What are the signs of a substance abuse disorder?

If you face drug charges, the likelihood you may suffer from drug addiction or substance abuse disorder may be high. Drug addiction causes you to overlook negative consequences in exchange for using a drug.

According to Mayo Clinic, drug addiction affects your brain and behavior.

Symptoms of addiction

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell when you develop a substance abuse disorder. If you feel like you have to use the drug every day or several times a day, it could be one of the first signs of a disorder. Those who suffer from addiction may have intense urges that begin to block out other thoughts. The drug may rule their thoughts to the point of needing to maintain the drug supply. Even when you cannot afford substances, you may catch yourself purchasing more. Often, those with a drug addiction will act recklessly or spend most of their time obtaining drugs, using drugs or recovering from the substance.

Risks of addiction

A major contributing factor behind drug addiction is family history. Some people have a genetic predisposition to addiction. If you have a sibling, parent or another blood relative who struggles with addiction, you may be at high risk. Likewise, mental health disorders can contribute to addiction. For example, if you suffer from ADHD, anxiety disorder, depression or PTSD, you may choose drug use to help cope with complicated feelings. Unfortunately, drug use often makes mental illness worse.

The more addictive the drug, the more likely you are to develop a substance abuse disorder. For example, some of the most addictive drugs include cocaine and opioid painkillers.