Drug Addiction: Effects of addiction and the available support for de-addiction
Physical dependency is that the body is so used to drug that if you stop taking it, the physical symptoms of withdrawal appear. Psychological dependence consists of consuming drugs because it is part important in your life and doing it to feel good. You may have a feeling who cannot stop using the drug. Some drugs have both effects physical as well as psychological.
By increasing the consumption of a drug, the body increases its tolerance and effect of the drug is no longer as strong. This makes you have to take higher doses.
The definition
Examples of commonly abused drugs: illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco, prescription medications including pain relievers, sleeping pills, cold medicine, khat, glue, sprays, gases and solvents.Illegal drugs are those whose consumption is prohibited in our country. These are classified into three classes: A, B and C. Possession or supply of illegal drugs are prohibited.
Some illegal drugs can be used legally if prescribed by a doctor.
Class A drugs are considered the most dangerous to health. They include:cocaine, dicanol, heroin, LSD, MDMA (ecstasy) and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Class B drugs are also considered dangerous. Include: amphetamines (speed); codeine and barbiturates.
Class C drugs are considered less harmful to health, but their possession is also illegal, or given or sold to others. They include: cannabis; anabolic steroids; ketamine, and GHB.
The risks
Illegal drug use carries many serious health risks, because they are not controlled or supervised by medical professionals. Many illegal drugs have been processed and have passed through many hands before they are finally sold on the street. They can be mixed (cut) with other dangerous or harmful products.
Some drugs are addictive and lead to prolonged bodily harm. The heavy or prolonged use of some illegal drugs can cause a consumer overdose, which can cause irreversible damage to the body.
Mixing drugs is also very dangerous. Being detained in possession of Class A drugs may result in a conviction of seven years imprisonment, while supply can lead to chain life. Convictions for the supply or possession of Class B drugs or Class C can be similar. Supplying means giving or selling drugs to others persons.
They are: Cannabis: dizziness, vomiting, panic, paranoia, loss of coordination (short term). Lung cancer, mental health problems, respiratory problems, infertility and heart disease (long-term).
Amphetamines (speed): dizziness, hallucinations, insomnia and depression.
Ecstasy (MDMA): dehydration, nausea, unconsciousness (short term), depression (long-term). Rarely, it can cause coma and even death.
Cocaine and crack: extreme paranoia, depression, insomnia, weight loss and impotence in men.
LSD (acid): hallucinations, delusions, mental health problems. Flashbacks (a sudden memory of a bad experience with LSD) can occur.
Heroin: heart failure, unconsciousness, coma. HIV (by sharing needles),collapsed veins, loss of appetite and acute constipation. Frequently links heroin to antisocial or criminal behaviors such as neglecting children or stealing.
The benefits
Illegal drugs that have been shown to have medicinal benefits are classified as prescription drugs only. This means that in certain circumstances a doctor may prescribe them. For example, heroin addicts are sometimes prescribed methadone as part of rehabilitation program.
Other illegal drugs can have some beneficial medicinal effects. By for example, some people believe that cannabis has properties that calm the pain. Studies have been done to see if cannabis can alleviate pain of people with diseases like multiple sclerosis, but up now there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that cannabis controls more effectively pain than other prescription drugs.
Some people also believe that cannabis is an effective relaxant for the treatment of diseases such as anxiety and epilepsy. Not until now there is conclusive evidence to support this.
The first and most difficult step for people who abuse drugs is acknowledging they have a problem, and then admitting they need help to overcome it. Some people are aware that they have a problem, but find it difficult to stop using drugs.
Other people need someone to help them realize they have a problem.
Signs of having a drug problem are:
- continually increasing your drug doses to achieve the same effect;
- a feeling of dependency of drugs; fear of stopping them;
- withdrawal symptoms if you stop take them for a short period;
- sudden mood swings;
- a vision of life negative or changed; loss of motivation;
- poor work or school performance; problems with personal relationships;
- borrow money or steal it from friends and relatives; and keep activities and actions secret.
When you have recognized that you have a drug problem, you should go to your family doctor. The doctor can advise, support and refer you to a specialized treatment. Be frank with your family doctor regarding your drug use and reasons why you want to quit. You can also tell your family members and close friends the decision you have made and ask them to support you.
There are also organizations and websites that offer information, advice, data from meetings and support groups, and complementary orientation. There are some drug de-addiction centers available who are rendering the best de addiction programs, you can call them their free and confidential telephone service that offers information on drugs and drug abuse. They answer the phone all days of the week for 24 hours.
In case of emergency
If someone who takes drugs has unusual symptoms or seems to be suffering, you may have an overdose or an allergic reaction to the drug you have taken. It is important to follow these steps immediately.
In a bar or club, ask employees for help immediately. Be totally frank about the drugs that person has used. Call and ask for an ambulance. Tell the operator exactly where is the person, what drugs they have used and what symptoms they have.
The healing
The cure of a drug addiction is a long process that begins with detoxification. This is to stop using the drug and not to relapse. Healing normally consists of a combination of treatments, including psychological and behavioral therapy, as well as necessary medication. Treatment varies depending on the specific addiction. If you stop taking drugs, it is normal for you to have withdrawal symptoms.
They can be: nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, fever, mood swings, irritability, anger, guilt, depression and anxiety. It is important to take things slowly, little by little. Take advantage of the support health professionals, friends and family offer you. Try to stay away from situations where drugs are available.
If you know someone who has recently quit using drugs, give their full support. You can spend time learning more about drug abuse so you can better understand what is happening to that person.
Comments
Post a Comment