Drug addiction or chemical dependency involves regular taking of psychoactive drugs to the point where the user does not have any effective choice with him. The addictive nature of drugs varies from substance to substance and from individual to individual. Often drugs like codeine and alcohol typically require more exposures to addict their users than drugs like heroin and cocaine, which create fast addiction.

The compulsive use of psychoactive drugs, to the point where the user has no other choice but to continue using it is called drug addiction or chemical dependency. The addictive nature of drugs differs from substance to substance, and from individual to individual. Codeine and alcohol require more exposure to addict the users than drugs like heroin or cocaine.

The range of drugs that can make your addicted are:

• Cannabis compounds – They are found in marijuana and hashish. The common signs and symptoms are a sense of relaxation, poor memory, increased blood pressure and heart rate, red eyes, increased appetite and paranoid thinking.
• Central nervous system depressants – Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are examples. The signs and symbols are drowsiness, slurred speech, confusion, dizziness and depression.
• Central nervous system stimulants – They include amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin). The signs and symptoms are euphoria, rapid speech, decreased appetite, weight loss, insomnia and restlessness.
• Designer drugs – Ecstasy is an example.
• Hallucinogens – LSD, phencyclidine and ketamine are examples. The signs and symptoms are rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors, flashbacks, euphoria, numbness, nausea and delusions.
• Inhalants – Glue, paint, solvents and nitrous oxide are used as inhalant drugs. Long term use can damage the brain, liver and kidneys. It can also cause death.
• Opioids - They include heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone. The common signs and symbols are sedation, depression, constipation, slowed breathing, needle marks where drugs where injected and reduced sense of pain.

The best way to prevent an addiction to an illegal drug is not to take it at all. To prevent drug dependency in children, it is required to communicate with them about the risks of drug use, to listen to them, to strengthen the bond and to set a good example.

Drug addiction has two components - physical dependency and psychological dependency. Physical dependency occurs when the body becomes accostemed to the effects of drugs. The user then have to continue using the drug in order to feel normal. Psychological dependency occurs when the mind becomes emotionally reliant to the effects of drugs. In the absence of drugs, the person does not feel capable of functioning.

The drug addiction treatment provides a person ways to withdraw from using the drug. Detoxification involves reducing the dose of drug or substituting it temporarily by other substances like methadone. The withdrawal treatment shows side effects like restlessness, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, intense cravings, rapid pulse and high blood pressure. After detoxification, therapies like counselling, addiction treatment programs and self-help group meetings helps you to withdraw from using drugs.