Most drug addictions start with casual or social use of a drug. For some people, this is as far as it goes. For other people, using the drug becomes a habit and use becomes more and more frequent. As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it becomes increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Stopping may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill.

DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION
Many people do not understand why individuals become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. They mistakenly view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social problem and may characterize those who take drugs as morally weak. One very common belief is that drug abusers should be able to just stop taking drugs if they are only willing to change their behaviour


Understanding drug addiction
People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences. This self-destructive behavior can be hard to understand. Why continue doing something that’s hurting you? Why is it so hard to stop? 

USING DRUGS AS AN ESCAPE
Drugs might make you feel better in the short-term, attempts to self-medicate ultimately backfire. Instead of treating the underlying problem, drug use simply masks the symptoms. Take the drug away and the problem is still there, whether it be low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, or an unhappy family life. Furthermore, prolonged drug use eventually brings its own host of problems, including major disruptions to normal, daily functioning. Unfortunately, the psychological, physical, and social consequences of drug abuse and addiction become worse than the original problem you were trying to cope with or avoid

WHY PEOPLE TAKE DRUGS
The real question is: By "trying" drugs, do you realize that you're setting yourself up for even bigger problems? What's happening to your passions, your future? What type of person are you becoming?

Some people say they are curious or bored and want to see how drugs will make them feel. Some drugs (heroine and cocaine) can kill you with just one use — they can cause immediate health consequences like heart attacks, suffocation, and breathing problems.


Also remember that if your stress becomes completely overwhelming, you don't have to cope with it alone. You can  talk with a counselor, coach, family member, or any adult that you trust who can teach you how to deal with stress or recommend someone to talk to. The most important is please approach professionals!

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include:

-Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — this can be daily or even several times a day

-Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug

-Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

-Spending money on the drug even though you can't afford it

-Doing things to obtain the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing

-Feeling that you need the drug to deal with your problems

-Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug

-Focusing more and more time and energy on getting and using the drug

Recognizing drug abuse in teenagers

Possible indications that your teenager is using drugs include:

-Problems at school. Frequently missing classes or missing school, a sudden disinterest in school or school activities, and a drop in grades may be indicators of drug use.

-Physical health issues. Lack of energy and motivation may indicate your child is using certain drugs.

-Neglected appearance. Adolescents are generally concerned about how they look. A lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks may be a warning sign of drug use.

-Changes in behavior. Teenagers enjoy privacy, but exaggerated efforts to bar family members from entering their rooms or knowing where they go with their friends might indicate drug use. Also, drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends may be linked to drug use.

-Spending money. Sudden requests for money without a reasonable explanation for its use may be a sign of drug use. You may also discover money stolen from previously safe places at home. Items may disappear from your home because they're being sold to support a drug habit.