Most drug addictions start with the casual use of a drug, particularly in social situations. For some people, the drug use becomes more frequent.

Your risk for addiction is influenced by a combination of factors that include your genetics, social environment, and age or stage of development. The risk of addiction and how fast you become dependent also varies by drug. Some drugs cause dependency more quickly than others.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE SYMPTOMS OF ADDICTION:

• Feeling that you have to use the drug every day
• Having intense urges for the drug
• Building a tolerance – needing more of the drug to get the same effect over time
• Spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it
• Failing to meet your family, social or work responsibilities because of drug use
• Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, such as stealing
• 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
• Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug