One of the biggest barriers preventing people from seeking addiction treatment is their inability to recognize their own addiction. The line that separates casual, recreational drug use from addiction is blurred and often confusing.
In this article, we’re going to talk about the difference between recreational drug use and addiction. If by the end of the article, you recognize that you have a problem, we encourage you to seek treatment at a drug rehab center San Diego.
What Is Recreational Usage?
Recreational substance use is a term used to describe the casual use of substances. People who recreationally use substances are able to control their usage prior to causing serious damage to themselves or others. Their substance abuse is not healthy, by any means, but it doesn’t control their life.
Anyone with an addiction originally started out as a casual or recreational drug user. Before becoming a full-blown addict, you have to go through a phase of experimentation.
During this stage, you’re only using drugs once in a while. For example, you may choose to drink only for celebratory purposes. This is not necessarily problematic.
However, many people find that their experimental drug use spirals out of control. This causes addiction.
Drug use and experimentation often occur at an early age. However, this is not always the case. Many fully grown adults experiment with new substances.
Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse
Drug addiction is a term used to describe the compulsive or habitual use of drugs beyond the point that it starts causing problems.
If you have been recreationally using drugs for a period of weeks or months, and you have begun to experience problems in your life because of these drugs, you may be entering the phase of addiction.
Physical drug addiction is characterized by the development of drug tolerance and withdrawal symptoms. This occurs when your body becomes so used to the presence of drugs that it is unable to function without them.
Psychological addiction occurs when you believe that you need certain substances in order to function.
Prescription Drug Use and Addiction
Many people are surprised to learn that they can become addicted to prescription medication. This type of addiction can occur even if you’re using drugs as prescribed by your doctor.
If you notice the development of physical, mental, social, or relationship difficulties because of your drug use, this is still an important thing to consider. The terminology may be different — problems caused by prescription drugs are often referred to as “side effects” — but the reality is the same.
If you believe that your prescription drug use is causing a problem, you should talk to your doctor and see if there’s anything that you can do. You may be able to switch on to a different medication or reduce your usage.
Conclusion
Drug addiction and recreational drug use can often be difficult to separate from one another. If your drug use is causing you or your loved one problems, you may want to reconsider the amount that you’re using. Making these changes can be challenging, so you might want to reach out to a drug rehab center San Diego.
