Addiction : Evelyn S, Leslie M by Evelyn Segura

What drugs are commonly abused?

lesliem — 2015-03-18 17:47:54 UTC

Marijuana, Cocaine, Heroin,

What are the costs of substance abuse to society?

evelyn_segura12 — 2015-03-18 17:48:39 UTC

Drug abuse costs the United States economy hundreds of billions of dollars in increased health care costs, crime , and lost productivity.

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

lesliem — 2015-03-18 17:50:37 UTC

You can learn more about the science of drug addition at the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

What is a drug addiction?

evelyn_segura12 — 2015-03-18 17:57:21 UTC

Drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting takes more than good intentions or a strong will. In fact, because drugs change the brain in ways that foster compulsive drug abuse, quitting is difficult, even to those who are ready too.

How is addiction a disease?

lesliem — 2015-03-18 18:07:02 UTC

Addiction is like most major diseases. Consider heart disease, the leading cause of death that is developed world. Its parley due to genes and partly due to poor lifestyle choices.

How do I know if someone is addicted to drugs?

evelyn_segura12 — 2015-03-18 18:07:12 UTC

You’re neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children) because of your drug use.
You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.
Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.
Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.

How do drugs work in the brain?

lesliem — 2015-03-18 18:07:57 UTC

Most drugs that are abused directly or indirectly target the brain's reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine, a chemical in our bodies. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, cognition, motivation, and feelings of pleasure.

Why do some people become addicted while others do not?

evelyn_segura12 — 2015-03-18 18:10:43 UTC

Some people are able to use recreational or prescription drugs without ever experiencing negative consequences or addiction. For many others, substance use can cause problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, leaving you feeling isolated, helpless, or ashamed.

What are withdrawal and detoxification (detox)?

lesliem — 2015-03-18 18:25:26 UTC

Drug detoxification (informally, detox) is variously the intervention in a case of physical dependence to a drug; the process and experience of a withdrawal syndrome; and any of various treatments for acute drug overdose.

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

lesliem — 2015-03-19 17:39:18 UTC

Drugs are chemicals. Different drugs, because of their chemical structures, can affect the body in different ways. In fact, some drugs can even change a person's body and brain in ways that last long after the person has stopped taking drugs, maybe even permanently.

Depending on the drug, it can enter the human body in a number of ways, including injection, inhalation, and ingestion. The method of how it enters the body impacts on how the drug affects the person. For example: injection takes the drug directly into the blood stream, providing more immediate effects; while ingestion requires the drug to pass through the digestive system, delaying the effects.

- See more at: http://recovergateway.org/substance-abuse-resources/drug-addiction-effects/#sthash.qiTSviVU.dpuf

What happens to your brain if you keep taking drugs?

lesliem — 2015-03-19 17:45:07 UTC

Other 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, which is needed to shut off the signal between neurons

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

lesliem — 2015-03-19 17:52:56 UTC

If you are pregnant and you are using drugs, it is likely your substance use is having a negative effect on your unborn child because the effects of the drug is transferred to the fetus through the placenta.

Are there effective treatments for addiction?

lesliem — 2015-03-19 17:56:26 UTC

Yes, extensive research has shown that treatments for tobacco addiction do work. Although some smokers can quit without help, many individuals need assistance with quitting. This is particularly important because smoking cessation can have immediate health benefits. For example, within 24 hours of quitting, blood pressure and chances of heart attack decrease. Long-term benefits of smoking cessation include decreased risk of stroke, lung and other cancers, and coronary heart disease. A 35-year-old man who quits smoking will, on average, increase his life expectancy by 5 years.

where can I find information about drug treatment programs?

lesliem — 2015-03-19 18:00:15 UTC

When is the best time to get some treatment?

evelyn_segura12 — 2015-03-19 18:04:01 UTC

The best time to get treatment is when you think the addiction is getting worse and there is nothing you can do anymore to fix it. Also, if you think nothing else is working to stop the addiction.