




Facts
The drug taken in large doses by Rush Limbaugh and that nearly killed 'Friends' star Matthew Perry, Vicodin is the brand name of an opioid analgesic similar to heroin and morphine. One of the most frequently prescribed medications for moderate to severe pain such as migraines, back pain and cancer, Vicodin's active ingredients are hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen, which work on pain receptors in the brain. It can become physically addictive after only several weeks of use. In fact, it is one of the top 20 most abused controlled substances in the United States, according to drug addiction researchers. It is an older drug than OxyContin and is effective for only a 3-4 hour period. Chronic use of opioids can result in tolerance, which means that users must take higher doses to achieve the same effects. Growing numbers of two-wage-earner households and single parent families are increasing the ranks of latch-key kids. Studies show that the time periods when children are out of school and without adult supervision are the hours when they are most likely to get into trouble with drugs and other high risk behaviors. Adult—and in particular parental— involvement is critical to reducing youth drug use. With more parents working, the role of the extended family, coaches, law enforcement officers, clergy, health professionals, and other youth mentors becomes even more critical. Until August 2005, methamphetamine was listed under Schedule III of the CDSA, a Schedule that carries a lower level of maximum penalties for possession, trafficking, production, importing and exporting (from three to seven years). As a result of increased concern about methamphetamine use on individuals and society, the federal Minister of Health moved methamphetamine to Schedule I of the CDSA. Under this Schedule, the maximum penalty for possession is seven years, while life imprisonment could be sought for trafficking, producing, importing/exporting, or possession for the purpose of export. Learning to avoid the situations and people that you used to do drugs or drink with is a good way to keep from relapsing. Identify when and where you tend to feel pressured to drink or use and stay away from those situations until you are in control. Often this means finding a new crowd to hang out with, since your old friends won't understand why you've changed. Detoxing and staying clean afterwards both require work and support. It's very rare that someone can do this all on their own, so it's a good idea to find support before attempting it and to make sure that there is ongoing help to avoid relapse. |
Drug Rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation is a place or program that an individual enters to treat a drug or alcohol addiction. Through therapy and education, the individual is restored to their former non-drug using self. They are then able to re-enter society clean and sober. There are many reasons why a person would need to attend a drug rehabilitation program. Some of the many reasons are: the inability to control their drinking or drug use, alienating their friends and family, problems with the law, and problems at work. Also, there are several different types of drug rehabilitation programs available: inpatient, outpatient, residential, short-term, and long-term.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal is what happens when a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol discontinues use. There are numerous symptoms that take place both physically and emotionally when an addicted individual stops using. Withdrawal can last a few days to a few weeks and may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, shakiness, and anxiety. Keep in mind; this only occurs if a person has regular, heavy use of a drug or alcohol. Withdrawal can be extremely uncomfortable without professional help. Treatment for withdrawal from alcohol or drugs may require a medical professional to be present. Drug and alcohol rehabilitation is often the best way to overcome withdrawal and its symptoms as well as recovery from drug addiction.
Abstinence
Abstinence is the act or practice of refraining from indulging a desire. The type of abstinence we are referring to here is abstinence from drugs and alcohol. This term has two connotations when it comes to abstaining from drugs. The first refers to drug or alcohol treatment programs that aim to help an individual stop using drugs or alcohol for the rest of their lives. The time abstinence is also used in drug education and prevention. It refers to trying to stop children from ever using drugs.
Therapeutic Community
An effective therapeutic community attends to the many needs of the individual, not just his or her drug use. Care given at a therapeutic community addresses the individual's drug use and associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems. Also, a therapeutic community will continue to be flexible and provide ongoing assessments of the individual's needs, which may change during the course of care.
Remaining in care at a therapeutic community for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness. The time depends on an individual's needs. For most people, the significant improvement is reached at about 3 months in treatment.
Tolerance
Tolerance to a drug takes place when an individual is exposed to the same drug repeatedly and begins to build up an resistance to the drugs effects. The body then adapts and develops a tolerance for the drug. The addiction that is produced is so powerful that it creates cravings in the user. These cravings for the drug are the result of its impact on the individual's memory with feelings of pleasantness and euphoria which the individual has come to associate with the taking of the drug.
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