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Information on Drug Addiction
If you suspect a loved one of having a drug problem, where do you go to find information? Information on drug addiction can be found in a variety of places. Even if you are the one with the addiction when you have as much information as possible about this disease, you will be [...]
If you suspect a loved one of having a drug problem, where do you go to find information? Information on drug addiction can be found in a variety of places. Even if you are the one with the addiction when you have as much information as possible about this disease, you will be better equipped to deal with it and overcome it.
First and foremost, start with the Internet. There is so much information on the worldwide web; you can even get a little bit overwhelmed. However, its usually better to have too much information rather than not enough. Do a quick search on your favorite search engine for drug addiction and then spend some time reading through the websites you are given.
Look for books on the subject of drug addiction. Books contain a lot of relevant information that can help when addiction is part of your life. There are even some great downloadable e-books on the Internet that can give you instant information about the disease of drug addiction.
Go to your local library and see what resources they have available. Libraries offer more than books these days. They have access to documentaries, pamphlets, and magazines regarding drug addiction and recovery. They also often can provide more extensive information regarding specific drug addictions like alcoholism or methamphetamine use.
Check with your local police department. Most cities have police personnel who are specifically in charge of drug information in the schools such as the D.A.R.E. program. They are always very eager to share information with you about drug addiction in hopes that spreading the word will help curb the problem.
Talk to a doctor about drug addiction whether its you who has the problem or someone you love. Physicians have much of the latest information regarding drug addiction and dependence. If, for some strange reason, they dont, they will be able to direct you to someone or someplace who has the information you are looking for.
Many churches also have extensive information regarding drug addiction especially if those churches host 12 step programs. Talk to the clergy person who presides over the church and ask their advice. Even though they are religious people, they are not blind to the problems of society and often have some very pertinent advice to offer regarding drug addiction and recovery.
When you are dealing with a drug addiction yours or another persons having all the information you can get can make the difference between a successful recovery and one that is fraught with obstacles and blockages.
Definition of Drug Addiction
Even though drug addiction is a complex disease, assigning a definition for that disease is actually quite simple. Drug addiction is, in its simplest form, defined as the continued compulsive use of drugs in spite of adverse health or social consequences.
The definition of drug addiction should also include the fact that it is a [...]
Even though drug addiction is a complex disease, assigning a definition for that disease is actually quite simple. Drug addiction is, in its simplest form, defined as the continued compulsive use of drugs in spite of adverse health or social consequences.
The definition of drug addiction should also include the fact that it is a state of heavy dependence on a specific drug. Generally, its thought of as a physical dependence, but in actuality, there is a psychological addiction as well as an emotional dependence. Some say that it is compulsive and pathological drug use or substance dependence.
Drug addiction is also a behavior disorder as the initial drug use is generally done as a reaction to a behavior or situation that seems out of control to the user. The user seems to have no other choice but to use that drug because of the bodys dependence on the fact that the drug will remain present in the system.
A distinction should be made between drug use and drug addiction. It is possible for people to use drugs without becoming addicted, but that is generally limited to prescription drug use. People who take drugs to cope with a physical ailment do so to control pain or the adverse effects of a physical condition. Those drugs improve the quality of life for the sufferer, but they are not necessarily addicted to the drugs.
To be dependent on a drug or addicted to it the user must take the drug regularly, and they experience unpleasant symptoms if they stop using the drug such as nausea or sleep disturbance. Substance abuse or addiction is present when a person uses a drug despite the harm that it causes to their system.
There is a difference between drug abuse and drug addiction. Drug abuse occurs when a person uses excessive amounts of a drug at one time or frequently. Drug addiction is present when a person cannot stop using the drug and stopping the drug seems like an impossibility.
Of course, no definition of drug addiction is complete without noting that it is both a physical dependence as well as a psychological one. Physical dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the body has become accustomed to its effects. Psychological dependency is present when the drug is used habitually and the mind has become accustomed to the effects the drug produces.
When drug addiction affects a persons life, the definition of that drug addiction becomes a bit less important than the reasons why people use. However, it can help multitudes if a definition is specified so that a better understanding of drug addiction can occur.
