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Facts
One difficulty with studying the long-term effects of ecstasy is that ecstasy users rarely use just one drug; therefore the deficits in learning, memory, and impulsivity cannot be linked exclusively to ecstasy. In addition, research in humans is too preliminary to be entirely sure that ecstasy use is causing these deficits. As of 2002, more studies are focusing on humans, and within the next couple of years research is expected to provide more definitive evidence of ecstasy's long-term effects, the mechanisms of action, and whether the deficits presented in this section are irreversible. The pleasurable feelings from cocaine use last only 15–30 minutes if it is snorted and only five to 10 minutes if cocaine is smoked or injected into the veins. When the "high" is over, the user feels tired, sluggish, and "low." The consumption of alcohol depresses the central nervous system. The more alcohol one consumes, the greater the effect on the central nervous system. When alcohol enters the body, it quickly passes through the stomach and into the small intestine. Alcohol enters the bloodstream rapidly and efficiently. Therefore, it is capable of altering the central nervous system, even in low concentrations. The clinical symptoms of alcohol impairment vary in accordance with the concentration of alcohol in the bloodstream (BAC). This concentration is determined by a number of factors, including an individual's weight, gender, race, and amount of fatty tissue. The most accurate way to determine a person's BAC is to perform a breathalyzer test. In most cases, the relationship between an individual's blood alcohol concentration and the alcohol impairment symptoms he or she experiences and/or expresses are as follows: .01-.05: Individual exhibits very few behavioral differences when compared to a sober person. .03-.12: Individual will begin to experience a mild euphoria that is often accompanied by increased sociability and talkativeness. At this point, they will also begin to lose inhibitions, and their self-confidence will increase. Sensory-motor impairment will begin, while judgment and control faculties are lessened. .09-.25: Individual begins to experience emotional instability. They lose the ability to accurately perceive, remember, or understand. Sensory response time is decreased, while reaction time is increased. Vision accuracy and peripheral vision declines, sensory-motor skills are diminished, balance is lost, and sluggishness occurs. .18 - .30: Individual will lose orientation, become confused, dizzy, and more emotionally unstable. Vision is altered so that color, shape, movement, and size are not accurately perceived. Threshold for pain is increased, and the drinker experiences the inability to walk straight, loss of muscular control, and slurred speech. .25-.40: Individual will barely respond to most stimuli, will be unable to stand or walk, will vomit and/or become incontinent. Consciousness may be lost. He/she will be generally immobile. .35-.50: Individual will be completely unconscious with few or no reflexes. Body temperature will drop and he/she will become incontinent. Circulation and respiration will be impaired. This concentration level is potentially fatal. .45+: The respiratory system will stop working and the person will die. What problems are faced by babies whose mothers used cocaine during pregnancy? We do not know all of the special problems that these children will face. Some, but not all, studies suggest that they may have a greater-than-normal chance of dying of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The cocaine, in conjunction with other poor health practices that often accompany cocaine use, may contribute to these deaths. |
Dependence
Dependence is the compulsive use of a substance despite negative consequences which can be severe; drug dependence is simply excessive use of a drug or use of a drug for purposes for which it was not medically intended. Physical dependence on a substance (needing a drug to function) is not necessary or sufficient to define addiction. There are some substances that don't cause addiction but do cause physical dependence (for example, some blood pressure medications) and substances that cause addiction but not classic physical dependence (cocaine withdrawal, for example, it does not have symptoms like vomiting and chills; it is mainly characterized by depression).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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