




St. Albans, West Virginia
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Facts
Meth's effects on the brain can cause an odd and disturbing behavior called getting "hung up." An addict can have the same thought, or carry out the same action, for hours at a time. One person might get hung up cleaning a floor over and over again, another assembling and disassembling a small appliance several times, and still another singing the same song for hours. Generally, the effects of stimulants are the same no matter how the drugs are ingested. However, the method of use influences how quickly, and how strongly, cocaine and amphetamines affect the body. All are commonly sold as white powders, although meth may occasionally have an off-white or light brown tint. These powders have a strong, chemical odor. They can be swallowed alone or mixed with a beverage or food. Cocaine can also be rubbed on the gums or held under the tongue for absorption though the oral mucus membranes. Marijuana. The most frequently used illegal drug in the United States since the mid-twentieth century is marijuana. It is also the drug most often used by drivers. More studies have been performed to understand its effects on drivers than on any other drug. Many of these studies, both those conducted on the road and with driving simulators, indicate that marijuana impairs coordination, tracking (the ability of the eyes to follow movement), perception, and vigilance. A 1999 study, however, concluded that there was no evidence that marijuana alone increased either fatal or serious injury crashes. The evidence was inconclusive as to whether marijuana in combination with alcohol caused more fatalities and serious injuries than did alcohol alone. Individuals who have developed tolerance to opioids and who have overdosed on hydromorphone are not likely to develop the serious depression of the respiratory system that occurs in individuals with no such tolerance who have overdosed on hydromorphone. The typical treatment of narcotic overdoses with narcotic antagonists can lead to a severe withdrawal reaction in those who have developed tolerance to opioids. The ease with which methamphetamine can be manufactured is a major contributing factor to the increases in its use. The manufacturing of methamphetamine is easy because it does not require complex production techniques but is easily "cooked" up by anyone in makeshift labs. |
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 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.
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.
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 Rehabilitation
Drug rehabilitation is a place or program that an individual enters to treat a drug or alcohol addiction. Through therapy and education, the individual is restored to their former non-drug using self. They are then able to re-enter society clean and sober. There are many reasons why a person would need to attend a drug rehabilitation program. Some of the many reasons are: the inability to control their drinking or drug use, alienating their friends and family, problems with the law, and problems at work. Also, there are several different types of drug rehabilitation programs available: inpatient, outpatient, residential, short-term, and long-term.
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