What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction is a complex condition (more recently called Drug Dependency)
that has been defined as a disorder that manifests in the obsessive thinking about
and use of drugs. It is a condition that may be progressive and fatal if left
untreated.
Drugs work by affecting the chemicals in the brain and inducing an
artificial state of euphoria or a ‘high’. But as the body gets used to the effects of the
drugs, it takes more and more to achieve the same affect, thus starting a neverending
quest to attain this false happiness – with frightening consequences.
As the disease progresses, drug users will allow relationships, jobs,
studies, careers and children to fall by the wayside as drugs become a
central need in their life. People addicted to drugs may also find themselves in
denial.
For addicts to continue such a destructive, self harming and damaging way of life
there has to be a very strong level of denial existing to keep them from fully seeing
the truth and reality of the illness. Therefore, denial exists as a survival
mechanism to protect the disease. With substance abuse treatment, addiction
can be treated and a better, healthier lifestyle adopted.
www.herbalhealthguides.com/natural-health-guides/natural-help-for-addiction.pdf
Click here to download Natural Help For Drug Addiction and learn more.
Who is Most at Risk for Drug Abuse and Dependency? Is
There a Cure?
Drug abuse and the development of dependency are problems that can affect
anyone, from suburban mothers addicted to sleeping pills to children persuaded by
peers to smoke marijuana. Teenagers and young adults are considered to be a
particularly high risk group for developing drug abuse problems. This may be
because these are important periods of transition and change and it is often during
transitional times when people start to experiment with new things and begin to
face new life stressors.
People are also at higher risk if they are depressed, have self-esteem issues,
have a family history of substance abuse or feel like they don’t fit in
with society. Drug addiction is often justified and viewed as harmless fun or
necessary escapism by users. However, the consequences can be devastating, longterm
and even fatal.
There are a number of substance abuse treatment options if you feel that
drug abuse is a problem in your life, or if you are concerned about a family
member or friend. Drug addiction is often a downward spiral to destruction, but there are always outstretched hands ready and waiting should you decide to reach
for help.
What are the Most Commonly Abused Drugs?
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Mandrax
- Heroin
- Rohypnol
- Ecstasy
- Codeine
- Tranquilizers
- LSD
- Crystal methamphetamine (Meth)
- Speed
- Cocaine
- Appetite suppressants
- Cough mixture
- Inhalants
- Prescription pain or sleeping medication
Diagnosing Drug Addiction
A drug abuse problem is usually diagnosed when the drug-user seeks help for
this problem, or a concerned family member encourages an appointment with a
General Practitioner, drug counselor or psychologist. If you decide to seek help,
you can expect to be asked a few questions regarding your drug use and any
difficulties you may be experiencing.
www.herbalhealthguides.com/natural-health-guides/natural-help-for-addiction.pdf
Click here to download Natural Help For Drug Addiction and learn more.
You may also be asked if you’ve ever tried to, or felt like you should stop or cut
down, if you feel any guilt or feel that you may have a problem, or if you’ve ever
taken drugs as a way of “coping” with life problems.
What are the Symptoms of Drug Dependency and Abuse?
Some individuals who have tried drugs or use them frequently will know when
infrequent drug use becomes drug abuse and dependence. Denial however, is very
powerful and may blind many people to the fact that drugs are becoming a
problem. Drug abuse and dependence can be recognized by the following signs:
- Feeling that you NEED the drug on a regular basis
- Ensuring that you have a constant supply of the drug
- Behaving in uncharacteristic ways in order to use, such as stealing money,
lying to loved ones, or becoming aggressive when something stands between
you and your next drug taking session - Feeling helpless to deal with life’s problems and stressors with out the ‘help’
from your drug of choice - Repeatedly failing attempts at stopping your drug use
- Development of tolerance towards the drug
- Putting yourself and/or others in danger when under the influence, such as
driving while intoxicated, or participating in other risky behaviors, including
unprotected sex - Deterioration in relationships, work performance or financial status
- Clashes with authority, the law or other legal problems
- Justifying use – “everyone does it”, “need it to relax”, “it’s only sleeping
tablets/marijuana”
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What Causes Drug Addiction?
The questions that seem to come up time and time again when looking at drug
abuse are: “Why can some people take drugs without ever becoming addicted to
or dependent on them?”, “Why can some people stop habitual drug use, but others
continue on a life long pattern of drug abuse and addiction despite many
failed attempts to stop?” These questions have been the motivation for much
research.
www.herbalhealthguides.com/natural-health-guides/natural-help-for-addiction.pdf
Click here to download Natural Help For Drug Addiction and learn more.
Factors in the Development of Drug Dependency
Genetic factors – Substance abuse in general seems to run in families and studies
have concluded that addiction has a genetic component. While environmental
factors influence whether someone uses drugs, abuse and dependence may be
largely influenced by genetics.
Well-written. Thanks. As someone who has struggled with an addiction myself, I really appreciate what Craig Ferguson has to say about it. If you’d like to see my blog it’s here. Thanks again for this blog – it is really informative.
Hey Donnie Evertsen, thank you for the comment. I check your blog out it is very informative. I hope you had a chance to read the entire health guide, I only post part of it. Feel free to download it and share it with your friends. You can find more natural health guides at http://www.herbalhealthguides.com/healthguides.html.