TYPES OF DRUG ADDICTION:

Following are the types of drug addiction: Alcoholism

In 1849, physician Magnus Huss created the term "alcoholism" to describe the negative effects of alcohol on the human system. Alcoholism (alcohol dependence) refers mainly to a person's craving for alcohol. The alcoholic has an irrepressible compulsion to drink. He has no control over his actions and is unable to limit his drinking. He feels he must increase his drinking so he can attain his "high." Alcoholism is the No. 1 cause of domestic violence. In the early 1900s cocaine was the main stimulant used in elixirs/tonics, which were developed to treat many illnesses. Since then, its distribution has surpassed medical use and many illegally use it to attain a sudden "rush" by inhaling, smoking or injecting it. Addiction to cocaine produces restlessness, auditory hallucinations, paranoia, irritability and mood swings. 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. It produces an "euphoric high," and 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. Typically referred to as "speed," "chalk" and "meth," methamphetamines can be orally ingested, inhaled, smoked or injected. The "high" from methamphetamines occurs within a few minutes after use and tends to end before the drug has 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 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. Addiction to prescription drugs causes high body temperature, irregular heartbeat and the risk of cardiac arrest.

Cocaine

Heroin

Methamphetamine

Prescription Drugs

Ecstasy

Ecstasy, commonly referred to as today's LSD (hallucinogen), is highly associated with teen social events or "raves." It is also one of the deadliest drugs available. Users claim to get a relaxed pleasant sensation that invokes heightened feelings of love and affection and also causes loss of appetite and sleep. Ecstasy addiction often results in exhaustion, dehydration and death.