




Facts
Morphine DEPENDENCE may be associated with a high degree of TOLERANCE and physical dependence. With repeated use, the dose taken by the user gradually becomes higher. However, tolerance develops to some effects of opiates and not to others. For example a remarkable degree of tolerance may be exhibited to the respiratory depressant, sedative, analgesic, nauseating and euphoric effects while little tolerance is seen to the constipating and pupil-decreasing effects. Physical dependence is also classically associated with opiate addiction, and a WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME results in dependent individuals upon cessation of the drug. It is not known what particular factors determine whether a person, once exposed to morphine or other opiates, will become dependent. As is true with all drugs with abuse potential, some people can experiment or be exposed to morphine and not develop a habit, while others become addicted. Many factors, including social environment, drug availability and psychological state may determine the pattern of drug use. Alcohol assails our ability to see clearly and control the movement of our eyes. Studies have shown that when a person is intoxicated, they tend to focus on a single, often central, point for a long period of time. Drunk drivers are therefore less cognizant of important peripheral zones. Visual acuity and motor control of the eyes also decline as alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream. These skills are affected at a very slow rate, however, and many researchers do not believe their impact is significant enough to account for alcohol-related traffic accidents. As with other opioid medications, methadone tolerance and dependence usually develop with repeated doses. Tolerance to the different physiological effects of methadone varies. Tolerance to analgesia usually occurs during the first few weeks of use; whereas with respiratory depression, sedation, and nausea it is seen within approximately 5-7 days. There is no tolerance formed to constipation produced by methadone or other opioids; however, effects may be less severe after time and can often be alleviated through increase intake of dietary fiber (fruits and vegetables, high-fiber cereals, etc.) or fiber supplements. Animals given unlimited access to amphetamine will self-administer it repeatedly. Most will continue self-administration until they die. Animals maintained on high doses of amphetamines develop tolerance to many of the damaging effects. They also develop irreversible damage in some parts of the brain, including long-lasting depletion of dopamine. |
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.
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.
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.
Drug Side Effects
Drug addiction and abuse comes with a heavy price. There are drastic drug side effects associated with drug misuse and abuse. Drug side effects from legal and illegal drugs can range from mild itching to comas and death. In addition to the physical drug side effects mentioned, there are many psychological drug side effects of drug abuse; the most serious being drug addiction and overdose.
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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