



Facts
A major effect of cocaine on human behavior is its ability to change a person's moods. The user's desire to feel this effect again is what makes cocaine a drug of abuse. Research shows that cocaine produces a feeling of euphoria, or intense well-being. People feel more energetic and friendly when on cocaine. These effects occur whether a person injects or smokes cocaine. Long-term use of opioids or central nervous system depressants can lead to physical dependence and addiction. Taken in high doses, stimulants can lead to compulsive use, paranoia, dangerously high body temperatures, and irregular heartbeat. Nutritional deficiencies associated with drug addiction are due largely to the lack of proper food intake, which may result in iron and folic-acid deficiency anemias. Toxic responses to narcotics may contribute to malnutrition by interfering with the body's ability to absorb or utilize nutrients. Abnormalities result because of the high incidence of altered function of the intestine, liver, and pancreas; malnutrition is often related to the presence of liver disease (since nausea causes addicts to eat infrequently or to vomit). Low sugar levels in the bloodstream or certain vitamin (B6, thiamine) and mineral (magnesium) deficiencies may cause seizures in both alcoholics and drug addicts. Hepatitis, a viral infection of the liver, often accompanies the abuse of injectable drugs; it causes addicts to eat infrequently—due to fatigue, swollen liver, nausea, and vomiting—which in turn diminishes the intake of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Consequently, intensive diet therapy is needed in correcting drug and alcohol addiction—to balance fluids, electrolytes, trace elements, minerals, and vitamins—especially in acutely ill patients. In addition to many potential medical problems, the lifestyle of some pregnant addicts becomes burdensome. To meet the high cost of maintaining a drug habit, she may often indulge in robbery, forgery, the sale of drugs, and/or prostitution. Because most of her day may be consumed by the activities of either obtaining drugs or using drugs, she spends most of her time unable to function in society's usual activities. She may have intermittent periods of normal alertness and well-being, but for most of the day, she will be either "high" or "sick." The high (euphoric) state will keep her sedated or tranquilized, absorbed in herself, and incapable of ful-filling familial responsibility. The sick (withdrawal) state is generally characterized by craving for more drugs, malaise, nausea, tearing, perspiration, tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps. Since hormonal changes in pregnancy manifest some of these symptoms in nondrug users, the sick state may be more frequent or intensified for addicts. Between 1984 and 1990, Southeast Asia's share of the New York City heroin supply jumped from 5 to 80 percent. Following this significant local trend, in 1993-94, Southeast Asia supplied an estimated 80 percent of the total US market for heroin. |
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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