Drug addiction is a difficult and deeply personal issue, affecting countless individuals and families across Ireland. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t discriminate. Some people start with recreational use; others may be prescribed medication and unintentionally find themselves hooked. Whatever the reason, addiction can quickly take over, leading to emotional pain and damage to health, relationships, and even careers.
In this article, I want to walk you through what drug addiction is, how to spot the signs, and most importantly, how to seek help. Drug addiction can often exist along side other mental health conditions and this is my professional experience in treating addiction, was part of a multi-disciplinary team while working in the National Health Service in the UK. In my professional experience, it can be used as a coping mechanism and has to be treated along side other conditions.
What is Drug Addiction?
At its core, drug addiction is when someone becomes dependent on a substance—be it illegal drugs or prescription medications—to the point where it starts to harm their life. It’s not just about physical dependence (where your body craves the drug and suffers withdrawal without it); it’s also psychological. Addiction is when the need for the drug takes over your thoughts, your priorities, and often your happiness.
In Ireland, we’ve seen increasing cases of opioid addiction. Some of these cases began with something as ordinary as a prescription painkiller after surgery. A person might start using the drug for legitimate reasons but eventually finds they need it even when the pain subsides. It’s a quiet, creeping kind of addiction. You don’t see it coming until it’s already there.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can be sneaky. It’s not always obvious at first, especially to the person experiencing it. However, there are a few signs that tend to crop up over time:
- Changes in behaviour: You might notice mood swings, increased secrecy, or someone pulling away from family and friends. Responsibilities at work or home start to slip through the cracks.
- Physical symptoms: A person’s appearance can change. They may lose weight, appear disheveled, or show signs of withdrawal (such as shaking, sweating, or feeling sick when they haven’t used the drug).
- Social withdrawal: They might stop hanging out with friends or family, or they may start socialising with a new crowd.
Take Jane, for example. She’s a woman from Dublin who, after a knee surgery, was prescribed painkillers to manage her post-op pain. The medication worked – in fact, it worked so well that she continued to take it long after she healed. She noticed she felt more “herself” with it. But soon, the pills weren’t just for pain. Jane began taking them because they helped her deal with the stress of everyday life. Eventually, she found herself taking higher doses just to get through the day. It wasn’t until her family intervened that she realised how far it had gone.
Why Do People Become Addicted?
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all reason why someone becomes addicted. It’s usually a mix of different factors—mental, social, and biological.
- Psychological reasons: Some people turn to drugs as a way to cope with anxiety, depression, or trauma. The relief they feel, though temporary, makes them want to use the drug again and again.
- Social reasons: Peer pressure, difficult family dynamics, or environments where drug use is the norm can lead people down the path to addiction. It’s easy to get caught up in a lifestyle where using drugs becomes part of everyday life.
- Biological factors: Some individuals have a genetic predisposition to addiction. This means they’re more likely to develop an addiction once they start using.
John’s story comes to mind here. He’s 27 and from Cork. He started using cocaine at parties with friends. It was all part of the fun, or so he thought. But as the months went by, he found himself using it not just at parties, but when he felt nervous before work or anxious about social situations. What started as a bit of weekend fun quickly turned into something he couldn’t control.
The Cycle of Addiction
Once addiction takes hold, it’s hard to break free. The reason is simple: the body and brain start to rely on the drug. After repeated use, you build up a tolerance, meaning you need more and more of the drug to feel the same effects. Then, when you stop, the body reacts with withdrawal symptoms – anxiety, nausea, cravings – making it almost impossible to quit without help.
Let’s imagine someone who’s turned to alcohol or prescription drugs to unwind after work. At first, a glass of wine or a few painkillers might do the trick. But before long, it takes more and more to feel that same sense of relaxation. This pattern spirals into a cycle where stopping seems impossible, and life becomes centred around obtaining and using the drug.
Consequences of Drug Addiction
The effects of drug addiction reach far beyond the person using the drugs. It affects every aspect of life:
- Health: Prolonged drug use can damage organs, increase the risk of diseases like hepatitis from needle sharing, and may even result in overdose. In Ireland, the rising number of opioid-related overdoses highlights the very real dangers of addiction Irish Examiner – Opioid Overdoses.
- Mental well-being: Addiction often worsens mental health conditions like anxiety or depression. It becomes a vicious cycle: drugs are used to cope, but they ultimately make mental health worse.
- Relationships: Addiction can destroy relationships, leading to mistrust, arguments, and even estrangement from loved ones.
- Legal consequences: People often find themselves in trouble with the law, whether it’s from illegal drug possession or committing crimes to fund their addiction.
Michael’s story serves as a cautionary tale. Once a well-respected professional, he started using cocaine to manage the pressures of his high-stress job. But as his addiction grew, so did his debt. In desperation, he began stealing from his workplace. Before long, he lost his job, faced legal trouble, and severely damaged his relationship with his family.
Seeking Help for Drug Addiction
The good news? Recovery is possible. It may feel overwhelming, but with the right support, you can overcome addiction. Treatment typically involves:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This helps individuals change the thought patterns that drive their addiction.
- Group therapy: It can be incredibly empowering to connect with others who are facing similar struggles. Sharing experiences in a safe, supportive environment can make all the difference.
- Family therapy: Addiction doesn’t just affect the individual; it affects families too. Therapy can help rebuild relationships and strengthen support systems.
In Ireland, there are several options for drug addiction treatment. The HSE offers resources and specialised rehabilitation centres throughout the country.
Where to Get Help in Ireland
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t wait to seek help. There are many services available across Ireland, and they’re there to support you through the process:
- Drug and Alcohol Helpline: 1800 459 459
- Narcotics Anonymous Ireland: Narcotics Anonymous
- HSE National Drug Treatment Centre: National Drug Treatment Centre
These services are confidential and offer various types of support, from counselling to full rehabilitation programmes.
Addiction can make life feel unmanageable, but when working with someone who understands how difficult it can be, you can start to learn different ways to cope without resorting to drugs.