Illicit Drug Addiction

What It Is

Illicit drug addiction may be one of the most dangerous types of addictions. In general, illicit drugs are substances that are illegal to make, sell, or use, such as cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, or hallucinogens. Many illicit drugs are highly addictive and pose serious health risks, even when taken in small doses. This type of drug addiction usually starts as experimentation. The user tries something out of curiosity and becomes hooked on the physiological and/or psychological effects of the drug. An illicit drug addiction tends to progress more rapidly than other addictions, often requiring the user to consume increasingly higher doses of the drug to get the same effects. Without intervention, an addict will often put his health and safety—or the health and safety of others—in grave danger.

Symptoms and Signs

The effects of illicit drugs on the user will vary depending on the type of drug. However, there are mainly three categories: stimulating drugs, depressing drugs, and hallucinogenic drugs. Stimulating drugs, like cocaine or methamphetamines, tend to bring the user to a state of hyperactivity. Depressing drugs, such as heroin, tend to decrease the user’s energy level. Hallucinogenic drugs, such as marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms, or LSD, alter the user’s perception of space, time, and reality. While an illicit drug addict might mix several different substances or alternate between uppers and downers, certain behaviors or characteristics should be assessed in order to determine whether an addiction may be present:

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• Significant increase or decrease in energy level, especially if the shift is out of the ordinary or has a sudden onset
• Aggressive behavior or violent mood swings
• Preoccupation with getting and using the drug of choice
• Withdrawal from friends and family
• Increased social activity with other users or only attending social events where the drug will be present
• Chronic health problems or continued use of the drug despite physical health risks
• Degradation of morals or values in order to obtain drug of choice
• Legal or professional consequences from illicit drug use such as an arrest or loss of job

Signs of stimulant drug abuse include racing thoughts, aggressive behavior, violence, abnormally high energy levels, or mania and a deluded sense of confidence.
Symptoms of a depressant drug addiction include low energy levels, depression, lethargy, suicidal thoughts, isolating tendencies, or sleeping more than normal.
A hallucinogen addiction might be noticeable if the person has a distinct lack of attachment to reality, seems schizophrenic or manic, or has an obsession with visions, symbols, or ideas that he experiences while under the influence.