To answer the question of whether drug abuse is a mental or physical condition the circumstances surrounding drug abuse must be defined. There is a difference between physical addiction and physical dependence. Addiction is the compulsive and ongoing inability to quit using a drug. Physical dependence is characterized by the ability of the body to build up a tolerance to a drug, thus requiring its ongoing use and triggering the onset of drug-specific withdrawal symptoms if such use is abruptly stopped. As to whether drug abuse is mental or physical, the answer would be both, on a drug specific basis. Issues surrounding drug usage as “substance abuse disorders.” This usage is classified as either abuse or dependence.
Physical Addiction/Substance Dependence
Substances subject to physical dependence generally include opioids such as heroin, oxycontin, or other prescription painkillers, benzodiazepines such as valium, xanax, and klonopin. Substance dependence is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Increased tolerance marked by diminishing effect of the drug and need for increased amount to achieve effect
- Drug usage in larger does than intended
- Withdrawal symptoms specific to the substance of abuse or the increased usage of the same (or similar) substance to avoid withdrawal
- Inability to stop drug usage despite a desire to do so
- Excessive time and energy spent on drug seeking activities
- Ongoing use despite health problems or social difficulties due to drug usage
Opioids attach to receptors in the brain and body which, when usage is stopped, immediately trigger withdrawal. These symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, muscle and joint pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and dysphonia.
Benzodiapene withdrawal manifests itself 2 to 10 days after usage is stopped and can result in irritability, anxiety, hyperactivity, and even seizures.
Methamphetamines, in street form or in legal form, such as Adderall or Ritalin, can create physical symptoms such as tremors, palpitations, hyperventilation, and nausea.
Alcohol withdrawal can be mild or extreme, resulting in seizures and death. Beginning anywhere from a few hours after use to 3 or 4 days after use, these effects can also take the form of hallucinations and delirium tremens (DT’s).
Mental Addiction/ Substance Abuse
Substances generally subject to mental or psychological abuse include cocaine, marijuana, and ecstasy. Substance abuse is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Legal issues
- Inability or failure to perform major obligations
- Use under physical dangerous conditions
- Repeated use despite ongoing interpersonal or social problems
Cocaine withdrawal can cause fatigue, insomnia, increased appetite, irritability and disruption of motor skills. While not having any specific adverse physical effects, these symptoms are brought on by the depletion of dopamine in the brain.
Marijuana's addictiveness is constantly debated. However, symptoms have been shown to include insomnia, depression, anxiety, and loss of appetite.
Withdrawal from repeated ecstasy use can result in muscle fatigue, disorientation, lack of energy, and severe depression. While there are no immediate physical effects on the body, the lack of increased serotonin, which the drug provides and that the body is unable to naturally replicate, can cause mental depression.
There are some drugs with very real physical effects that require medical supervision when usage is stopped; however, all of the substances mentioned above have a neurological effect. This unifying effect is called “pleasure.” Whether that pleasure is derived from the brain or the body, it is the single most significant thing driving all substance users. The more doctors and scientists learn about the process of the brain, the more they learn how it affects the body. In that regard, all drug abuse is both mental and physical.
