What are the basic physiological characteristics of a drug addict or drug abuse?

Answer 1

Typically, substance abuse can be measured in many ways. Here, this may help:

Deviance from the norm

- Is it normal for most people to drink 10 drinks per day?

-Is it normal for most people to use Heroin?

Distress

-Does the act of using/obtaining the substance cause distress? How do you deal with cravings? What will you do to get the fix you need to reduce the craving?

Dysfunction

-Are you able to function in everyday life without being disrupted by a craving?

-There are many "functional alcoholics" and "functional cocaine addicts" in the world, but it is only a matter of time before they become dysfunctional.

Danger to self and others

-Is the drug of choice dangerous to your health? Are you going to overdose? Are you drinking and driving, endangering others?

Also, you can check the DSM 4, and see what that says about substance abuse.

Answer 2

Drug abuse is you can't get enough of that substance. The physiological characteristics vary, but some for withdrawl symptoms for amphetamines are uneasiness, depression, headaches, and a few more.

Answer 3

compulsive and at times,uncontrollable drug cravings and use. According to apex!!