



Facts
In essence, dependence is a state in which the individual can not function normally—physically, mentally or socially—in the absence of the drug. A detailed description of the dependence syndrome includes both physical components (increasedtolerance to the drug; repeatedexperience of withdrawal symptoms; use of the drug to prevent or relieve withdrawal symptoms) and behavioral signs of loss of control over drug use (e.g., increasing prominence of drug-seeking behavior, even at the cost of disruption of other important parts of the user's daily life; use of larger amounts than intended; inability to cut down the amount used, despite persistent desire to do so; and awareness by the user of frequent craving. All drug use has built-in disadvantages that handicap the user. Drugs have a way of reshaping lives to accommodate their use. People who decide they want to experiment or "have a little fun" with any of the drugs covered in this overview may discover somewhere down the line that their relationships, particularly with non-drug users, have changed—some irrevocably. Academic or work-related pursuits may seem less important, and may suffer as a result. Family members may be neglected. With programs running from 6 months to two years, these rehabs tackle addiction with stamina. In many cases, addicts progress upwards through the programs, gaining additional privileges and responsibilities as they do so. A similar base of therapies to the conventional rehab will be offered, although generally with less intensity; and most rehabs will mandate a form of work therapy to all participants. This work may or may not be paid, but is mandated to instill a sense of purpose and responsibility, as well as to decrease relapse provoking idle hours. The ambiguity surrounding the health hazards of Cannabis may be attributed to a number of factors besides those that ordinarily prevail. First, from animal studies, it has been difficult to prove or disprove health hazards in human beings. Second, Cannabis is still used mainly by young persons in the best of health. Third, Cannabis is often used in combination with tobacco and alcohol, among licit drugs, as well as with a variety of other illicit drugs. Finally, the whole issue of Cannabis use is so laden with emotion that serious investigations of the health hazards of the drug have been colored by the prejudices of the experimenter, either for or against the drug as a potential hazard or benefit to health. |
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.
Abstinence
Abstinence is the act or practice of refraining from indulging a desire. The type of abstinence we are referring to here is abstinence from drugs and alcohol. This term has two connotations when it comes to abstaining from drugs. The first refers to drug or alcohol treatment programs that aim to help an individual stop using drugs or alcohol for the rest of their lives. The time abstinence is also used in drug education and prevention. It refers to trying to stop children from ever using drugs.
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 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".
Therapeutic Community
An effective therapeutic community attends to the many needs of the individual, not just his or her drug use. Care given at a therapeutic community addresses the individual's drug use and associated medical, psychological, social, vocational, and legal problems. Also, a therapeutic community will continue to be flexible and provide ongoing assessments of the individual's needs, which may change during the course of care.
Remaining in care at a therapeutic community for an adequate period of time is critical for treatment effectiveness. The time depends on an individual's needs. For most people, the significant improvement is reached at about 3 months in treatment.
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