-Types

Effects - Signs and Symptoms - Treatment and Recovery

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It is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences.

It is also called substance dependence or chemical dependency.

ALCOHOLISM also know as alcohol dependence which refers mainly to a person's craving for alcohol. Effect: No control over his actions. He is unable to limit his drinking. He feels he must increase his drinking so he can attain his "high feeling.

COCAINE It was the main stimulant used in elixirs/tonics, which were developed to treat many illnesses. Effect: Illegally use it to attain a sudden "rush" by inhaling, smoking or injecting it. It also produces restlessness, auditory hallucinations, paranoia, irritability and mood swings.

HEROIN - Processed from Morphine, Heroin is extracted from the seed pod of poppy plants. It's sold as a white/brownish powder or a black sticky substance. Effect: It produces an "euphoric high. Addiction tends to come quickly after the first use, especially via injection. Heroin addiction creates a high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B or C and causes collapsed veins, abscesses, bacterial infections, infection of the valves and heart lining, and rheumatologic (such as arthritis) complications

METAMPHETAMINE Typically referred to as "speed," "chalk" and "meth. It can be orally ingested, inhaled, smoked or injected. has been FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and extreme obesity in children and adults under the trademark name Desoxyn.
Effects: The "high" from methamphetamines occurs within a few minutes after use and tends to end before the drug as fully invaded the body. Therefore, users constantly binge to maintain the high. This results in addiction that leads to hallucinations, paranoia, weight loss, stroke, repetitive behavior and mood swings.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS These are often prescribed by a physician to treat physical pain, anxiety and sleep disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity. However, many patients become dependent on them and continue to digest them even after the condition is cured. Vicodin, OxyContin (opioids), Valium and Ritalin are some of the most abused prescription drugs. Effects: Addiction to prescription drugs causes high body temperature, irregular heartbeat and the risk of cardiac arrest.

ECSTACY - Also called MDMA or Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, this drug tends to create a sense of euphoria and an expansive love or desire to nurture others. Effects: In overdose, it can increase body temperature to the point of being fatal. Also causes loss of appetite and sleep. Its often results in exhaustion, dehydration and death.

Amphetamine

Cannabis or Marijuana

Anabolic Steroids

Caffeine

Hallucinogens

Nicotine

Inhalants

Opiates

Phencyclidine

Sedatives, Hypnotic and Anti-Anxiety Drugs

Severe depression Mood disorders (depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder) Anti-social personality disorder Weakening health Brain impairment Suicidal thoughts

In order to be diagnosed with drug abuse, an individual must exhibit a destructive pattern of drug abuse that leads to significant problems or stress but not enough to qualify as being addicted to a drug. This pattern is manifested by at least one of the following signs or symptoms in the same one-year period: Recurrent drug use that results in a lack of meeting important obligations at work, school, or home. Recurrent drug use in situations that can be dangerous. Recurrent legal problems as a result of drug use. Continued drug use despite continued or repeated social or relationship problems as a result of the drug's effects

Drug addiction increases the risk of a number of negative life stressors and conditions. Individuals who are addicted to drugs are at increased risk for domestic violence, particularly if cocaine dependence or binge drinking is involved. If treated, the prognosis of alcoholism and other drug addictions improves but is not without challenges. Recovery from substance abuse is usually characterized by episodes of remission (abstinence from drug use) and relapse.