Drug Abuse and Addiction
Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction (Drug Dependence)
Description addiction
Addiction – drug use even in, related to their negative impact on job, legal, medical or family difficulties.
Drug addiction is a long-term, compulsive drug use. Man may try to stop using drugs, but repeatedly returns to their use again, in spite of the physical, emotional, social harm. Drug dependence means, that the body begins to require the drug in higher doses to achieve the desired effect, as well as to avoid a withdrawal syndrome.
Narcotic drugs, are commonly abused, They include:
- Cocaine;
- Heroin;
- Morfij;
- LSD;
- Marijuana;
- Sedatives;
- Methamphetamine;
- PCP (fenilciklidin);
- Ecstasy;
- Gammaoksimaslyanaya acid (GHB);
- Ketamine;
- Steroids;
- Inhalants;
- Prescription drugs, used improperly, eg, narcotic pain relievers, amfetaminы, hypnotics, or uspokaivayushtie drugs.
Causes of addiction
The exact cause of drug dependence is unknown.
On this score there are many theories. For Example, considered, that some people may inherit certain genes, which cause susceptibility to drug abuse. Another theory, that people start taking drugs, copying the behavior of others. Besides, changes in consciousness, which occur at the expense of long-term drug use may enhance a person's desire to save them using drugs.
Risk factors for addiction
Drug abuse and addiction are more common in young men, but can occur in any person at any age. Other factors, which can increase the risk of drug abuse or addiction include:
- The presence of family members with substance abuse problems;
- Early antisocial behavior, eg, violation of the law;
- Social causes and peer pressure, activities with other drug users;
- Stress;
- Easy access to drugs;
- Mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder.
Symptoms of Addiction
Typically, drug addicts deny their drug abuse.
Symptoms of drug abuse include:
- Recurring problems, associated with drug use at work, at school, houses;
- Continued use of drugs even with the threat of physical security;
- Recurring trouble with the law, Drug-related (eg, driving under the influence of drugs);
- Continued drug use, despite drug-related problems in personal relationships.
Drug abuse can occur without physical dependence on drugs.
The symptoms of addiction include at least three of the following symptoms of:
- Craving for the drug;
- Inability to stop or limit drug use;
- Tolerance to the drug (eventually need to take more of a psychoactive substance, to feel the same effect);
- Withdrawal symptoms, which occur when you stop taking the drug;
- Carrying out a significant amount of time in an attempt to acquire drugs;
- Continued drug use, even if they cause pain or impair the physical or mental health problems.
Diagnosis of Addiction
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. The doctor will also ask about:
- Personal history of drug use;
- Emotional problems, that may arise when using drugs;
- Problems with work, learning, private life or the law.
Your doctor may order blood tests or urine tests to check for the presence of drugs.
Addiction Treatment
Although there is no specific treatment for drug abuse or addiction, There are three main purposes of refusal of dependence:
- Discontinuation of drug use;
- Reduction of the toxic effect of drugs taken (detoxification), assisting in the presence of withdrawal symptoms;
- Prevention of relapse of drug addiction.
Successful treatment depends on the ability to recognize the problem and desire to change. Recovery takes a long time. This is a complicated process. In some cases, perhaps, It needs to be treated several times.
Options for getting rid of drug addiction can include one or more of the following procedures::
Medications to treat addiction
Medication may be recommended, to help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Therapy for the treatment of drug addiction
Therapy can help raise awareness about the problems and lifestyle, that lead to drug abuse. With the help of therapy, you can improve your coping skills and problem solving skills. You can also learn, how to replace the use of drugs other activities, how to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is also important, that the family has supported and participated in the treatment.
Support Groups
There are organizations and support groups, helping people to become drug-free. Members of such groups meet regularly, to talk about their problems, drug-related and methods to overcome them.
Drug prevention
To reduce the risk of drug abuse and addiction, follow these steps::
- Learn about the risks, drug-related;
- Do not waste your time talking to people, who abuse drugs;
- Learn, how to cope with peer pressure, use drugs;
- Maintain a good relationship with their children, to help them reduce the risk of drug use;
- Complete treatment for anxiety, depression and other psychiatric disorders.
