




Facts
Barbiturates: Barbiturates are a group of drugs that act as depressants on the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). They are derived from barbituric acid, a chemical discovered in 1863. Scientists looking for a drug to treat anxiety and nervousness that would not produce dependence (as do codeine and morphine) changed the structure of barbituric acid and synthesized barbital. Barbital, a depressant, was introduced as a medicine in 1903, followed by phenobarbital in 1913. Since that time, more than 2,000 similar chemicals have been synthesized, but only about 50 of these have been sold as medicines. As more people took the drugs, the side effects of barbiturates became apparent. An overdose can result in respiratory depression (slowing or stopping normal breathing processes), which can be fatal. Doctors also realized that the barbiturates can be abused. People can become dependent on them, and a serious withdrawal syndrome can occur when a person abruptly stops taking the drugs. In the 1960s, the introduction of the benzodiazepines, a safer class of hypnotic drugs (drugs that bring on sleep), replaced barbiturates for certain prescribed uses. Across the metropolitan areas, the most common single-drug deaths involved opiates/opioids alone, followed by cocaine and stimulants. The most frequent multiple-drug deaths involved various combinations of opiates/opioids, cocaine, and alcohol. In new DAWN, alcohol is reported in combination with other drugs and, for individuals under age 21, alcohol is reported even when no other drugs are present. Across the 32 metropolitan areas, the most common unique combinations were: Cocaine with opiates/opioids, Alcohol with opiates/opioids, Alcohol with cocaine and opiates/opioids, and Alcohol with cocaine. Because evidence has shown Ecstasy users are likely to use other drugs, including marijuana, the researchers say they are vulnerable to a myriad of memory afflictions which may represent a 'time bomb' of cognitive problems for later life. Everyone has a different opinion when it comes to addiction. Some believe it's a matter of not having self-control, some say it's a tool of the devil, and there are even those that believe people are born to be addicts; genetically programmed to a life of servitude to their addiction of choice. No matter what the reason, addiction is a problem in our modern society that needs to be looked upon with a feeling of hope, not desperation and is something that everyone needs to help each other deal with. |
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment offers intensive drug addiction help over a period of weeks or months. This form of treatment has some advantages over out-patient treatment, although it may not be suitable for everyone. For example, those who are responsible for caring for young children may be better suited to attendance at an out patient treatment program. Residential treatment offers a safe, drug and alcohol-free environment where individuals can confront their own drug addiction and associated issues, with the help of qualified staff. Therapy usually consists of a mixture of group counseling, individual counseling and an introduction to the principles of a drug recovery program.
Addiction
Addiction is one of the many consequences of so-called 'casual' drug and alcohol abuse. A loss of control over drugs and alcohol can be driven by physical or psychological factors, or sometimes both. Physical addiction takes place when the body comes to need a drug to function normally. If it is not taken, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms occur. The only way to avoid this is to take more of the drug. Psychological addiction takes place when an individual comes to rely on a drug to supply good feelings, such as relaxation, self-confidence, self esteem, and freedom from anxiety. This is not just a casual desire, it's a powerful compulsion.
Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a pattern of repeated drug taking that usually results in tolerance (the need for greater amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect), withdrawal (physical and cognitive effects when drug use declines or stops), and compulsive drug taking behavior (drug taking that persists despite efforts to reduce intake and despite problems with family, friends, and work). Drug addiction encompasses a diverse range of drugs (such as alcohol, cannabis, amphetamines, and cocaine) and is caused by many different factors.
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.
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.
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