Drug Abuse – Causes and Symptoms

Drugs are chemicals that have a profound impact on the neurochemical balance in the brain which directly affects how you feel and act. People who are suffering emotionally use drugs, not so much for the rush, but to escape from their problems.

Drug Abuse

Drugs are chemicals that have a profound impact on the neurochemical balance in the brain which directly affects how you feel and act. People who are suffering emotionally use drugs, not so much for the rush, but to escape from their problems. They are trying to self-medicate themselves out of loneliness, low self-esteem, unhappy relationships, or stress. This is a pattern that too often leads to drug abuse and addiction.

Many people move from casual drug use to drug abuse and addiction. Drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, alter gene expression and brain circuitry. Once drug abuse crosses into addiction, the compulsive drug craving, seeking and use occurs. Our featured publications offer a variety of cultural, social, and scientific views on drug abuse.

Drug and substance abuse among teenagers, is substantial. Among youth age 12 to 17, about 1.1 million meet the diagnostic criteria for dependence on drugs, and about 1 million are treated for alcohol dependency.

Substance abuse can also be referred to as chemical dependency. If substance abuse is occurring, the body becomes used to the chemicals that are being put into it. For example, if narcotics are being abused, the body will produce less endorphins because the body thinks it is producing too many due to the effects of the drug. The body will then create a chemical dependency to the drug in order to keep the endorphins at a constant level. If the substance is not introduced one may feel pain or depression and re-introduce the substance to once again raise the endorphin levels and treat their symptoms

What happens when you take drugs?

Its reduces appetite, insomnia, edginess, gastro intestinal upset, increased frequency of ticks and nervousness. Many students may be looking for the insomnia in order to study longer for the upcoming finals, but the damage caused to your body won''t go away in a matter of days.

Recurrent substance use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home (e.g., repeated absences or poor work performance related to substance use; substance-related absences, suspensions, or expulsions from school; neglect of children or household)

Recurrent substance-related legal problems (e.g., arrests for substance-related disorderly conduct)

Isolation from family members (hiding in room, locking bedroom door, and avoiding family activities)

Incidents or charges for public intoxication, DUI, vandalism, breaking and entering, underage alcohol/tobacco use.

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are examples of central nervous system depressants. Phenobarbital, amobarbital (Amytal) and secobarbital (Seconal) are examples of barbiturates. Benzodiazepines include tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), oxazepam (Serax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).

Alcohol dependence may hide or deny his addiction, and may temporarily manage to maintain a functional life, assessing for alcohol-related disorder can be difficult. Note physical and psychosocial symptoms that suggest alcohol-related disorder. For example, the patient''s history may suggest a need for daily or episodic alcohol use to maintain adequate functioning, an inability to discontinue or reduce alcohol intake, episodes of anesthesia or amnesia (blackouts) during intoxication, episodes of violence during intoxication, and interference with social and familial relationships and occupational responsibilities.

General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, an "I don''t care" attitude. Difficulty paying attention; forgetfulness.

Continual wearing of long-sleeved garments particularly in hot weather or reluctance to wear short-sleeved attire when appropriate

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Finding Treatment with Drug Detox

There are two types of people when it comes to drug detox, including those who voluntarily admit themselves because they are tired of the heartbreaking effect that drugs have on their life and there are those who are ordered by a court to attend. Drug detox is sometimes ordered by the court as the result of a conviction related to charges stemming from possession or use of an illegal substance.

During a drug detox treatment program, individuals can expect to receive an immediate detoxification at the facility. This process usually lasts 3 to 4 days and immediately removes the availability of drugs. During this period, the body is cleansed and the individual''s immediate craving for their addiction is treated. These few days are often some of the most physically and emotionally draining to the patient, but are often the only way to effectively rid the dependency and desire for the use of drugs. After the drug detox is complete, patients may be required to undergo a series of treatments consisting of both psychological and social therapy. In addition, regular group meetings are often required, at which the patient may attend and speak freely with other drug detox patients about their situation. In most cases, the entire drug detox treatment program will last for up to one month, but may be longer in special cases or depending on the patient''s need for continued treatment.

An inpatient drug detox treatment program is designed for those who are either ordered by the court to receive inpatient care or for anyone who believes that they are unable to function in everyday life without the use of drugs. If their level of dependency has grown to a dangerous level, an inpatient drug treatment would be ideal in that it consists of 24 hour supervision by a qualified individual who is trained to deal with recovering drug addicts.

Any type of drug treatment program, whether it be inpatient or outpatient, is designed to help individuals recover from the grasp that these dangerous substances have on their lives. Not only created to detoxify an individual immediately, a drug treatment program is primarily designed to instill the importance of avoiding drug use in the future. The best outcome is one that results in an individual with a new outlook on life and one that no longer needs drugs to be a part of that life.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained heroin is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations regarding any form of drug detox treatment. Before deciding on the most effective method of treatment, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual situation.

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Detox or Detoxification – Whatever You Call It , You May Benefit

Detox or detoxification includes two things:

1) Withdrawing poisonous substance from the body.

2) Withdrawing one''s mind and soul from the darkness of abused substances.

The term Rapid detox was first used ten years ago and was specially related to opiate addictions. But today, it is mostly used to advertise and describe various methods of detox. Rapid detox can be used to describe the methods of alcohol detoxification, drug detox and other substances.
Drug detox

It is a process to withdraw one from drug addiction. Detoxification assists the overcoming of uncomfortable symptoms at the time of drug withdrawal. The ultimate goal of drug detox is to get the body rid of toxins formed due to drug use. It is carried out in various ways depending on where you decide to receive the treatment. Most drug detox clinics provide treatment only for physical withdrawal of drugs and alcohol.

Alcohol detoxification

Alcohol detoxification is the process to withdraw one from alcohol addiction.

There are various aspects of alcohol detoxification:

1) The first aspect of alcohol detoxification is the medical aspect. There should be a medical specialist and a qualified nursing staff in order to help the patient during the procedure. It is an established fact that if a medical practitioner can set the patient''s mind calm then the entire procedure goes smoothly.

2) The second aspect of alcohol detoxification is physical. During this process there should be a nutritionist in the medical center to put the patient on a perfect meal plan. If the patient takes balanced diet then the rest of the alcohol detoxification process will go more smoothly.

3) The third and the most important aspect of alcohol detoxification is the emotional aspect. The medical center should have a trained team of psychologists and counselors to help the patient psychologically. The process can be extremely emotional at times. Specialists should be there to assist the patient move forward through emotions.

4) Alcohol detoxification always combines a therapy with medication and that of psychological counseling. These programs are often long lasting; they mostly take two to four months and needs staying at medical institutions. Therapy techniques and personal counseling assist the patients to recover from alcohol completely and more comfortably. The drugs are given to avoid withdrawal symptoms that the patients may experience. Complete recovery from alcoholism is most preferable and the ideal situation.

5) Alcohol detoxification therapies use drugs like Disulfiram, which cause a severe and immediate hangover after consuming alcohol. Drugs like Naltrexone, helps in complete and comfortable recovery.

6) Nutritional therapy has also proved helpful in alcohol detoxification. During this stage, some patients feel ''insulin resistance syndrome'' which results in the failure of processing sugar in body. "Insulin resistance syndrome" causes behavioral upsets and mood swings. These mood swings and behavioral upsets can be controlled with specific dietary regimen. Due to these types of psychological problems one should include a dietary regimen during alcohol detoxification.

7) There are some specific programs that help heavy drinkers who are not yet alcoholics but on the same way yet to become alcoholics. Moderation management also helps such people.

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Drug Detox A Life Changing Experience

    First of all, detox is a term used to define the process of detoxification, which is used to describe the process of removing any toxic waste from the body. Many people today use detox as a way of cleansing their colons of unwanted waste, but for many, detox is more than ridding yourself of a few extra pounds. For many, ridding the body of alcohol and drug remnants and also withdrawing from the use of such is called drug detox. Never, under any circumstances, should a person attempt to perform a drug detox without proper medical supervision. Drug detox is the first step in a method that will involve the body''s own process of ridding itself of drug chemicals that it has grown to rely on. What most people don''t realize, is that the remnants of drugs or alcohol in a body system of an addict will produce cravings for more unless every one of those remnants is expelled from the body. It is the first and most difficult step for most recovering addicts, who won''t begin the actual recovery process until they complete the drug detox program. Hundreds of drug detox centers are scattered throughout the United States and other countries and can deal with mild to severe addictions to drugs like heroin to addictions caused by anti-depressants and pain killers such as Xanax, Darvocet and Codeine, among a wealth of others. New medications used in many drug detox facilities enables those withdrawing from drugs of any sort to take prescribed medications to make the process easier and less uncomfortable. Some such drug detox facilities offer closely monitored withdrawal from opiate addictions with a high rate of success. Individual and group counseling is also available at a drug detox center. Staff members encourage patients to talk about their addictions, a main step in the healing process. After the drug detox process has been completed, many drug detox centers also offer drug rehabilitation counseling services as well. The key to a successful drug detox program is to admit that there is a problem and then to make a decision to so something about it. A drug detox center can help you do just that, and is equipped to help people get off such drugs and abused medications slowly and safely. A drug detox center in hospitals or community settings includes medical and psychiatric support for patients. A good drug detox center will offer more than a room and a bed, but will offer both emotional and caring support for patients and their families. A drug detox center can help not only the person undergoing the detox process, but friends and family when it comes time to offer ongoing support after discharge. Many people are ashamed or embarrassed to admit they have a problem and refuse to go to a drug detox center. But trying to withdraw from drugs on your own is a dangerous and painful process without correct and trained medical supervision. A drug detox center can provide everything someone needs, from medications to counselors for patients. No one should go through the drug detox process alone, and a drug detox center is the best place to undergo this life changing experience.

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Illegal Drugs and Help for Those Who Are Addicted

    We live in perilous times. Illegal drugs permeate our society and no one is unaffected. Television programs such as the unscripted reality series, "Intervention" on A&E has helped bring the truth of illegal drug addiction to light. There are a number of different illegal drugs and people can become addicted at any age. The best prevention for becoming addicted to illegal drugs is best summed up in the phrase coined by former first lady Nancy Reagan, "Just Say No!" It is apparent that the risks of developing addiction to many illegal drugs after just one use is very high, and the best form of defense to prevent drug addiction is to never use drugs in the first place. Here is a list of the most common illegal drugs in our society today. Cocaine Crack Heroin Ecstasy Marijuana Meth Amphetamine Morphine Along with illegal drugs, there is also an epidemic of people abusing prescription medications. Though they are legal with a valid prescription people often become addicted to these drugs. Someone who is addicted will often exhibit the same behavior as those who are addicted to illegal street drugs. Often people will find creative, even violent ways to acquire prescription medication including robbery and purchasing them from the Internet. Some of the most commonly abused prescription medications include: Xanax Ambien Darvocet Demerol Methadone Percocet Oxycontin Vicodin There is another area of concern that should be mentioned when dealing with the subject of illegal drugs and that is alcohol use and abuse. Though alcohol is legal, the prevalence of underage alcohol abuse is at an all time high. And many adults who are at the legal age to drink find that they become addicted to alcohol and develop the dreadful disease of alcoholism. It is important to realize that every illegal drug is different. They affect the body differently and recovery and treatment may vary from individual to individual. The first step in dealing with any addiction is to first realize that you have a problem. This may often be more difficult to diagnose in those who are using drugs legally. Whether it is prescription medication or alcohol, you will first need to assess your use and determine whether you have an addiction or not. There are numerous organizations available to help you detoxify your body and successfully abstain from further drug and alcohol use. To begin with, you should contact your local Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous support group.

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