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Where can I find information about drug treatment

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Where can I find information about drug treatment

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Treatment will vary for each person, depending on the type of drug(s) abused. Often, multiple courses of treatment may be needed to achieve success. You can find more information at

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General Questions

Questions About Addiction to Drugs

Questions About Health Outcomes Related to Drug Abuse

Questions About Drug Addiction Treatment

General Questions About NIDA and Drug Abuse

NIDA is one of the 27 Institutes and Centers comprising the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA is the largest supporter of the world's research on drug abuse and addiction. NIDA-funded scientific research on illicit and prescription drugs, as well as on nicotine, addresses the most fundamental and essential questions about drug abuse, including tracking emerging drug use trends, understanding how drugs work in the brain and body, developing and testing new drug treatment and prevention approaches, and disseminating findings to the general public and special populations.

The HBO Addiction Project is a multimedia venture that includes a centerpiece documentary, supplementary materials, a website, and a book. This monumental project was done in partnership with NIDA, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The purpose of HBO's Addiction Project is to provide the public with an in-depth picture of the science of addiction, treatment, and recovery, with contributions from the Nation's leading scientists and the personal narratives of addicts and their loved ones.

As the foremost expert authority on the science of drug addiction, NIDA's scientists and staff worked closely with HBO to provide an accurate and comprehensive picture of the current science on drug addiction. By recommending the most appropriate scientists to feature in the documentary, including our Director, Dr. Nora Volkow, providing research-based information about addiction, and fact-checking much of the information HBO is distributing through this project, NIDA sought to ensure that HBO's contribution to the public's understanding of drug addiction was based on research. While NIDA is a proud partner in this project, it was not funded by NIDA, and the views expressed in the documentary and other materials are not necessarily those of NIDA.

NIDA and other agencies monitor which drugs are being abused by tracking drug abuse trends through national surveys and other data collection systems. One example is the NIDA-funded Monitoring the Future survey, which gathers information on use patterns and attitudes toward commonly abused drugs among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. Below are highlights of the 2006 Monitoring the Future Survey:

The Good News

Overall, the results are positive - an approximate 23% decline over the last five years in the past-month use of any illicit drug by students in the 8th, 10th, and 12th grades combined (see figure).

Cigarette smoking continues to fall to the lowest rate in the survey's history. And, between 2001 and 2006, declines were observed in daily cigarette use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders. These findings are particularly noteworthy since tobacco addiction is one of the leading preventable contributors to many of our Nation's health problems.

Between 2001 and 2006, marijuana use within the past month declined by nearly 25% for 8th, 10th, and 12th graders combined. Lifetime, past-month, and past-year use of marijuana decreased among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders separately, and daily use decreased among 10th graders during the same time frame.

Since 2001, lifetime, past-year, and past-month steroid use decreased among 8th and 10th graders; lifetime use of steroids also decreased among 12th graders.

Lifetime, past-year, and past-month use of MDMA (Ecstasy) decreased among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders from 2001 to 2006 - by more than 50% on most measures.

Methamphetamine abuse continues to decline - on all indicators for each grade since 2001; and past-year and past-month use declined among 10th graders between 2005 and 2006.

Lifetime and past-year use of alcohol modestly decreased among 12th graders, but remains prevalent.

Areas of Concern

While past-year OxyContin abuse was down among 12th grade students - from 5.5% in 2005 to 4.3% in 2006 - the rate nearly doubled among 8th graders between 2002 and 2006 - from 1.3% to 2.6%. Vicodin continues to be abused at unacceptably high levels - 9.7% for 12th graders, 7.0% for 10th graders, and 3.0% for 8th graders.

A question on the non-medical use of over-the-counter cough or cold medicines was added to the survey in 2006, with nearly 7% of 12th graders reporting past-year abuse of cough or cold medicines to get high.

Although overall rates are stable, 8th graders, at 9.1%, continued in 2006 to have a higher rate of past-year use of inhalants compared to 10th and 12th graders, at 6.5% and 4.5% respectively. This is one of the few categories in which 8th graders report higher rates of abuse than 10th and 12th graders.

Attitudes toward substance abuse, often seen as harbingers of change in abuse rates, were mostly stable. However, among 8th graders, perceived risk of harm associated with MDMA decreased for the second year in a row, and disapproval of using MDMA also decreased this year. Attitudes about risk of harm and disapproval of using LSD also softened among 8th graders this year.

To learn more about this survey please visit: http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/

Estimates of the total overall costs of substance abuse in the United States - including health- and crime-related costs as well as losses in productivity - exceed half a trillion dollars annually: approximately $181 billion for illicit drugs,[1] $168 billion for tobacco,[2] and $185 billion for alcohol.[3]

The $181 billion illegal drug use cost is subdivided as follows:

$129 billion in lost productivity;

$16 billion in healthcare costs; and

$36 billion in other costs, such as efforts to stem the flow of drugs.

For more details on the economic cost of drug abuse, visit http://www.ncjrs.gov/ondcppubs/publications/pdf/economic_costs.pdf (PDF, 999KB).

Beyond the raw numbers are other costs to society:

The spread of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C either through sharing of drug paraphernalia or risky sexual behaviors, which sometimes result from drug intoxication;

Deaths due to overdose or other complications from drug use;

The effects on unborn children of pregnant drug users;

Child abuse and neglect by parents who are drug abusers; and

Other effects such as crime, accidents and homelessness.

Further, substance abuse and addiction start early and can tragically alter the course of a young person's life. These costs cannot adequately be measured, but nonetheless have a devastating impact.

[1] Office of National Drug Policy (2004). The Economic Costs of Drug Abuse in the United States: 1992-2002. Washington, DC: Executive Office of the President (Publication No. 207303). 2004.
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Annual Smoking-Attributable Mortality, Years of Potential Life Lost, and Productivity Losses - United States, 1997-2001 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 54(25):625-628, July 1, 2005.
[3] Harwood, H. Updating Estimates of the Economic Costs of Alcohol Abuse in the United States: Estimates, Update Methods, and Data Report prepared by the Lewin Group for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2000. 2000.

In 2007, NIDA released a comprehensive booklet Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. This booklet aims to help people understand why individuals become addicted to drugs.

Another resource is the NIDA website, which provides detailed information on drugs of abuse, latest research findings, and multiple links to information tailored for teens, parents, and teachers. Please visit:

NIDA's website is a tremendous resource for educational materials. For print copies of publications, NIDA maintains an online publications catalog; orders can be placed by calling DrugPubs at 1-877-NIDA-NIH (1-877-643-2644). Many of our publications are available in both English and Spanish, and most of these materials are free of charge. For teachers and students, our NIDA Goes Back to School section provides a wealth of educationally appropriate materials, including curricula, posters, booklets, and other educational materials developed in collaboration with Scholastic Marketing Partners, part of Scholastic, the global children's publishing and media company.

NIDA's education materials for the public also include:

Questions About Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain and causes compulsive drug craving, seeking, and use despite harmful and often devastating consequences. For more information, see Drug Abuse and Addiction: One of America's Most Challenging Public Health Problems (Archives).

Addiction is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain - in structure and in function. It's true that for most people, the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary. Over time, however, the brain changes that occur with drug abuse erode a person's self control and ability to make sound decisions, while prompting intense urges to take drugs.

To understand how drugs work in the brain first requires a general understanding of the brain itself - not an easy task, given that that the brain is the most complex organ in the human body. The brain has multiple systems that control how our bodies function - everything from when we sleep, to how we feel, to what we think, to what we like to eat, etc. The brain controls these systems through a far-reaching communications network that uses chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) to transmit messages between nerve cells (neurons). When the brain is exposed to drugs, a variety of systems are compromised, since the communications network that runs them is impaired. There are at least two ways in which drugs disrupt communication in the brain:

Imitating natural neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain). Because of the similarity in chemical structure between certain drugs (such as marijuana and heroin) and the neurotransmitters naturally produced by the brain, drugs are able to "fool" the neurons into sending abnormal messages via the network.

Over-stimulating the reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. Nearly all drugs of abuse directly or indirectly increase dopamine signals in the reward pathway. Some drugs, particularly stimulants like methamphetamine, cause nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of dopamine, whereas others, such as cocaine, prevent the normal recycling of dopamine, which is needed to shut off the signal between neurons.

This is a difficult question, and the answer is complex. We know that many factors affect vulnerability to addiction and protection from it. These include: the drug itself and how it is taken (smoked, swallowed, injected), how often, and how easy it is to get; individual differences based on genes, gender, age, and other events in a person's life, including past experiences; and cultural/societal factors related to norms, economics, and legal consequences, for example. And this is only a partial list.

In fact, no single factor can predict whether or not a person will become addicted to drugs - any drugs. However, the more risk factors an individual has, the greater the chance that taking drugs will lead to addiction. For example:

Biology. People with a family history of addiction to drugs or alcohol may have an increased genetic risk for becoming addicted - it is estimated that genes account for about half of this vulnerability. But it is not only having these genes that matters, it is how they interact with other biological (e.g. gender, ethnicity, mental illness) and environmental (e.g. stress, poverty, drug availability) factors that accounts for a person's vulnerability to addiction. Even with no family history of alcohol or drug addiction, an individual is not safe from addiction; anyone who uses drugs, regardless of family history, is at risk. So while genes play a significant role, they do not by themselves determine whether someone becomes addicted.

Environment. A person's environment includes many different influences - from family and friends to socioeconomic status to quality of life in general. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, stress, and parental involvement can greatly influence the course of drug abuse and addiction in a person's life.

Development. Drug abuse and addiction typically begin in adolescence and sometimes even earlier. Research shows that the younger a person is when they start using drugs, the greater his or her chances of developing later drug problems. This may be because the brain does not fully mature until about age 25; thus, exposure to drugs may alter its development. Moreover, the last parts of the brain to develop are the ones responsible for decision-making, judgment, and self-control, which helps explain why adolescents are especially prone to risk-taking behaviors, including trying drugs of abuse.

Understanding why some people become addicted to drugs and others do not is a complex issue and one that our still-evolving science is addressing. In assessing personal risk, it is important to consider family history, social environment, and age, among other factors. Ultimately, the only way to avoid becoming addicted to drugs is not to use them, since it is not possible for a person to predict whether or when they will become addicted and if they do, how ravaged their life will be as a result. In fact, addiction is only one serious consequence that can result from drug abuse - accidents, disease, and other harms can occur even with a single use.

If a person is compulsively seeking and using a drug despite negative consequences, such as loss of job, debt, physical problems brought on by drug abuse, or family problems, then he or she probably is addicted.

The physical signs of abuse or addiction can vary depending on the person and the drug being abused. Each drug has short-term and long-term physical effects. And while some of these effects can be seen, others can not. It is therefore important that if you suspect a loved one is addicted, you suggest they seek professional help to determine if this is the case and, if so, the appropriate treatment.

Withdrawal is the all-inclusive term used to describe a complex variety of unpleasant physical symptoms that occur when the use of some addictive drugs is reduced or stopped. Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal.

Length of withdrawal and the severity of physical symptoms vary with the type of drug and how long it has been taken. For example, physical symptoms of highly addictive drugs, such as heroin, may not only include difficult physical symptoms that may last for several days, but also general depression, or dysphoria (opposite of euphoria), that can last for weeks. In many cases, withdrawal can be treated with medications to ease the symptoms, but treating withdrawal symptoms and/or detoxifying the body from drugs is not the same as treating addiction - it is only the first step and should be followed by treatment with a behavioral-based therapy and/or a medication, if available.

Questions About Health Outcomes Related to Drug Abuse

NIDA has health information on many commonly abused drugs, including illicit and prescription drugs. Brief charts summarizing information, such as street and commercial names and health effects of drugs, are available online at: Commonly Abused Drugs Chart and Commonly Abuse Prescription Drugs Chart. Additional, more in-depth information can be found in our Medical Consequences Section

Drugs produce abnormally large surges in dopamine in the brain's reward structures that lead to the "high" drug users often refer to. In response, the brain becomes less reactive to the drug, and the user feels less and less of a "high" from the same amount of the drug - an effect known as tolerance. In addition, because drugs tap into the same parts of the brain involved with natural rewards - such as seeing a good friend or eating a delicious meal - the brain also becomes less sensitive to these types of everyday non-drug-related events and activities. As addiction deepens, the drugs become less an added positive experience and more a necessity for the brain (and the abuser) merely to feel "normal."

In addition to the dopamine-release system, or the reward system, long-term drug abuse changes other brain chemical systems that control the ability to learn, to remember, and to exert control over one's behavior. With repeated abuse, a type of conditioning (or non-conscious memory formation) occurs in which a person becomes highly sensitive to environmental cues associated with drug-taking. These cues can include people, places, or even mood states linked to the drug experience. They can trigger uncontrollable drug cravings, even when the drug itself is not available, and lead to relapse in formerly abstinent drug abusers.

All of the changes that take place in the brain from repeated exposure to drugs constitute addiction. Brain imaging studies of drug-addicted individuals show such changes in brain areas critical to judgment, decision-making, learning and memory, and behavior control. These changes are what drive an abuser to seek out and take drugs compulsively despite catastrophic adverse consequences.

Pregnant women who abuse drugs place themselves and their developing fetuses at risk for negative health effects. Since the fetus' health is directly related to the health of the mother, it is important to consider the negative health affects that drugs have on all people, including pregnant women.

In addition, a pregnant woman who abuses drugs may have other risk factors that could adversely affect the health and well being of her child. These can include poor nutrition and health care, lack of prenatal care, and a chaotic home environment. Further, alcohol, nicotine, and other drugs of abuse can directly affect the developing fetus because they travel across or through the placenta.

For many drugs of abuse, the long-term health effects are not yet known, or are tangled up with other adverse environmental circumstances associated with drug abuse. Nevertheless, studies show long-term behavioral effects and vulnerabilities to addiction in the offspring of mothers who used drugs (including nicotine and alcohol). Pregnant women should be encouraged to abstain from these substances, or to get treatment as early as possible in their pregnancies.

Questions About Drug Addiction Treatment

It is a myth that an addict must hit "rock bottom" to be ready for treatment. The reality is, treatment works regardless of whether a person has hit rock bottom; and catching a person earlier in the addiction cycle, may mean fewer accompanying problems and a better overall prognosis for long-term recovery. Further, "rock bottom" is a dangerous place to be, and for many addicts, that point is when a near-fatal overdose or other serious health or criminal justice consequence has occurred. If you think a loved one is in need of treatment, it is advisable to do everything in your power to help them find the courage, determination, and means to seek treatment as early as possible.

Yes. Research shows that combining addiction-treatment medications, where available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to address each patient's drug abuse patterns and co-occurring medical, psychiatric, and social problems can lead to sustained recovery and a life without drug abuse. It is important to remember, however, that drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease - like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease - that can be managed successfully. Treatment helps people to counteract addiction's powerful disruptive effects and regain control of their lives. And just as with other chronic diseases, relapses may occur but do not signal failure; rather, they indicate that treatment should be reinstated or adjusted to help the person fully recover.

Treatment will vary for each person, depending on the type of drug(s) abused. Often, multiple courses of treatment may be needed to achieve success. NIDA's Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide describes 13 basic principles that underlie effective drug addiction treatment based on 30 years of research. NIDA has also recently released a treatment guide for criminal-justice involved populations, with research-based principles aimed at decreasing drug abuse and criminal recidivism: Principles of Drug Abuse Treatment for Criminal Justice Populations - A Research Based Guide.

For referrals to treatment programs, call 1-800-662-HELP, or visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration online at http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.

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HBO Addiction Project - Frequently Asked Questions

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General Questions What does the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) do? What is The HBO Addiction Project and how is NIDA involved? What drugs are commonly abused? What are the costs of substance abuse to society? Where can I learn more about the science of drug addiction?

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Are there effective treatments for addiction?

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Are there effective treatments for addiction?

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Yes, there are treatments that have been shown effective for drug addiction, but many times addicts will need to repeat the treatment course several times before achieving success.

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When is the best time to get someone treatment?

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When is the best time to get someone treatment?

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It is a myth that an addicted individual must hit "rock bottom" to be ready for treatment. Helping someone get help early in their addiction cycle will result in fewer accompanying psychological and physical problems and a better prognosis for long-term recovery. Furthermore, "rock bottom" is a dangerous place to be because for many addicts, that point is when a near-fatal or fatal overdose, serious accident or criminal justice consequence has occurred.

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If a pregnat woman abuses drugs, does it affect the fetus?

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If a pregnat woman abuses drugs, does it affect the fetus?

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Pregnant women who abuse drugs place themselves and their developing fetuses at risk for negative health effects.

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If you're pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant and want a healthy baby, then it's very important to avoid drug use during pregnancy. Illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine aren't the only drugs that are harmful to fetal development; Commonly used over-the-counter medicines, along with substances such as caffeine and alcohol, can have lasting effects on an unborn child.

Why are pregnant women warned not to use drugs?

It's possible that you may not have a serious or long-lasting problem after using drugs. But the same is not always true for a fetus. Drug-using mothers often give birth to "drug babies." These children have a host of developmental problems.

Studies show that using drugs -- legal or illegal -- during pregnancy has a direct impact on the fetus. If you smoke, drink alcohol, or ingest caffeine, so does the fetus. If you use marijuana or crystal meth, your fetus also feels the impact of these dangerous drugs. And if you are addicted to cocaine -- also called coke, snow, or blow -- you're not only putting your own life on the line, but you are risking the health of your unborn baby.. The consequences of using cocaine include heart attacks, respiratory failure, strokes, and seizures. And these life-threatening health problems can also be passed to an unborn baby.

Taking drugs during pregnancy also increases the chance of birth defects, premature babies, underweight babies, and stillborn births. Exposure to drugs such as marijuana -- also called weed, ganja, dope, or pot -- and alcohol before birth has been proven to cause behavior problems in early childhood. These drugs can also affect the child's memory and attentiveness. In addition, some findings show that babies born to women who use cocaine, alcohol, or tobacco when they are pregnant may have brain structure changes that persist into early adolescence.

While cocaine's effects are usually immediate, the effect it can have on a fetus may last a lifetime. Babies born to mothers who smoke crack cocaine during pregnancy -- so-called ''crack babies'' -- usually have their own set of physical and mental problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, exposure to cocaine in the womb can lead to subtle, yet significant, deficits later in children. These deficits usually show up in areas such as cognitive performance, information-processing, and attention to tasks. These are areas that are vital for success not just in school, but in life.

Continued

Which drugs have the most serious consequences for the fetus?

Taking almost any drug during pregnancy can have serious consequences for the fetus. For instance, babies who are exposed to cocaine have a tendency to have smaller heads that indicate a lower IQ. Cocaine-exposed babies have a higher risk of birth defects that impact the urinary tract or heart. Cocaine may also cause a stroke in an unborn fetus, resulting in brain damage or even death.

Using cocaine or methamphetamine -- also called speed, Tina, crank, or ice -- increases the risk of miscarriage early in the pregnancy. Later in the pregnancy, these illicit drugs may cause pre-term labor and low birth weight, as well as babies who are irritable and have feeding difficulties.

Pregnant women who smoke marijuana face a higher risk of premature birth and low birth weight. Smoking pot may cause developmental delays in the child. And after delivery, babies who have been exposed to marijuana seem to undergo withdrawal symptoms with excessive crying and trembling.

What about cigarette smoking during pregnancy?

Cigarette smoking causes serious illness and premature death in the general population. But pregnant women who smoke pass the nicotine and other carcinogenic chemicals to the growing fetus. According to the Centers for Disease Control, mothers who smoke early in their pregnancy are more likely to deliver babies that have several different heart defects, including septal defects - essentially a hole in the wall between the heart's left and right chambers. Sadly, most infants with congenital heart defects die in the first year of life. Those infants who survive often face lengthy hospital stays and numerous surgeries along with a lifetime of disabilities.

Women who smoke are also more likely to have placenta problems. This is a serious concern because the placenta provides nourishment to the baby in the womb. Smokers also have low-birth-weight babies, premature deliveries, and babies with cleft palate. In addition, smoking during pregnancy and after delivery is one of the causes associated with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Does drinking during pregnancy cause fetal alcohol syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) refer to a range of disorders caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome can cause abnormal facial features, growth deficiency, and problems with the central nervous system. Children with fetal alcohol syndrome may also have learning disabilities, attention span disorders, and other physical disabilities, including vision and hearing problems.

There is no "safe" limit of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Some studies have found that small amounts of alcohol consumption can have the same adverse effects on the fetus as binge drinking.

Continued

Why is caffeine considered a "drug" during pregnancy?

Caffeine is legal and prevalent in foods such as chocolate and drinks such as coffee and sodas. But experts claim it's still a drug and should be limited. Caffeine has been a controversial subject in FDA guidelines. In the early 1980's, the FDA released a study that stated caffeine use had toxic results in studies of rats. However, this warning has since been loosened a bit.

Pregnant women who need caffeine should regulate it. It can cause low birth weight and irritability if taken in large quantities.

Are prescription drugs harmful to the unborn fetus?

They might be. It's necessary to monitor intake of prescription drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) medications if you are pregnant. However, because it's unethical to test drugs on pregnant women, the effects of many drugs during pregnancy simply aren't known.

Pharmaceutical companies are required to report any problems with medications to the FDA. You and your doctor can also report problems with a medication to the FDA. The FDA has guidelines for drug companies to follow in labeling medications about their effect on pregnancy and the growing fetus. By reading the product information, you can learn more about how the medication may affect your pregnancy.

The FDA requires drug companies to conduct special studies called pregnancy registries. Women who take a certain medication may enroll in the study. After delivery, their babies are compared to babies of moms who didn't take the medication during pregnancy. When the data is compiled, these studies can help agencies monitor the effects of medications after they are made available.

Some women must take drugs during pregnancy. They may need to take them for pain or for a serious condition such as asthma, epilepsy, hypertension or depression. If you are concerned about using a prescription or over-the-counter medication during pregnancy, talk with your doctor and get more information about the drug's safety.

How many pregnant women abuse drugs each year?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 5.4 percent of pregnant women between ages 18-44 had used alcohol during their first trimester, 4.8 percent in their second trimester, and 2.4 percent in the last trimester of pregnancy. Similar numbers were seen with marijuana, cigarette, and binge alcohol use.

Continued

Are any drugs safe during pregnancy?

While a few prescription and over-the-counter medications are considered "safe" during pregnancy, most drugs are not. If you are taking medications for medical purposes, here are some safety tips to follow when you are pregnant:

Always read the medication label. Many of the products will tell you on the label if they are safe for use while pregnant. If you are unsure about taking an OTC product, call your doctor.

Natural dietary supplements -- herbs, amino acids, minerals, mega-vitamins -- might be considered natural, but that does not mean they are safe. Talk with your health care provider before taking any unproven or "natural" remedy.

According to the FDA, aspirin and ibuprofen should not be taken during the last 3 months of your pregnancy unless you are instructed by your doctor to take it. These drugs can cause problems for your baby or cause problems when you are in labor.

Talk with your doctor about special prenatal vitamins that are safe for mom and baby. OTC vitamins may have doses that are too high.

Sources

SOURCES:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - National Survey on Drug Use and Health, September 2014.

National Toxicology Program: "Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR)."

March of Dimes: "Illicit Drug Use During Pregnancy."

Medline Plus: "Pregnancy and Substance Abuse."

CDC: "Smoking Early In Pregnancy Raises Risks Of Heart Defects In Newborns."

FDA: "Pregnancy and the Drug Dilemma."

National Toxicology Program: "Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction (CERHR)."

Bruce, D, PhD. Making a Baby: Everything You Need to Know to Get Pregnant, Ballantine Books, 2000.

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If you're pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant and want a healthy baby, then it's very important to avoid drug use during pregnancy. Illegal drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine aren't the only drugs that are harmful to fetal development; Commonly used over-the-counter medicines, along with substances such as caffeine and alcohol, can have lasting effects on an unborn child.

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What happens to your brain if you keep taking drugs?

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What happens to your brain if you keep taking drugs?

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There are various things that can happen to your brain if you keep but in some drugs such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause the nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters, or prevent the normal recycling of these brain  chemicals.

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Other than addiction, what are some other health consequencesof abusing drugs?

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Other than addiction, what are some other health consequencesof abusing drugs?

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Other than addiction, other health consequences of abusing drugs are, behavioral, interpersonal, and social consequences of the use of alcohol or other drugs can be quite similar, the physiological and psychological responses differ according to the classification of the chemical ingested

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What are withdrawal and detoxification(detox)?

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What are withdrawal and detoxification(detox)?

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Withdrawal is the all-inclusive term used to describe a complex variety of unpleasant physical symptoms that occur when the use of some addictive drugs is reduced or stopped. Detoxification is the process of allowing the body to rid itself of a drug while managing the symptoms of withdrawal.

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How do I know if someone is addicted to drugs

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How do I know if someone is addicted to drugs

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To know if someone is addicted to drugs well some people don't have any consequences but many other people it can cause problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, leaving you feeling isolated, helpless, or ashamed.

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Why do some  people become addicted while others don not?

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Why do some  people become addicted while others don not?

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Some people become addicted while other don't because the more a person uses drugs, the more he risks precipitating the changes in the brain’s Reward System that result in addiction

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The way drugs work in the brain can be different, it depends on the type of drug.

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Addiction is a disease because it is preventable, treatable it changes biology and if untreated it can last a lifetime.

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The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

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Watch this animated infographic to learn more. It explains that addiction is a disease that involves changes in the structure and function of the brain, which can result in compulsive substance use. This is a complex condition and like other diseases, it can be prevented, treated and managed by medical and other health professionals.

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Drug addiction is when you do a drug whatever it is once and you can stop doing it. Drug addiction is hurtful to the brain, something that can kill you, somethng that will make you lose focus and turn you into a whole different person.

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What defines drug addiction? Addiction is defined by professionals as a psychological or physiological dependence on a mind altering substance. Two characteristics of addiction as defined by the American Psychological Association are an increased tolerance to a substance and physical and mental withdrawal symptoms when the body suddenly stops receiving the substance. Addiction is considered to be a progressive disease that only gets worse with time. While addiction can be either genetically or environmentally influenced, or both, only the addict can label him- or her-self as such, once they have conceded this truth.

Common drug addictions include prescription drugs, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines and alcohol. In addition, newer drugs on the market many young adults are experimenting with include ecstacy, bath salts, MDMA and cough syrup. Regardless of the particular drug, the signs and symptoms of addiction remain the same. While some drugs have more of a chance of overdose and death, all are dangerous in some form or another, and usually addiction begins with recreational use.

If you are trying to determine whether you or someone you love has a problem with drugs, there are signs and symptoms that can help you. These may be indicators of drug abuse or addiction:

You may feel that you have to use the drug regularly, which can be every day or several times a day.

You or someone you care about might be unsuccessful in attempts to quit or control using.

It becomes important to you to always have a supply of your drug of choice.

You or your loved one will spend money on the drug despite not having the money readily accessible or put aside.

You may find yourself, or see your friend, doing things for drugs that you would never have thought possible - such as engaging in sexual acts for money or drugs, stealing, or faking relationships and friendships with drug dealers.

Feeling that you need to the drug to deal with problems, and even every day life.

Driving, taking care of children or working while under the influence of drugs.

More and more time and energy will be spent getting and using the drug, chasing the high or trying to prevent withdrawal, no matter what the negative consequences.

These are red flags when looking at your behavior for signs or drug addiction. It may be more difficult to see these in other people, especially young adults who don't stand to lose jobs or families. Possible indications that your child or teenager is using drugs include problems at school such as frequent absences and sudden disinterest in school activities, health issues like lack of energy, a neglected appearance, changes in behavior such as mood swings or drastic change in familiar relationships and spending money more than usual or before.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of drug addiction, call Lifetime Recovery Centers of America today, and let us help you. You do not have to do this alone - our caring and dedicated staff will point you in the right direction towards a better life.

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What defines drug addiction? Addiction is defined by professionals as a psychological or physiological dependence on a mind altering substance. Two characteristics of addiction as defined by the American Psychological Association are an increased tolerance to a substance and physical and mental withdrawal symptoms when the body suddenly stops receiving the substance.

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Where can I learn more about the science of drug addiction?

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Where can I learn more about the science of drug addiction?

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You can learn more about science of drug addiction in a government website.

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APA Style MLA Style AMA Style

NIDA. (2015, July 29). Addiction Science. Retrieved from https://www.drugabuse.gov/related-topics/addiction-science

TEDMED 2014

"Why do our brains get addicted?," TEDMED 2014

Featured Publication

Addiction is a disease that affects both brain and behavior.

Need a tool to help people stay drug-free?

Other Articles of Interest

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Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.

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What are the cost of substance abuse to society?

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What are the cost of substance abuse to society?

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The cost of substance abuse to society may be a lot of money but it also affects enviroment.

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The drugs commonly abused are alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, pain killers, cocaine, heroine, meth and more.

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Although it is impossible to measure the extent of drug use, drug use is everywhere. From bathrooms and refrigerators to cars and street corners, alcohol and drug use touch every part of our culture. Recent national data* from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides a reliable estimate of which drugs people are using the most.

Alcohol

With over half (52.5%) of U.S. population identified as drinkers, alcohol is the #1 abused substance in America. An estimated 135.5 million people drink alcohol, but of those people, 86 million are considered to be abusers, which include heavy drinking, binge drinking and underage drinking. Twenty-three percent of the population participates in binge drinking (59.7 million) and 6.5% of the population reported heavy drinking (17.0 million). An estimated 81.4% of people who drank alcohol for the first time were younger than age 21 at the time they started drinking, and 9.3 million underage people aged 12 to 20 were current drinkers.

Tobacco

In 2012, an estimated 69.5 million Americans over age 12 were current users of a tobacco product. Across age groups, current cigarette use was highest among people aged 21 to 25. Among youths aged 12 to 17 who smoked cigarettes in the past month, over half (54.6) percent also used an illicit drug, compared with 6.4 percent of youths who did not smoke cigarettes.
Learn about the Facts & Effects of Tobacco→
Marijuana

In 2012, marijuana was the most commonly used federally illicit drug, with 18.9 million users, although several states have already legalized it. Seventy-nine percent of all current illicit drug users use marijuana, and marijuana remains the most popular illicit drug among high school students. Of the 7.3 million persons classified with illicit drug dependence or abuse, over half (4.3 million) had marijuana dependence or abuse.
Learn about the Facts & Effects of Marijuana→
Prescription Drugs

In 2012, 2.4 million people used prescription drugs non-medically for the first time within the past year-nearly 6,700 initiates per day. Painkillers containing hydrocodone, such as Vicodin, and painkillers containing oxycodone, such as Percocet and Oxycontin, are the top most abused medicines in the United States.
Learn about the Facts & Effects of Prescription Painkillers→
Benzos

Sedatives like benzodiazepines and tranquilizers like barbiturates are central nervous system depressants that work similarly to alcohol. Benzodiazepines such as Lorazepam (Ativan) and Alprazolam (Xanax) are the most commonly prescribed depressants. In 2012, the vast majority (i.e. 2.1 million) of the 2.4 million users came from nonmedical users of benzodiazepines.
Learn about the Facts & Effects of Benzodiazepines→
Cocaine

Nearly 1.6 million people in America are current users of this powerful central nervous stimulant and 1.1 million are dependent on cocaine. In 2012, there were 639,000 persons aged 12 or older who had used cocaine for the first time, approximately 1,800 initiates per day. Although the estimates are slightly higher than the number and rate in 2011, they were lower than in 2003 to 2007.
Learn about the Facts & Effects of Cocaine→
Stimulants

Stimulant prescription drugs such as Ritalin and Aderall are typically prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. Since they are made from powerful stimulants like amphetamine (Dexedrine and Adderall) or methlphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), prescription stimulants have a high potential for abuse. With 1.2 million current nonmedical users in 2012, prescription stimulants are now the third most abused class of prescription drugs in the nation.
Learn about the Facts and Effects of Prescription Stimulants→
Hallucinogen Drugs

Hallucinogen drugs include LSD, PCP, peyote, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms, and Ecstasy (MDMA). In 2012, there were 1.1 million people who used hallucinogens. Ecstasy, LSD, and PCP were the most popular hallucinogens respectively, with 869,000 first time users of Ecstasy, 421,000 for LSD and 90,000 for PCP in the past year.

Learn about the Facts and Effects of Ecstasy and Hallucinogens →

Heroin

Heroin use, the King of Narcotics and the most addictive substance in the world, has increased to 669,000 users in 2012. About 335,000 people used heroin in the month prior to the survey, and about 267,000 users were dependent on heroin, which is approximately twice the number in 2002 (214,000).
Learn about the Facts and Effects of Heroin→
Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant drug with a high that can last 40 times longer than the effects of cocaine. With the average first time meth user being 19 years old, meth is most pervasive among young adults. About 133,000 people used methamphetamine for the first time in 2012. About 440,000 people are current users of methamphetamine, which is a significant decrease from 2006.
Learn about the Facts and Effects of Methamphetamine→
Conclusion

The rate of drug abuse is constantly changing; the numbers are never static. Thousands of people abuse drugs every day, but thousands of people are recovering as well.

In the past year, four million people received treatment for a problem related to the use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Although addiction is a powerful disease, treatment does work and recovery is possible. Outside of these commonly abused drugs, there are hundreds of substances being abused. These individuals will need to seek treatment for the substance abuse.

About Duffy's

Located in California, Duffy's Napa Valley Rehab is a premier treatment facility in Northern California dedicated to helping others find freedom from addiction and drug abuse. Since our founding in 1968, we have helped over 40,000 find hope and recovery, and we would count it a privilege to help you.

Posted in Addiction, Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Opioids, Prescription Drugs, Research and Policies

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Top 10 Most Commonly Abused Drugs and Their Effects - duffys

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Update: the content in this blog has been modified as of January 2018 to reflect the most recent national survey.* Although it is impossible to measure the extent of drug use, drug use is everywhere. From bathrooms and refrigerators to cars and street corners, alcohol and drug use touch every part of our culture.