Tori and Lilly by LillianL

What drugs are commonly abused?

llllacey789 — 2015-03-18 16:41:21 UTC

Cigarettes
Marijuana
Steroids
Ecstasy
Meth
Alcohol

What are the costs of substance abuse to society?

llllacey789 — 2015-03-18 16:45:02 UTC

The costs of a substance abuse to society is spread of many diseases, deaths due to overdose, effects of unborn children of pregnant drug users, child abuse and neglect by parents, who are drug abusers, and also crime, accidents and homelessness.

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

llllacey789 — 2015-03-18 16:48:36 UTC

You can learn more about the science of drug addiction by looking at the NIDA's comprehensive booklet called

Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. Also, the NIDA has a website

with a bunch of information about this topic.

What is drug addiction?

tori525 — 2015-03-18 16:55:29 UTC

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.

How is addiction a disease?

tori525 — 2015-03-18 16:57:52 UTC

Addiction is a disease because it causes a change in the brain. It affects self-control and the ability to make important decisions.

How do drugs work in the brain?

llllacey789 — 2015-03-18 17:13:30 UTC

The brain is a complex organ, and it controls many

body systems. When exposed to drugs, the body systems

are compromised. Drugs imitate natural neurotransmitters

because the chemical structures are similar so drugs fool

the neurons into sending abnormal messages. Drugs flood

the circuit with dopamine which prevents the normal cycle,

so it disrupts the signal between neurons.

How do I know if someone is addicted to drugs?

llllacey789 — 2015-03-18 17:21:03 UTC

You can know if someone is addicted to drugs if they keep using and wanting more even if they know the outcome. You can also notice physical signs of them being addicted.

What are withdrawl and dextoxification?

tori525 — 2015-03-19 16:24:40 UTC

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.

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

tori525 — 2015-03-19 16:27:30 UTC

Some health consequences of abusing drugs can be, cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, and lung disease.

What happens to your brain if you keep taking drugs?

tori525 — 2015-03-19 16:30:16 UTC

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. 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."

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

tori525 — 2015-03-19 16:31:51 UTC

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

When is the best time to get someone treatment?

llllacey789 — 2015-03-19 16:32:10 UTC

The best time to get someone treatment is as soon as possible. As many people think opposite, the addict does not need to hit "rock bottom", its actually worse to wait.

Are there effective treatments for addiction?

llllacey789 — 2015-03-19 16:34:14 UTC

Effective treatments for addiction include a combination of medications and behavioral therapy.

Where can I find information about drug treatment programs?

tori525 — 2015-03-19 16:36:46 UTC

You can find more information about drug treatment projects at 1800-662-HELP or visit find treatment.samhsa.gov/

Why do some people become addicted while others do not?

llllacey789 — 2015-03-19 16:42:00 UTC

Some people become addicted because of their family history, social environment, age and other factors. Scientists are still addressing this question.