




Facts
When a person's reason for using a drug is to obtain effects that give the user some kind of pleasure or rewarding sensation—even if that use has potential risks—this is known as recreational use. When an individual takes a drug occasionally rather than regularly, this is called casual use. The term implies that the user is not dependent or addicted (see following), but it does not indicate the motive for use or the amount used on any occasion. Thus, a casual user might become intoxicated (see next section) or suffer an acute adverse effect on occasion, even if these are infrequent. Many of the most addictive and dangerous drugs do not produce very severe physical symptoms upon withdrawal. Crack cocaine and methamphetamine are clear examples. Both are highly addictive, but stopping their use produces very few physical withdrawal symptoms, certainly nothing like the physical symptoms of alcohol or heroin withdrawal. The science of epidemiology includes the study of drug epidemics. Epidemiologists chart the rise and fall of drug use from year to year. These epidemics are shaped by how many people are active drug users, how many started using drugs within the last year, and how many people in each category fall into different social groups. Epidemiologists examine whether people are poor or wealthy, whether they are well behaved or troublemakers, and what ethnic group they belong to. The accompanying figure shows the rise and fall of a recent epidemic of cocaine use in the United States. Some epidemiological studies indicate that in the early years of an epidemic the drug users tend to be wealthier and come from the upper social classes. However, in the later years, this changes and the drug users tend to be poorer and come from the lower social classes. In the twenty-first century, it generally is the poorer people of the world who are more likely to start smoking cigarettes. Some people of upper and middle social classes still smoke cigarettes, but the risk of starting to smoke tobacco tends to be greater for poor people. In 2001 40,933 people died from car crashes and other mishaps caused by excessive alcohol use. |
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.
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.
Addiction
Addiction is one of the many consequences of so-called 'casual' drug and alcohol abuse. A loss of control over drugs and alcohol can be driven by physical or psychological factors, or sometimes both. Physical addiction takes place when the body comes to need a drug to function normally. If it is not taken, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms occur. The only way to avoid this is to take more of the drug. Psychological addiction takes place when an individual comes to rely on a drug to supply good feelings, such as relaxation, self-confidence, self esteem, and freedom from anxiety. This is not just a casual desire, it's a powerful compulsion.
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.
|
|

To Find Drug Rehab and Treatment Centers in Velda Village Hills
Call toll free


Velda Village Hills Drug Rehab and
Alcohol Addiction Treatment Information
|