Recovery from drug addiction is a lifelong process. Here in NAMS, drug addicts learn how to build healthy relationships with family and friends, cope with life stressors and stay drug-free.

Signs and symptoms of drug addiction

• You take more and more of the drug over time;
• You want to cut down or quit but you can't;
• You spend a lot of time getting the drug or thinking about where to get it;
• You feel like you really must use or take the drug;
• You repeatedly can't do things at work, school, or home because of your drug use;
• You continue using the drug despite persistent or recurring negative consequences;
• You stop or reduce important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of your use;
• You often use the drug in dangerous situations (e.g. when driving); and
• You experience withdrawal when you try to stop using or when you reduce your use

Consequences of drug abuse

Long term drug abuse has direct and indirect consequences. 

You no longer enjoy the things you used to like because long term substance use has affected your brain; 

You cope poorly with stress and you have problems making decisions; 

You have difficulty learning and remembering; 

You eat badly, sleep poorly and you do things impulsively; 

You become at risk of trauma, violence, injury, and communicable diseases; 

You drop out of school, you lose your job or your home, you fight with your friends and family, or you commit a crime to feed your habit; 

You might harm the development of the baby if you take drugs while you are pregnant.

​To learn more, you may download our educational brochures.