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ADDICTION
Submitted To:
Mohammed Azhar Pervaiz
History Of Drugs:
The phenomenon of drug addiction has occurred to some degree throughout recorded
history, though modern agricultural practices, improvements in access to drugs,
advancements in biochemistry, and dramatic increases in the recommendation of drug
usage by clinical practitioners have exacerbated the problem significantly in the 20th
century. Improved means of active biological agent manufacture and the introduction of
synthetic compounds, such as methamphetamine are also factors contributing to drug
addiction.
Components Of Drugs:
Drug addiction has two components: physical dependency, and psychological
dependency. Physical dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the
body has become accustomed to its effects. The person must then continue to use the
drug in order to feel normal, or its absence will trigger the symptoms of withdrawal.
Psychological dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the mind
has become emotionally reliant on its effects, either to elicit pleasure or relieve pain, and
does not feel capable of functioning without it. Its absence produces intense cravings,
which are often brought on or magnified by stress. A dependent person may have either
aspects of dependency or both.
"Chipping" is also a term used to describe a pattern of drug use in which the user is not
physically dependent and sustains 'controlled use' of a drug. This is done by avoiding
influences that reinforce dependence, such that the drug is used for relaxation and not for
escape. This is similar to the medical term 'recreational substance use'.
Addictive Nature:
The addictive nature of drugs varies from substance to substance, and from individual to
individual. Drugs such as codeine or alcohol, for instance, typically require many more
exposures to addict their users than drugs such as heroin or cocaine. Likewise, a person
who is psychologically or genetically predisposed to addiction is much more likely to
suffer from it.
Although dependency on hallucinogens like LSD ("acid") and psilocybin (key hallucinogen
in "magic mushrooms") is listed as Substance-Related Disorder in the DSM-IV, most
psychologists do not classify them as addictive drugs. Experts on addiction say that the
use of LSD and psilocybin causes neither psychological nor physical dependency. Many
users report feeling less desire to use these drugs after every use.
1- Tobacco
2- Alcohol
3- Cannabis
4- Heroin
5- Cocaine
Now we’ll explain the types of drugs.
Tobacco
Tobacco is the dried leaves of the
Tobacco plant. It grows in many
parts of the world. Tobacco can be
consumed in the form of cigarettes,
cigars, pipes, chewing, or sniffed in
the form of snuff.
Approximately 30% of people aged
16 or over regularly smoke. Most
Tobacco is smoked in the form of
cigarettes.
Cigarette smoke contains various substances such as nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide and
other gases. Some of these substances are absorbed by the lungs. Nicotine is the active
addictive of cigarette smoking as it builds up in the body. The effects decline soon after
stopping. As a consequence the user may be left wanting more after only a short time.
One or two cigarettes may increase blood pressure and heart rate. The appetite will be
suppressed and the skins temperature will lower. Smokers can use cigarettes to relieve
tension, boredom, and tiredness. First time users may feel dizzy and slightly sick.
The more you smoke the more you are at risk from heart disease, lug cancer, blood clots,
heart attacks, bronchitis and many, many more serious diseases. When the smoker stops
they may experience withdrawal effects such as restlessness, irritability, and depression.
Physical and psychological dependence often occurs with regular use. During pregnancy
smoking should be avoided as it leads to an increased risk of miscarriage and smaller
baby weight.
Effects:
Tobacco contributes to at least 100,000 deaths in the UK. A quarter of young male
smokers will die 'before their time' due to smoking related diseases. Smoking tobacco can
cause irreversible damage to the lungs, however if no irreversible damage has occurred,
then the lungs will repair and clean themselves leading to normal health and lifespan.
Women who smoke and take oral contraceptives are 10 times more likely to suffer heart
and circulatory diseases than non smoking women. Passive smoking affects non smokers
who are at risk of developing smoking related diseases if in regular contact with tobacco
smoke.
Legal Status:
Selling any tobacco product to those under 16 is illegal and can result in a fine of up to
£1000. There is no restriction on the possession and smoking of tobacco, though there
are bans on most forms of public transport and in some public places. The commercial
manufacture of tobacco requires a license, but anyone can grow tobacco for their own
use.
Alcohol
Alcoholic drinks consist of ethyl or
ethanol alcohol and water. Alcohol is
produced by the fermentation of
grains or vegetables. Beer contains
about 1 part alcohol to 20 parts
water, wine is 2-4 times as strong as
beer and spirits are even stronger.
Beer and wine drinking almost
certainly predate recorded history
and are an integral part of everyday
life in Britain.
Alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream and starts to take effect within five to ten
minutes. Effects may last from one to several hours depending on dose. The effects can
vary according to body size and whether food is in the stomach and how much the person
is used to drinking. After the equivalent of drinking two pints of beer most people feel less
inhibited and relaxed. Jovial and merry feelings can occur and getting drunk is a relatively
common event especially in student circles.
The first negative effect most people will experience with alcohol is a hangover consisting
of one, or a variety of symptoms, including a headache caused by dehydration (alcohol
affects the pituitary gland that controls the flow of water released by the body as urine). A
sick and raw feeling of the stomach can occur. Whilst under the influence of alcohol
accidents can happen and alcohol should not be taken before, or while operating
machinery or driving (even if you drank the night before). Larger doses may lead to
depressive and violent behavior. The sex drive may increase but performance may suffer
one form being brewer's droop! Alcohol is packed with calories one gin and tonic contains
the same amount as a bowl of ice cream so consistent use can lead to noticeable weight
gain.
Effects:
For some students alcohol consumption increases without them realizing - this can result
in financial problems, hangovers, affect their ability to concentrate on their studies,
morning lectures are missed and they find themselves having to fit their lifestyle around
their alcohol use. Some of these students may even experience health problems, such as
early gastric and liver damage. Regular drinking of large amounts of alcohol by pregnant
women can harm the fetus. Both physical and psychological dependence may occur with
high levels of use. Follow the link for guidelines from the Health Education Authority about
safe levels of drinking.
Alcohol and other drugs
It is not a good idea to take alcohol with other drugs as it can exaggerate the effect of
those drugs. There are risks of overdosing, becoming unconscious and choking on ones
vomit which can result in death. It is worth remembering that many drug related deaths
occur through mixing alcohol with other drugs.
Cannabis
Cannabis (blow, puff, dope, hash,
grass) is the most commonly used
illegal drug in the UK. It is usually
smoked in the form of resin, a
brown solid mass which is crumbled
and mixed with tobacco to form a
joint or spiff. Alternatively Cannabis
can be taken orally whether raw or
mixed in cakes, fudge etc.
Effects:
The effects of Cannabis can vary from person to person, some users may feel more
talkative, more relaxed, experience a sense of well being and being ‘stoned’ (heightened
perception) often mentally distancing them from their surroundings. Mild hallucinations
and strong feelings of affection may occur. Skunk is a new strain of Cannabis that is
extremely potent causing very strong hallucinogenic experiences.
When smoked Cannabis contains carcinogenic chemicals. If joint is made using Cannabis
and tobacco this will cause even more damage to the lungs. The most common bad
reactions to Cannabis are paranoia, panic attacks, mood swings, sleeping problems, short
term memory loss and reduced concentration which can be dangerous if operating
machinery or driving. Furthermore using Cannabis can result in craving for food which
could lead to noticeable weight gain with continuous use.
Cannabis may bring to the surface in some users emotional problems which my lead to
more severe mental health problems. Heavy users may become de-motivated in life
which can lead to alack of interest in academic matters. Users may begin to change their
lifestyle to fit around taking Cannabis and lose interest in their friends, family and social
affairs.
Like tobacco, long term regular smoking can lead to bronchitis and other lung disease
such as lung cancer. Physical dependence does not occur, although psychological
dependence may.
N.B. Traces of Cannabis can stay in the body for at least a month. This could be an issue if
a user has to take a pre-employment medical exam.
Heroin
Heroin addiction is a serious life
threatening dilemma. It can occur very
quickly among abusers who use heroin on
a regular basis. This is due to the fact that
tolerance develops upon repeated use of
the drug. Users suddenly find that they are
using more and more heroin to achieve the
same high that they originally felt. The
addictive nature of heroin is characterized
by the tolerance a user builds to the drug
as well as constant cravings for heroin.
Heroin activates brain regions that
produce euphoric sensations and physical dependence. Heroin is notorious for its ability
to produce both psychological and physical addiction. Chronic heroin users will
experience withdrawal symptoms when heroin use is discontinued. Heroin overdose is
responsible for the majority of accidental drug related deaths in the U.S.
Symptoms:
• Sweating
• Dry Mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Increased urination
• Itchy skin
• Suppression of pain
• Slowed breathing
• Skin abscesses
Potential Negative Effects of Heroin:
• Restlessness
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Menstrual irregularities
• Collapsed veins
• Liver disease
• Lowered resistance to infection
• Respiratory failure
• Respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia
• Reduced respiration; breathing difficulties
• Tolerance
• Withdrawal
• Overdose
• Addiction
Every drug has different signs and symptoms of use, heroin is no different. Heroin users
who inject the drug typically will cover up the injection area by wearing a long sleeved
shirt or long pants. After repeated use of heroin the individual will begin to develop track
marks in the areas that they inject most. These will appear as puncture marks that may
be bruised or even infected if left without medical care. All heroin users will have pin-point
pupils while on the drug. This is a reaction caused by opiates and is not uncommon.
Heroin creates a feeling of well-being in the user that they are not able to obtain from
their everyday lives. When they use they forget about their problems for the short while
they are high and feel relaxed and good. These feelings of pleasure soon turn to pain
when heroin withdrawal sets in. Heroin withdrawal is an exceptionally painful process.
This takes place when individuals who are dependent on heroin discontinue using. The
withdrawal symptoms range from depression, nausea, convulsions, up to abnormal
heartbeat and heart attacks.
There are different levels of drug addiction. Heroin is both addictive mentally and
physically. The user not only craves the drug to feel good, but needs it to avoid
withdrawal. This becomes a double edged sword for those individuals who try to end their
dependence on the drug. Many find that as the withdrawal symptoms become worse they
are unable to stay away from the drug, knowing that using will end their suffering and
pain. Many turn to methadone to supplement heroin so that they do not have to
experience heroin's withdrawal symptoms. In the end they find that they are either
dependent on methadone for the rest of their lives or the withdrawal from methadone is
even more painful and unbearable than when they tried to withdrawal from heroin.
Individuals who suffer from heroin dependence will find that attending a drug rehab is an
excellent way to end their problem. Once entered into a treatment facility they will be
detoxed from the drug. During this time they will be monitored carefully to make sure
that their pain and suffering from heroin withdrawal is not to overwhelming. Detox
provides the individual with a safe environment to rid themselves from the drug and
begin to feel better. This is not the end of recovery though. The individual still needs help
in remaining drug free. Attendance at a recovery facility is necessary to provide the
former heroin addict with the skills necessary to prevent them from returning to their old
ways.
Cocaine
Cocaine is produced from the Coca leaf.
These leaves are grown mainly in South
America. Cocaine is addictive and can
cause numerous physical and mental
complications to the user.
Once extracted from the leaf cocaine exists
as a white powder or as crack cocaine. In
crack cocaine the cocaine is heated with
ammonia, water and sodium bicarbonate.
This is known as free basing. This can be
very dangerous and the mixture is unstable
and may explode. Crack cocaine is
produced for smoking.
Effects:
Cocaine can be taken in many ways. Snorting cocaine may lead to a loss of sense of
smell, nosebleeds, problems with swallowing, hoarseness, and an overall irritation of the
nasal passage. When ingesting cocaine it can causes reduced blow flow and thus
producing severe bowel gangrene. Injecting cocaine may also produce an allergic
reaction. This can be either due to the drug or to some additive it has been cut with. This
can result in death but only in severe cases. Cocaine can also cause a loss of appetite in
heavy users can experience significant weight loss and malnourishment.
The user can feel invincible and confident due to a powerful buzz. Animated and intense
talking, feelings of well being and strength are common, as well as a preoccupation with
the effect of the drug. The intense high lasts 10 - 15 minutes. The remaining effects
disappearing within an hour. As a result the user may need repeated doses to maintain
the high. The user may feel a constant need for more to obtain the same effect.
Legal Status:
Cocaine may be prescribed in certain circumstances, otherwise they are illegal to
possess, supply or produce, (unless authorized to do so). Similarly it is illegal to allow
premises to be used for their supply or production.
Symptoms:
With an excess amount of cocaine within the human system the symptoms can include:
• Chest pain and heart attacks.
• Nausea.
• Blurred vision.
• Fever.
• Muscle spasms.
• Convulsions.
• Coma.
• Anxiousness.
• Aggressiveness.
Why drugs are being used by people?
There are many reasons why people use drugs. Some people use drugs because they like
the rush it gives them or because they are thrill-seekers. Others may try a drug out of
curiosity or because their friends do it. However, many people use drugs in order to cope
with unpleasant emotions and the difficulties of life. In fact, the National Alliance on
Mental Illness estimates that around 50% of drug abusers also suffer from a mental illness
such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia.
People who are suffering emotionally use drugs—not in order to get high—but to feel
normal. Drug use can be a seemingly attractive and easy escape from all kinds of
problems. Speed might be used to fight feelings of inferiority, sleeping pills to deal with
panic attacks, or painkillers to numb depression. However while drug use might make a
person feel better in the short-term, this attempt to self-medicate ultimately backfires.
Instead of treating the underlying problem, drug use simply masks the symptoms. Take
the drug away and the problem is still there, whether it be low self-esteem, stress, or an
unhappy family life. Furthermore, prolonged drug use eventually brings its own host of
problems, including major disruptions to normal, daily functioning. Unfortunately, the
psychological, physical, and social consequences of drug abuse and dependence are
often worse than the original problem the user was trying to cope with or avoid.
What are the signs and symptoms of drug addiction and abuse?
The more drug use begins to affect and control a person's life, the more likely it is that he
or she has a drug problem. Unfortunately, substance abusers are often the last ones to
recognize their own symptoms of dependence and addiction. If you suspect that a friend
or loved one is abusing drugs, it's important to remember that drug abusers often try to
conceal their symptoms and downplay their problem. But there are a number of warning
signs you can look for:
Treatment medications, such as methadone, LAAM, and naltrexone, are available for
individuals addicted to opiates. Nicotine preparations (patches, gum, nasal spray) and
bupropion are available for individuals addicted to nicotine.
Nearly all addicted individuals believe in the beginning that they can stop using drugs on
their own, and most try to stop without treatment. However, most of these attempts
result in failure to achieve long-term abstinence. Research has shown that long-term drug
use results in significant changes in brain function that persist long after the individual
stops using drugs. These drug-induced changes in brain function may have many
behavioral consequences, including the compulsion to use drugs despite adverse
consequences the defining characteristic of addiction.
Understanding that addiction has such an important biological component may help
explain an individual's difficulty in achieving and maintaining abstinence without
treatment. Psychological stress from work or family problems, social cues (such as
meeting individuals from one's drug-using past), or the environment (such as
encountering streets, objects, or even smells associated with drug use) can interact with
biological factors to hinder attainment of sustained abstinence and make relapse more
likely. Research studies indicate that even the most severely addicted individuals can
participate actively in treatment and that active participation is essential to good
outcomes.
In addition to stopping drug use, the goal of treatment is to return the individual to
productive functioning in the family, workplace, and community. Measures of
effectiveness typically include levels of criminal behavior, family functioning,
employability, and medical condition. Overall, treatment of addiction is as successful as
treatment of other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.
According to several studies, drug treatment reduces drug use by 40 to 60 percent and
significantly decreases criminal activity during and after treatment. For example, a study
of therapeutic community treatment for drug offenders demonstrated that arrests for
violent and nonviolent criminal acts were reduced by 40 percent or more. Methadone
treatment has been shown to decrease criminal behavior by as much as 50 percent.
Research shows that drug addiction treatment reduces the risk of HIV infection and that
interventions to prevent HIV are much less costly than treating HIV-related illnesses.
Treatment can improve the prospects for employment, with gains of up to 40 percent
after treatment.
Although these effectiveness rates hold in general, individual treatment outcomes
depend on the extent and nature of the patient's presenting problems, the
appropriateness of the treatment components and related services used to address those
problems, and the degree of active engagement of the patient in the treatment process.
Since successful outcomes often depend upon retaining the person long enough to gain
the full benefits of treatment, strategies for keeping an individual in the program are
critical. Whether a patient stays in treatment depends on factors associated with both the
individual and the program. Individual factors related to engagement and retention
include motivation to change drug-using behavior, degree of support from family and
friends, and whether there is pressure to stay in treatment from the criminal justice
system, child protection services, employers, or the family. Within the program,
successful counselors are able to establish a positive, therapeutic relationship with the
patient. The counselor should ensure that a treatment plan is established and followed so
that the individual knows what to expect during treatment. Medical, psychiatric, and
social services should be available.
Since some individual problems (such as serious mental illness, severe cocaine or crack
use, and criminal involvement) increase the likelihood of a patient dropping out, intensive
treatment with a range of components may be required to retain patients who have these
problems. The provider then should ensure a transition to continuing care or "aftercare"
following the patient's completion of formal treatment.