team for personalized treatment.
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Sources
- American Society of Addiction Medicine. (2017). DSM-5 criteria for opioid use disorder.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Risks of substance use.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Risks of marijuana use.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2019). Building your program: Evidence-based practices kit.
About the content
Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.
Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi Tarantino is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare. Also reviewed by the RRR Editorial team.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.
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