Addictions
Specialties
ADDICTIONS
What are substance abuse and addiction?
The difference between substance abuse and addiction is very slight. Substance abuse means consuming an illegal substance or using a legal substance incorrectly. The addiction begins as abuse, or consuming substances such as marijuana or cocaine. You can use a drug (or alcohol) without having an addiction. For example, just because Sara has smoked marijuana a few times does not mean that she has an addiction, but it does mean that she has used a drug, and this can lead to an addiction. People can get addicted to all kinds of substances. When we think of an addiction, we usually think of alcohol or illegal drugs. But people can become addicted to drugs, tobacco, even glue. And some substances are more addictive than others: drugs like crack or heroin are so addictive that trying them once or twice may be enough to make the person using them lose control. Addiction means that a person cannot control their desire to use a drug or drink. Someone who is addicted to cocaine has become so used to the drug that he cannot stop using it. Addiction can be physical, psychological, or both. Physical addiction Being physically addicted means that a person's body becomes dependent on a particular substance (even smoking can be addictive). It also increases the person's tolerance to that substance, so that the person needs an increasing dose to obtain the same effect. Someone who is physically addicted and stops using a substance, such as drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, experiences a withdrawal syndrome. Some symptoms of withdrawal syndrome are diarrhea, tremors, and feeling lousy in general. Psychological addiction Psychological addiction occurs when the urge to use a drug is psychological or emotional. People who are psychologically addicted feel that the desire to use a drug overwhelms them. They can lie and even steal to get it. A person crosses the line between drug use and addiction when they no longer use the drug for fun or to "get high," but have become dependent on it. His life centers on his need for the drug. An addicted person — whether they have a physical or psychological addiction or both — feels that they cannot stop using the drug.
Signs of addiction
The most obvious sign of addiction is the need to consume a certain drug or substance. However, there are many other signs that can indicate a possible addiction, such as mood swings or weight loss or gain. (Although these signs can also indicate other problems, such as depression or eating disorders.) Signs that you or someone you know may have a drug or alcohol addiction include:
Psychological signs:
Using drugs or alcohol as a way to forget problems or to relax Withdrawing or hiding secrets from family and friends Loss of interest in activities that were previously important Problems with school performance, such as getting worse grades or missing school Changes in friendships, such as Going out with friends who use drugs Spending time thinking about how to get drugs Stealing or selling belongings to pay for drugs Failed attempts to stop using drugs or drinking Anxiety, anger, or depression Mood swings
Physical signs:
Changes in sleeping habits Feeling weak or ill when trying to stop using the substance Need to consume more of that substance to achieve the same effect Changes in eating habits, including weight loss or gain
Treatment of addictions
Unfortunately, overcoming an addiction is not easy. Quitting drugs or alcohol will probably be one of the hardest things you have ever done in your life. It is not a sign of weakness that you need professional help from an addiction counselor or psychotherapist.
Alcoholism
Alcoholism occurs when you show signs of physical addiction to alcohol and continue to drink, despite problems with physical health, mental health, and social, family, or work responsibilities. Alcohol can control a person's life and relationships.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a powerful drug that stimulates the brain. People who consume it can develop a strong addiction. They may have to use more and more drugs to get stimulated. When used repeatedly, cocaine can induce long-term changes in the brain's gratification system as well as other brain systems.
Cannabis
Marijuana abuse can result in problems with memory, learning, and social behavior. In the long term, it can lead to problems like lung cancer and an increased risk of infections. It can interfere with family, school, work, and other activities.
