What is drug addiction?
What is drug addiction? Experts speak of drug addiction (more correctly: drug addiction) when someone is dependent on an addictive substance. Addictive substances are psychoactive (psychotropic) substances that affect the central nervous system and thus also thinking and feelings. They can induce positive sensations. A strong craving for the drug develops. Doctors refer to this as "craving". Drugs not only include illegal intoxicants such as cocaine, crystal meth or heroin, but also legal substances such as alcohol, certain medications and nicotine. In most cases, psychological dependence develops first, which later gradually turns into a physical one. Some drugs are exclusively psychologically dependent - for example, ecstasy. Purely physical addiction, on the other hand, almost never occurs alone. Exceptions are newborns from mothers with addictions. Effects of drugs on the psyche Addiction doctors differentiate between Stimulating substances (so-called "upper&qu