Drug Abuse

Drug addiction is an uncontrollable compulsion to repeat a behavior that is regardless of its negative consequences. A person who gets addicted to drug is called an addict. There are three types of drug addiction:

§ Physical dependence – physical dependency addiction refers to appearance of a special withdrawal symptom that occurs when the drug is suddenly discontinued. Drugs like benzodiazepines; opioids, barbiturates, alcohol, anti-depressants, cortisones and beta-blockers are examples for causing physical dependency.

§ Psychological addictions – show dependency of mind and social dysfunctions that lead to psychological withdrawal symptoms.

§ Eating disorders – sometimes these are also considered to be psychological disorders and are treated as elements of addictive behavior. It happens with items like chocolate, caffeine, and sugar and makes the sufferers experience elements of addictive behavior.

Side effects of the drugs

The side effects of drugs are huge and they often cause serious problems in human beings. The side effects include inability to sleep, loss of appetite, pupil dilation, stress and anxiety, stomach ulcers, constant drowsiness and blood circulation problems.

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Following are the effects of other drugs:

§ Amphetamines – makes the addict face heart and circulatory risks, paranoia, distortions of reality and even at times hallucinations.

§ Cocaine – effects are it sends the body into overdrive, speeds up the heart rate, results in nausea, high body temperature, muscle reflexes, cramps, sudden heart attacks, severe mood swings, corrosion of nasal cavity and schizophrenia.

Drug addiction treatments

There are various drug addiction treatments that help people to escape from chronic addiction problems.

Following are the treatments:

§ Matrix model – the strict and personal therapist acts as your friend and performs intense drug addiction treatments.

§ Relapse prevention – this treatment offers you to control your behavior, learn to identify dangerous situations and avoid them. It helps you to increase your learning processes and developing your defense skills.

§ Supportive-Expressive psychotherapy – it works through interpersonal links that creates your sphere of comfort and teaches you to trust in other people’s support. It is specially helpful and comfortable for heroine and cocaine addicts.

§ Behavioral Therapy for adolescents – it provides schemes for rewarding people who stop taking drugs.

§ Multidimensional Family Therapy [MDFT] – it offers interesting approach for addicts who suffer from dysfunctional family problems.

§ Motivational enhancement Therapy – it tries to concentrate on the addict’s will that help them to fight infection.

Individualized drug counseling is a drug addiction treatment that not only concentrates on drug addiction but also on related subjects like family problems and employment status.

Drug Addiction: “Overcoming Addiction” on Living Smart with Patricia Gras

Patricia Gras talks with Derek Steele, author of “Addict at 10.” Derek Steele is an author, public speaker, retired business owner and recovered drug addict. Steele is the author of the book “Addict at 10”, which details his triumph over long-term drug and alcohol addiction. Steele suffered abuse and neglect during his childhood, and turned to drugs and alcohol at a very young age. Before long, he was addicted, and spent much of his life in and out of debt and jail. During what Steele calls, “a moment of clarity,” he realized the ramifications of his actions and checked himself into rehab at the age of 20. Steele became a self-made millionaire by age 35, and now spends his time giving motivational speeches in an effort to raise awareness about addiction. On Living Smart, Derek Steele will share his story of overcoming his addiction and how he uses his past to teach healthy habits and lifestyles to the youth of America. www.houstonpbs.org
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