




Facts
The drug taken in large doses by Rush Limbaugh and that nearly killed 'Friends' star Matthew Perry, Vicodin is the brand name of an opioid analgesic similar to heroin and morphine. One of the most frequently prescribed medications for moderate to severe pain such as migraines, back pain and cancer, Vicodin's active ingredients are hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen, which work on pain receptors in the brain. It can become physically addictive after only several weeks of use. In fact, it is one of the top 20 most abused controlled substances in the United States, according to drug addiction researchers. It is an older drug than OxyContin and is effective for only a 3-4 hour period. Chronic use of opioids can result in tolerance, which means that users must take higher doses to achieve the same effects. Barbiturates are taken by mouth. Injecting the drug is a rare practice among barbiturate abusers. Barbiturates come in brightly colored capsules, with street names such as blue birds, blue clouds, yellow jackets, red devils, sleepers, pink ladies, and Christmas trees. The term "goofball" refers to barbiturates in general. The accompanying table lists the common barbiturates and their trade names. Beer is the alcoholic-beverage of choice for kids, preferred by 61% of all children. The next favorite alcoholic-beverage, wine and wine coolers, is preferred by 27% of all children. In 1991 the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that 1.1 billion cans of beer and 300 million bottles of wine coolers were consumed by junior and senior high school students every year. People who have taken high doses of PCP often become severely disoriented and violent and may pose a danger to themselves and others. Suicides, homicides, self-mutilations and other results from extreme violent behaviour have been reported. Other deaths related to PCP have resulted from accidental drowning, motor vehicle accidents or leaps from high places. |
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).
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.
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.
Detox
Detox is necessary when an individual through their chronic use of drugs or alcohol has developed an addiction. The objective of detox is to help the individual achieve a drug and alcohol free state. Detox is intended to relieve the physical symptoms of withdrawal and helps prepare the individual for entry into drug rehabilitation. Therefore, the ultimate goal of detox is preparation for long term recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.
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