| Drug addiction is compulsive use of a substance | | | | · Hallucinogens produce psychological |
| despite negative consequences which can be severe; | | | | dependence. These include LSD, mescaline, psilocybin |
| drug abuse is simply excessive use of a drug or use | | | | ("mushrooms"). |
| of a drug for purposes for which it was not medically | | | | · Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active |
| intended. Dependence on a substance is not | | | | ingredient found in cannabis, marijuana, and hashish. |
| necessary or sufficient to define addiction, there are | | | | Although used for their relaxing properties, |
| some substances that don't cause addiction but do | | | | THC-derived drugs can also lead to paranoia and |
| cause dependence (for example, some blood | | | | anxiety. |
| pressure medications) and substances that cause | | | | Drug intoxication and drug overdose may be |
| addiction but not dependence (they are mainly | | | | accidental or intentional. Drug withdrawal symptoms |
| characterized by depression). | | | | can occur when use of a substance is stopped. |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors | | | | Withdrawal symptoms vary, depending on the |
| Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. | | | | particular substance. The withdrawal symptom |
| Drug addiction may also follow the use of drugs for | | | | depends on the length of time the drug was being |
| physical pain relief, though this is rare in people | | | | used. Drug intoxication, overdose, and withdrawal can |
| without a previous history of addiction. The exact | | | | be life-threatening in some situations. |
| reason of drug abuse and dependence is not yet | | | | Treatment for the person with drug addiction begins |
| known. The genetic make-up of the individuals, peer | | | | with the recognition of the problem. Though earlier |
| pressure, emotional distress, anxiety, depression, and | | | | "denial" was considered as a symptom of addiction, |
| environmental stress are all factors which seem to be | | | | recent studies has shown that this symptom can be |
| involved. Children who grow up in an environment of | | | | dramatically controlled if addicts are treated with love |
| illicit drug use may first see their elders using drugs. | | | | and care, rather than being told what to do or |
| This may put them at a higher risk for developing an | | | | "confronted." Treatment of drug addiction involves |
| addiction later in life for both environmental and | | | | detoxification, support and abstinence. Emergency |
| genetic reasons. | | | | treatment may be indicated for acute cases. Often, |
| Commonly abused substances include: | | | | there may be a loss of consciousness and the person |
| · Opiates and narcotics are powerful painkillers | | | | may need special medical attention temporarily. The |
| with sedative and euphoric qualities. These include | | | | specific treatment depends on the drug. |
| heroin, opium, codeine, Oxycontin and others. | | | | Detoxification is the gradual withdrawal of an abused |
| · Central nervous system stimulants have a | | | | substance in a controlled way. Sometimes a drug with |
| stimulating effect and can produce tolerance. These | | | | a similar action is substituted during the withdrawal |
| include amphetamines, cocaine, commonly used | | | | process to reduce the unpleasant symptoms and |
| stimulants are caffeine and nicotine. | | | | risks associated with withdrawal. If depression or |
| · Central nervous system depressants produce a | | | | other mood disorder exists, it should be treated |
| soothing sedative and anxiety-reducing effect and | | | | appropriately. The need for treatment is underscored |
| which leads to dependence. These include | | | | by the severity of illness of those who undergo |
| barbiturates (amobarbital, pentobarbital, secobarbital). | | | | detoxification and the societal costs of untreated |
| Commonly used depressants, by far, is alcohol. | | | | substance use disorders. |