Information on Drug Disorders
Understanding Drug Use, Misuse, and Dependence
Some individuals may use recreational or prescription drugs without experiencing negative effects or developing dependence. For many others, however, living with a substance use disorder (SUD) can lead to challenges at work, home, school, and in relationships. These experiences can leave a person feeling isolated, ashamed, or helpless. Learning about substance use and addiction includes understanding how it develops, how it affects people differently, and why it can have such a powerful influence on one’s life. If you are concerned about your own substance use or that of a friend or family member, know that help and recovery are possible.
Reasons People Use Substances
People may experiment with substances for many reasons–curiosity, social connection, the desire to have fun, or to improve performance. Sometimes, substance use begins as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, trauma, or depression. For some individuals, use can progress from occasional to problematic, often without realizing where that line has been crossed. No matter how often or how much a person uses, if substance use is causing difficulties in daily life–such as at work, school, home, or in relationships–it may be a sign of substance misuse or dependence.
How Substance Dependence Affects the Brain
Substance dependence affects the brain in complex ways, and each drug interacts differently with brain chemistry. All misused substances can alter the way the brain functions. For example:
- Substances may cause a surge in dopamine, a chemical that triggers pleasurable feelings. The brain remembers this feeling and seeks to repeat it.
- Changes in brain function can make it difficult to think clearly, make healthy decisions, manage emotions, or feel balanced without the substance.
- Over time, the brain begins to view the substance as essential for survival, similar to eating or sleeping.
- Dependence can lead to intense cravings, making substance use feel more important than relationships, work, or health.
- The brain may also develop ways to minimize or deny the problem, making it difficult for a person to recognize how much the substance use is affecting their life.
Risk Factors for Substance Dependence
Not everyone who uses substances becomes dependent. A person’s risk varies based on a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Some factors that may increase vulnerability include:
- Family history of substance use or dependence
- Experiences of trauma, neglect, or abuse during childhood
- Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety
- Early exposure to substance use
- Method of use (for example, smoking or injecting can increase risk of addiction)
Commonly Used or Misused Substances
Adults and youth may use or misuse alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription medications. Commonly used substances include:
- Alcohol
- Anabolic steroids ("juice," "roids")
- Bath salts ("bloom," "cloud nine," "white lightning")
- Club drugs such as MDMA ("Ecstasy," "Molly")
- Cocaine or crack cocaine ("blow," "snow," "rock")
- Dissociative anesthetics such as PCP and ketamine ("angel dust," "vitamin K")
- Hallucinogens such as LSD and psilocybin ("acid," "shrooms")
- Heroin
- Inhalants ("laughing gas," "whippets")
- Marijuana ("weed, "grass," "pot")
- Methamphetamine ("speed," "ice")
- Tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco)
Drugs of Abuse, A DEA Resource Guide
Prescription drug misuse occurs when someone takes medication differently than prescribed, for a non-medical reason (such as to get high), or takes medication prescribed for another person.
Prescription drug categories include:
- Depressants (also known as "downers" or "sleeping pills")
- Opioids (pain relievers such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, or fentanyl)
- Stimulants (such as Adderall or Ritalin, used to increase alertness or energy)
