Characteristics of Addiction

Loss of control - The user cannot predict what will happen when he or she uses the substance. One day they may be able to stop after one line of cocaine, the next day they may not be able to control their use at all.

Compulsive preoccupation - The addict spends a great deal of time thinking about the substance.

Continued use despite negative consequences - If drug use causes problems but one continues to do it, one is tempting addiction or is already addicted, the person has lost voluntary control of the use of that substance.

In 10 Becomes Addicted

The use and abuse of mood-altering drugs contribute to the overburdening of the health care, criminal justice, and educational systems. Both users and abusers have the potential for driving under the influence, overdosing, committing crimes to support their use, and contributing to family discord and violence.