



Facts
Heroin is a powerful addictive drug sweeping the United States causing intense euphoria and strong physical dependence in its users. Heroin is processed from morphine; a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seedpod of certain varieties of poppy plants and appears as a white or brown powdery substance. Heroin is highly addictive because it enters the brain rapidly and affects those regions of the brain responsible for producing physical dependence. This dangerous drug affects all decision-making, reaction time, the way one thinks, actions, and memory. Confrontation and intervention: Recognizing a drug problem is hard enough; confronting the problem can be even harder. A teen may not want to risk angering friends or siblings by confronting them about their drug problem, and parents often fear losing the affection of their children if they crack down too hard. At the same time, many worry about not responding strongly enough. "If parents interfere, they're snoopy and domineering," says one mother. "If they don't they're unfeeling and 'don't care.'" Some therapists suggest professional help in confronting a drug-using young person. Or, family members and close friends can gather to let the user know how his or her substance abuse has affected the relationship with them. The idea is to so overwhelm the teen with concern that the individual submits to outside help. Two characteristic signs of Cannabis intoxication are increased pulse rate and reddening of the conjunctiva (the whites of the eyes). The latter correlates well with the presence of detectable concentrations of THC in the plasma. Pupil size is not changed. The blood pressure may fall, especially in the upright position (orthostatic hypotension). An antiemetic (decrease in sense of nausea) effect may be present, and muscle weakness, tremors, unsteadiness, and increased deep-tendon reflexes (such as the knee jerk) may also be noted. Stimulants change the way the brain works by changing the way nerve cells communicate. Nerve cells, called neurons, send messages to each other by releasing special chemicals called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters work by attaching to key sites on neurons called receptors. |
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 Abuse
Drug abuse is defined as the chronic or habitual use of any chemical substance to alter states of body or mind for other than medically warranted purposes. Drug abuse is a problem which has an effect on people of all income levels,
ages, and stations in life. Quite often the last person to see that there is a
problem is the drug abuser them self. Every year, more and more people become
drug addicts in their pursuit to get "high".
Detox
Detox is necessary when an individual through their chronic use of drugs or alcohol has developed an addiction. The objective of detox is to help the individual achieve a drug and alcohol free state. Detox is intended to relieve the physical symptoms of withdrawal and helps prepare the individual for entry into drug rehabilitation. Therefore, the ultimate goal of detox is preparation for long term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
Sobriety
Sobriety means the moderation in or abstinence from consumption of alcoholic liquor or use of drugs. When an individual with an addiction problem enters drug rehabilitation, their main goal is to attain long term sobriety. Unfortunately, sometimes drug addicts and alcoholics find they are able to sustain short periods of sobriety followed by a drug or alcohol relapse. This is why attending a drug or alcohol rehab will help the individual maintain their focus on sobriety. Often, it is only by getting help that individuals with severe drug addiction problems are able to achieve lasting sobriety.
Relapse
Relapse is a term used to describe when an individual who has quit using drugs starts using once again. A relapse can mean just a one time use, a long term continues period of using or anything in between after a period of sobriety has taken place. An individual begins to experience a psychological relapse long before their first use after
quitting. Some things that can lead to relapse both physically or psychologically include: 1. Being in the presence of drugs or alcohol, drug or alcohol users, or places where you used or bought chemicals. 2. Feelings we perceive as negative, particularly anger; also sadness, loneliness, guilt, fear, and anxiety. 3. Positive feelings that make you want to celebrate by using. 4. Listening to others past drug use stories and just dwelling on getting high. 5. Believing that you no longer have to worry (complacent). That is, that you are no longer stimulated to crave drugs/alcohol by any of the above situations or by anything else – and therefore maybe it’s safe for you to use occasionally.
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