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Signs and Symptoms
Drug Use

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​Signs and symptoms of drug addiction

  • You take more and more of the drug over time;
  • You want to cut down or quit but you can't;
  • You spend a lot of time getting the drug or thinking about where to get it;
  • You feel like you really must use or take the drug; 
  • You repeatedly can't do things at work, school, or home because of your drug use;
  • You continue using the drug despite persistent or recurring negative consequences;
  • You stop or reduce important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of your use;
  • You often use the drug in dangerous situations (e.g. when driving); and
  • You experience withdrawal when you try to stop using or when you reduce your use

Consequences of drug abuse

Long term drug abuse has direct and indirect consequences.

  • You no longer enjoy the things you used to like because long term substance use has affected your brain;
  • You cope poorly with stress and you have problems making decisions;
  • You have difficulty learning and remembering;
  • You eat badly, sleep poorly and you do things impulsively;
  • You become at risk of trauma, violence, injury, and communicable diseases;
  • You drop out of school, you lose your job or your home, you fight with your friends and family, or you commit a crime to feed your habit;
  • You might harm the development of the baby if you take drugs while you are pregnant.

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