Final answer:
Many drug addicts tend to symbolize their drug use in ways that stigmatize seeking help, and they often demonstrate compulsive drug use despite harmful consequences. As tolerance develops, the challenge of combating drug dependence through rehabilitation becomes more complex, involving a mix of psychotherapy and medical treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Studies that recruit samples of drug users from the general population have found that many drug addicts often symbolically characterize problematic drug use and addiction and attach a stigma to admitting a problem and seeking treatment. These studies reveal that drug addiction is the compulsive use of a substance like a psychoactive drug despite negative consequences. The addiction can lead to a condition known as drug dependence, where stopping the use of the drug produces physical and/or psychological symptoms.
As drug users develop tolerance, they may need increasingly larger doses to achieve the same drug effects, escalating their dependency. This can complicate the process of rehabilitation, which includes psychotherapy, support groups, and sometimes pharmacological aid. The interplay between brain chemistry, particularly dopamine levels, and the psychological aspects of addiction is crucial in understanding and treating addiction.