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Psychoactive: A term, usually applied to a DRUG, indicating an ability change psychological processing or behaviour; HALLUCINOGENS, COCAINE, MARIJUANA and NICOTINE are examples of drugs that can be called psychoactive. Drugs that induce sedation, such as the OPIATES and other NARCOTICS, can also be described as psychoactive, because, although rather stupefying, they do change psychological processes. Some people think that pot doesn’t give you a hangover — at least not one that makes you feel dehydrated, headachy, and disgusting. But that doesn't mean your body isn’t trying to recuperate. Marijuana “hangovers” can last for a few days, and the fog generally includes problems with alertness, coordination, depth perception (not good for driving), and a distorted sense of time. Because the THC in marijuana is absorbed into the fatty tissue in the body’s organs, it takes your body a while to metabolize it. This means that if you have a drug test even up to four weeks after using, the results may show up dirty. More sophisticated blood or hair tests can detect marijuana months after use. This is extra tricky because random drug testing is on the rise in schools and in the workplace. As of 2005, opiates are separated into two categories: completely illegal Schedule I substances, such as heroin, and regulated Schedule II substances, including morphine, codeine, and hydromorphone. Hydromorphone, a slight alteration of the morphine molecule, was first created and patented by Abbott Laboratories as the prescription pain-killer Dilaudid. Stronger than morphine and available in pill, injection, and SUPPOSITORY form, Dilaudid quickly became popular as a pain reliever for patients in long-lasting, or chronic, pain. It could also be used safely by patients who had allergic reactions to morphine. Alcohol and other drug dependencies are all too common in the United States. The term "dependent" is applied to individuals who take part in habitual, improper drug use because their bodies grow accustomed to and actually adapt to the continuous presence of drugs and need the drug to function normally. When a dependent body is deprived of a drug, negative physical symptoms of withdrawal occur. There are two main types of alcohol or drug dependence. The first kind is physical dependency. This means that the body has developed a physiological reliance on a drug because it has caused changes in its natural state of being. Opiates, tobacco, and alcohol are common drugs that cause physical dependency. The second kind, psychological dependency, affects a person emotionally and mentally rather than, or in addition to, physiologically. This develops from the memory of the sense of euphoria that the drug creates, causing a person to long for that feeling and think of it often. Cocaine and amphetamines are examples of drugs that cause very serious psychological dependencies. |
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.
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 Overdose
A drug overdose occurs when you consume more drugs than your body can tolerate. Drug users are constantly flirting with the risk of a drug overdose. There is a
fine line between the high they're seeking and serious injury or death. While many victims of drug overdose recover without long term effects, there
can be serious consequences. Some drug overdoses cause the failure of major
organs like the kidneys or liver, or failure of whole systems like the
respiratory or circulatory systems. Patients who survive drug overdose may need
kidney dialysis, kidney or liver transplant, or ongoing care as a result of
heart failure, stroke, or coma. Death can occur in almost any drug overdose
situation, particularly if treatment is not started immediately.
Intervention
An intervention is when a group of loved ones and/or a trained intervention counselor meets with the person in need of help for the purpose of breaking down their denial and motivating them to immediately seek drug addiction treatment. Often, individuals in the midst of drug addiction engage in a variety of self destructive behaviors. Although baffling to friends and family members such people generally either aren't aware on a conscious level that they have a drug addiction problem, or even when they know they have a problem they may cling to the false belief that the problem will somehow go away without any outside help. When an intervention is held a moment of clarity is created
for the addict. Most people struggling with the problem of drug or alcohol
addiction will accept help the very day of the intervention.
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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