addiction by henri

What drugs are commonly abused?

henri324 — 2015-03-13 17:58:11 UTC

cocaine, marijuana, alcohol cigrettes

What are the costs of substance abuse to society?

henri324 — 2015-03-18 16:27:59 UTC

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

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

henri324 — 2015-03-18 16:39:03 UTC

Addiction is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain - in structure and in function.

What is drug addiction?

henri324 — 2015-03-18 16:55:20 UTC

Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that affects the brain.

How is addiction a disease?

henri324 — 2015-03-18 17:19:04 UTC

Addiction is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain - in structure and in function.

How do drugs work in the brain?

henri324 — 2015-03-18 22:56:10 UTC

To understand how drugs work in the brain first requires a general understanding of the brain itself

Why do some people become addicted, while others do not?

henri324 — 2015-03-19 16:22:19 UTC

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 do I know if someone is addicted to drugs?

henri324 — 2015-03-19 16:26:35 UTC

can vary depending on the person and the drug being abused. Each drug has short-term and long-term physical effects.

What are withdrawal and detoxification ("detox")?

henri324 — 2015-03-19 16:31:35 UTC

Withdrawal is the all-inclusive term used to describe a complex variety of unpleasant physical symptoms

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

henri324 — 2015-03-19 16:36:44 UTC

People who suffer from addiction often have one or more accompanying medical issues, which may include lung or cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, and mental disorders.

What happens to your brain if you keep taking drugs?

henri324 — 2015-03-19 16:42:55 UTC

large amounts of natural neurotransmitters, or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals,

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

henri324 — 2015-03-19 16:52:29 UTC

a pregnant woman who abuses drugs may have other risk factors that could adversely affect the health and well being of her child.

When is the best time to get someone into treatment?

henri324 — 2015-03-19 16:54:43 UTC

Everyone entering treatment for a substance use disorder is unique. That is why the patient and the treatment staff work together to develop an individualized treatment planen. It may include some type of behavioral treatment

Are there effective treatments for drug addiction?

henri324 — 2015-03-20 16:38:15 UTC

Yes. Research shows that combining addiction-treatment medications, where available, with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success for most patients.

Where can I find information about drug treatment programs

henri324 — 2015-03-20 16:42:49 UTC

the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration online at http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/.