Death is fairly common in those with drug dependence due to harmful effects of the drug on the body. Drug addiction can cause risks to others, although it is not contagious. There can be a large strain on family and friends who are trying to get a person to seek help or stay off drugs. Physical risks may occur if a person is willing to rob or hurt another person to obtain drugs. Smokers and those who drink or use mind-altering drugs and drive can cause disease, injury, and death in others.
Treatment partly depends on the drug that is used and the personality of the affected person.
Treatment is complex. Often it must address the addiction as well as the person's mental and physical health, and any work or social problems that occur. Effective treatment may include behavioral therapy, medicines, or some combination of these. This is important for those who use needles to inject drugs or trade sex for drugs, for example. Drug abuse is a chronic problem.