Drug addiction

Drug addiction, or substance dependence is the compulsive use of drugs, to the point where the user has no effective choice but to continue use. This phenomenon has occurred to some degree throughout recorded history (see "opium"), though modern agricultural practices, improvements in access to drugs, and advancements in biochemistry have exacerbated the problem significantly in the 20th century with the introduction of purified forms of active biological agents, and with the synthesis of hitherto unknown substances, such as methamphetamine and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). While "addiction" has been replaced by "dependency" as a clinical term, the terms are used interchangeably here.

Mechanisms of effect

The mechanisms by which different substances activate the reward system vary among drug classes.

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• Depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, and narcotics such as morphine and methadone, work by mimicking endorphins?chemicals produced naturally by the body which have effects similar to dopamine?or by disabling the neurons that normally inhibit the release of dopamine. These substances (sometimes called "downers") typically facilitate relaxation and pain-relief.
• Stimulants such as amphetamines and nicotine increase dopamine signaling, either by directly stimulating its release, or by blocking its absorption (see "reuptake"). These substances (sometimes called "uppers") typically cause heightened alertness and energy.

The most common drug addictions are to legal substances such as:

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• Alcohol
• Nicotine in the form of tobacco, particularly cigarettes
• Caffeine in the form of tea, coffee, and caffeinated sodas

Many prescription or over the counter drugs can become addictive if abused. Steroidal medications, for example, are extremely addictive. In addition, a large number of other substances are currently considered to have no medical value and are not available over the counter or by prescription. Depending on the jurisdiction, these drugs may be legal only as part of a government sponsored study, illegal to use for any purpose, illegal to sell, or even illegal to merely possess.

Related Topics:
Prescription - Over the counter - Steroidal

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In 1972, United States President Richard Nixon declared a war on illegal drugs in an attempt to control the growing problem of drug addiction and drug-related crime. It is unclear, though, whether laws against drugs do anything to stem usage and dependency. In jurisdictions where addictive drugs are illegal, they are generally supplied by drug dealers, who are often involved with organized crime. Even though the cost of producing most illegal addictive substances is very low, their illegality combined with the addict's need permits the seller to command a premium price, often hundreds of times the production cost. As a result, the addict must often turn to crime to support his habit.

Related Topics:
1972 - United States - Richard Nixon - War on illegal drugs - Crime - Drug dealer - Organized crime

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