What Are The Different Levels Of Dependence On Drugs?

Dependence is a psychological process that builds with repeated use. Once you start using drugs, it can take just a few uses before you feel a sense of craving or withdrawal. If you are dependent on any drug, it means that your body has adapted to that substance and will have negative reactions when you stop taking it. Different levels of drug dependence exist that determine what type of help you need in order to break the habit. The common types of drug dependence include mild, moderate, severe and extreme.

Mild Drug Dependence

Symptoms of mild drug dependence may include being tolerant to the effects of the drug, withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance, and difficulty cutting down. Those who are experiencing mild drug dependence should be able to manage their habit without medical supervision. A mild dependence can occur when you use a drug daily for prolonged periods of time. If you feel the need to take the substance even though you know you don’t need to, you may have a mild dependence. This dependence can happen if you start taking drugs despite the lack of evidence that they are effective. Taking them even though they may make you feel bad is another sign. You may also have a mild dependence if you try to stop taking drugs and experience withdrawal symptoms when you don’t.

Moderate Drug Dependence

Symptoms of moderate drug dependence include a compulsion to abuse drugs, withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance, a decrease in the amount of time it takes you to experience effects, and difficulty managing your habit. Those who are experiencing moderate drug dependence should be able to manage their habit without medical supervision. If you have moderate drug dependence, it means that your body has adapted to that substance and will have negative reactions when you stop taking it. In other words, you are physically dependent on that drug.

Severe Drug Dependence

Symptoms of severe drug dependence include withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance, a dependence on the drug, and a compulsion to abuse it. Those who are experiencing severe drug dependence should be able to manage their habit without medical supervision. If you have severe drug dependence, it means that your body has adapted to that substance and will have negative reactions when you stop taking it. In other words, you are physically dependent on that drug.

Extreme Drug Dependence

Symptoms of extreme drug dependence include a compulsion to abuse drugs, withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance, a dependence on the drug, and a severe impairment of your life if you were to stop taking it. If you have extreme drug dependence, it means that your body has adapted to that substance and will have negative reactions when you stop taking it. In other words, you are physically dependent on that drug.

What are the side effects of drugs such as meth, cocaine, pain pills, LSD, marijuana and alcohol? These drugs can cause harmful long-term side effects. Some of these side effects may include:

  • The inability to focus
  • Depression
  • Increased irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Paranoia
  • Suicidal thoughts

How To Tell If You Are Dependent On Drugs?

There is no single sign that determines if you are dependent on drugs. Instead, it depends on the types of drug you are using and how often you use them. The key traits of a drug dependent person are those listed below:

  • Increased tolerance – You need to take larger doses to feel the same effects.
  • Withdrawal symptoms – If you stop using a drug, you will experience symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, insomnia, increased irritability and mood swings.
  • Compulsive use – You feel a compulsion to use drugs even when you know they are negatively affecting your life.
  • Difficulty quitting – You have tried to quit before and failed. A doctor can help you determine if you are dependent on drugs. Ask your doctor how they can help you address your issues with drug abuse.

If you’re tired of being addicted to drugs or alcohol and want to find a top-rated treatment center, we can help. Give us a call today at 833-497-3812.

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