It is a disease that affects a person's behavior, perception of reality, and emotions, causing mood swings.

It is characterized by the excessive use of legal or illegal drugs and a lack of control due to repeated use. There is an uncontrollable urge to use drugs.

It can affect men and women of any age, although it commonly begins in adolescence.

• Alcoholic beverages
• Amphetamines
• Anabolic steroids
• Cocaine
• Sedatives
• Hallucinogens
• Inhalants
• Marijuana
• Narcotics
• Medications
• Tobacco

Many factors can lead to drug use, including genetic predisposition, influence from family or social circles, and personal problems.

Sometimes, one of the causes is curiosity about the sensation of using a certain substance, especially among young people, and this can be influenced by a group of friends.

For others, problems such as the loss of a family member, friend, job, or a traumatic experience can lead to drug use as a way to escape reality and try to avoid problems.

Regarding the family circle, it can be due to coming from a violent relationship or one where illegal substance use is also present; having drug-addicted parents is a risk factor.

Peer influence is also one of the most common causes, in addition to the need for acceptance within a social group, so they begin using drugs, often with the idea that using it just once won't hurt.

There are cases of people who have become addicted to substances because they were previously prescribed certain medications that carry a risk of addiction if not taken according to the prescription; this is how they develop dependence. Having a mental disorder can also lead to drug use.

Symptoms vary depending on the type of substance being used. Some examples include:

• Increased or decreased blood pressure and heart rate (depending on the substance)
• Red or glassy eyes
• Lack of coordination
• Difficulty concentrating
• Distorted perception of reality
• Sweating
• Mental confusion
• Motor impairment
• Memory problems
• Paranoia
• Fatigue
• Delirium
• Euphoria or nervous laughter
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness, nausea, or vomiting
• Exaggerated, violent, or psychotic behavior
• Slurred speech
• Irritability
• Dry mouth
• Irrited eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Blurred vision
• Sexual desire (some substances can induce this)
• Dilated pupils
• Lettrence
• Lack of reflexes
• Loss of consciousness or fainting
• Tolerance develops: This is when a person needs to consume a larger amount to achieve the same effect, as the body becomes accustomed to it. Adapts to the consumption of these substances.

• Increased need to use drugs
• Changes in sleep patterns, such as sleeping less or sleeping during the day
• Changes in behavior, such as suspicious behavior, withholding information about where they are going or who they are with
• Financial problems: These may arise due to excessive spending on drugs
• Giving up activities they previously enjoyed
• Using increasingly larger amounts of drugs
• Dropping out of routine activities such as school or work
• Withdrawing from family
• Neglected appearance
• Unexplained weight loss

Using drugs has both short- and long-term consequences, which vary depending on the substances and the duration of use. However, in excess, some drugs can lead to death.

• Seizures
• Coma
• Respiratory or circulatory problems
• Dehydration
• Brain damage

In addition to physiological complications, there are others related to the use of illegal substances, such as problems at work, school, legal or financial issues, as well as inappropriate behaviors that can lead to accidents, contracting diseases like HIV due to unprotected sex or sharing needles to inject drugs. Suicide can also be a consequence.