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addiction A pattern of lifestyle that revolves
around obtaining and using drugs. The behaviors
of this pattern are compulsive and difficult to
resist or overcome, particularly when there is
physical DRUG DEPENDENCE. However, addiction can
occur with nearly any substance (such as drugs,
ALCOHOL, and tobacco) or behavior (such as gam-
bling) that a person feels he or she cannot live
without and is willing to take substantial risks to
keep the substance or behavior part of everyday
life. For most people addiction is a chronic condi-
tion for which successful treatment often requires
ongoing diligence, participation in SUPPORT GROUPS,
and PSYCHOTHERAPY.
Numerous health complications are associated
with addiction. Key among them are HEPATITISand
HIV/AIDS among people who inject drugs using
shared needles and paraphernalia. MALNUTRITIONis
common among people who have addictions to
alcohol, HEROIN, COCAINE, AMPHETAMINES, and
METHAMPHETAMINE. Prime health risks associated
with the leading addiction in the United States,
cigarette smoking, include CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
(CVD) and LUNG CANCER.

SUBSTANCES FOR WHICH
ADDICTION IS MOST COMMON
ALCOHOL AMPHETAMINES
BARBITURATES BENZODIAZEPINES
CANNABIScompounds COCAINE
DESIGNER DRUGS HALLUCINOGENS
inhalants METHAMPHETAMINE
methylphenidate NICOTINE
OPIATES organic solvents

Symptoms and Diagnostic Path

Symptoms of addiction are often apparent to fam-
ily members and friends long before the person

who has the addiction recognizes them. Denial of

addiction is itself a key symptom. Specific symp-

toms of addiction vary with the substance that is

the source of the addiction and may cover a broad

range of physiologic and psychologic characteris-

tics. General symptoms of addiction may include

• agitation or anxiety


• obsessive interest in maintaining or obtaining
  access to the substance or behavior


• loss of interest in work, family, and social activ-
  ities


• isolation from others


• dramatic change in physical appearance, such
  as continuously runny NOSE, bloodshot eyes, or
  weight loss

Diagnosis of addiction is a complex process that

often includes input from a physician, a psycholo-

gist or psychiatrist, and a substance abuse special-

ist. Though BLOOD and URINEtests may provide

evidence that a particular substance is in the body,

such test results alone do not establish a diagnosis

of addiction. The diagnostic path includes physical

and psychologic examinations that look for indica-

tions of substance abuse, such as needle tracks

(injected drugs) or rotted TEETH (methampheta-

mine), and behaviors that suggest addiction (most

possessions have disappeared, poor PERSONAL

HYGIENE, fired from multiple jobs or not able to get

a job, frequent arrests or other legal problems).

Treatment Options and Outlook

There are numerous approaches to treatment for

addiction, most of which have short-term and

long-term components. The treatment approach

must meet the specific needs of the individual as

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