




Facts
Alcohol is by far the most common depressant... The only alcohol that is used as a beverage is ethyl alcohol (ethanol), which is made by the yeast fermentation of grains and fruits. Some is brewed such as beer and wine and others are distilled. The latter includes whiskey, vodka, gin, brandy, rum, tequila and others. Most of these have an alcoholic content of 40%. Beer most commonly is 5% and wines average 12%. Any of these can be abused although many do not consider beer “the hard stuff” On the contrary; beer is just as likely to lead to addiction as any of the others. Alcohol is a rapid acting drug that takes only minutes to travel from the stomach and small intestine to the brain where it exerts its effects. Initially the effects include relaxation, inhibition of the centers that depend on training such as previous experience, memory, concentration and insight. Because of inhibition, 80% of violent crimes occur under the influence of alcohol. If drinking continues the person suffers sensory and motor problems, e.g., staggering and then becomes excited and overactive. It is during this stage that most crimes occur. Still later the drinker “passes our”, is anesthetized and is close to death as the breathing and heart beat become slow. In 2004, the number of new nonmedical users of OxyContin® was 615,000, with an average age at first use of 24.5 years. Comparable data on past year OxyContin® initiation are not available for prior years, but calendar year estimates of OxyContin® initiation show a steady increase in the number of initiates from 1995, the year this drug was first available, through 2003. Stimulants such as methamphetamine give users an intense sensation, called a rush or flash, that lasts only a few minutes and is described as extremely pleasurable. Oral or intranasal use produces a euphoric high, but not a rush. Some report that they feel "superhuman" after losing a night or two of sleep while binging on the drug. People also report feeling unusually sharp or in control. Wanting to prolong the high and delay the inevitable crash is emblematic of the drug's addictive character. Club drugs are not only popular in raves but are often used in other social settings frequented by adolescents and young adults. In a hearing before the Senate Caucus on International Drug Control, the director of the National Institute of Drug Abuse reported an increase in the use of club drugs, especially ecstasy, among those older than 12 years. Those reporting use of club drugs increased from 5.1 million in 1999 to 6.5 million in 2000. Emergency department visits related to the drug gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), also known as the "date-rape" drug, have also increased dramatically (from 56 cases in 1994 to 4,969 cases in 2000). |
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".
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.
Addiction Treatment
Addiction treatment is needed when an individual finds that they have developed a drug or alcohol addiction which they are not able to successful end on their own. With the help of addiction treatment, addicted individual can get help to control their drug taking behavior and live happy and successful lives. There are several addiction treatment options available for drug and alcohol addiction. Some of these options include self-help groups, counseling, drug rehabilitation programs (in and out-patient), and residential treatment facilities. Each of these differ
in their aims and outcomes and elements of these addiction treatment options are often
combined.
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.
|
|

To Find Drug Rehab and Treatment Centers in Turin
Call toll free


Turin Drug Rehab and
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Information
|