Friday 30 September 2016

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

Many people don't know the signs of drug addiction and addiction symptoms until someone in their life admits to being an addict. In many cases, this is too late to prevent the damage addiction can do to the addict and those around them. Knowing what addiction symptoms to look for can help identify a problem early and provide the best chance at successful drug recovery.Signs of drug addiction vary depending on the type of drug being abused. Some drugs or methods of drug use can provide obvious signs of drug addiction. An example is an addict who injects heroin. One of the obvious signs of drug addiction in this case is the presence of injection equipment like a syringe, burned spoon and lighter.

Other times, it is harder to spot the signs of drug addiction. Repeated alcohol binges, for example, might be one of the signs of drug addiction but isn't always. Signs of drug addiction have to be considered with addiction symptoms and other information to indicate whether drug addiction is an issue.

Here are some other common symptoms of prescription drug abuse or addiction:

· Alterations in mood

· Erratic behavior

· Confusion

· Hyperactive, increased alertness

· Suicidal tendencies

· Excessive sweating, urination or thirst

· Nausea and vomiting

· Uncontrollable diarrhea

· Spastic shaking

· Drowsiness, dizziness and insomnia

· Unpleasant or painful symptoms when substance is withdrawn

The basic symptoms of drug addiction include:

· An inability to stop taking the drug, in spite of multiple attempts

· Negative consequences to the drug user and those around them caused by drug use

· The drug user continues to take greater amounts of the drug

· Withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug

Just like illegal drugs, prescription drugs also have numerous side effects and toxicity from these drugs is common. Like all individuals who abuse illicit drugs, individuals who abuse prescription drugs also deny that they have a problem. The majority of these individuals have medical conditions which are obvious but the prescription drug problem is hidden. The majority of these individuals may have social, emotional problems, stress, depression, anxiety, financial woes or familial problems.

A gradual change in these individuals may give a hint to their problem of prescription drug abuse. These changes include:

· a change in friends

· declining interest in health

· decreased interest in school

· isolation from family and old friends

· repeated lies, stealing

· withdraws from social activities

Health Effects

The health risks associated with prescription drug abuse vary depending on the agent. Each class of drugs has its own particular set of side effects but in general the majority of prescription drugs can cause the following side effects:

· Side effects of Opioids (respiratory depression, low BP, nausea, vomiting)

· Side effects of Benzodiazepines (sedation, coma, decreased respiration, lethargy, mental confusion)

· Side effects of Stimulants (fever, fast heart rate, increased BP, seizures)

General signs of drug addiction include:

· Secretive behavior, lying

· Unexplained expenditures

· Disciplinary action at work or school

· Legal problems relating to drug use

· Mood swings, depression, anger, aggression, violence

· Forgetfulness

· Frequent illness

· Presence of drug paraphernalia

· Using room deodorizers and lozenges to cover drug smells in the air and the breath

· Choosing drug use over all else, giving up previously enjoyed activities

· Engaging in risky behaviors, contracting a sexually-transmitted illness

· Being around other drug users or trying to get others to use drugs

Drug addiction symptoms, too, are individual depending on the type of drug and drug use method. Nasal, lung and chest problems are common addiction symptoms in those who snort or smoke drugs like cocaine or marijuana. Skin infections are common symptoms of drug addiction in those who inject drugs.

Because drug addiction is both a physical and psychological issue, both physical and psychological drug addiction symptoms can be seen (read about: physical and psychological effects of drug addiction). Drug addiction symptoms include the following:

· Unusual behavior

· Change in responsiveness

· Hallucinations

· Changes to vital signs like heart rate, breathing and blood pressure

· Confusion, sleepiness, coma

· Frequent blackouts

· Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea

· Skin that is cool and sweaty or hot and dry

· Infertility, sexual dysfunction

· Heart, lung and other organ damage

Thursday 29 September 2016

Types of Drugs

Many substances, such as alcohol, tranquilizers, opiates, and stimulants over time also can produce a phenomenon known as tolerance, where you must use a larger amount of the drug to produce the same level of intoxication. The types of are as follows:

1. Tobacco

people cite many reason for using tobacco, including pleasure, improved performance and vigilance, relief of depression, curbing hunger, and weight control. The primary addicting substance in cigarette is nicotine. But cigarette smoke contains thousands of other chemicals that also damage health. Hazards include heart disease, lung cancer and emphysema, peptic ulcer disease, and stroke. Withdrawal symptoms of smoking include anxiety, hunger, sleep disturbances and depression.

2. Alcohol

although many people have a drink as a " pick me up ", alcohol actually depresses brain. Alcohol lessens your inhibitions, slurs speech, and decreases muscle control and coordination, and may lead to alcoholism. Withdrawal from alcohol can cause anxiety, irregular heart beats, tremors, seizures, and hallucinations. In addition to its direct health effects, officials associate alcohol abuse with nearly half of all fatal motor vehicle accidents.

3. Marijuana

( also known as grass, pot, weed, herb ) marijuana which comes from the plant Cannabis sativa, is the most commonly used illegal drug in the Philippines. The plant produces delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC ), the active ingredient associated with intoxication. Marijuana resin, called hashish, contains an even higher concentration of THC. The drug is usually smoked, but it can also be eaten. Its smoke irritates your lungs more and contains more cancer-causing chemicals than tobacco smoke. Common effects of marijuana also include pleasure, relaxation, and impaired coordination and memory. Often, the first illegal drug people use, marijuana is associated with increased risk of progressing to more powerful and dangerous drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

4. Cocaine

( also known as crack, coke, snow, rock ) cocaine use has gone down in the few years from 2007 to 2012. Cocaine was derived from the coca plant of South America, cocaine can be smoked, injected, snorted, or swallowed. The intensely and duration of the drugs effects depend on how you take it. Desired effects include pleasure and increased alertness. Short term effects also include paranoia, constriction of blood vessels leading to heart damage or stroke, irregular heartbeat, and death. Severe depression and reduced energy often accompany withdrawal.

5. Heroin

( also known as smack, horse ) heroin use continues to increase. Effects of heroin intoxication include drowsiness, pleasure, and slowed breathing. Withdrawal can be intense and can include vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, confusion, aches and sweating. Overdose may result in death from respiratory arrest ( stopping breathing ). Because heroin usually injected, often with dirty needles, use of the drug can trigger other health complications including destruction of heart, valves, HIV/AIDS, infections, tetanus and botulism.

6. Methamphetamine

( also known as meth, crank, ice, speed, crystal ) use of this drug also has increased, especially in the West. Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant that increase alertness, decrease appetite, and gives a sensation of pleasure. The drug can be injected, snorted, smoked, or eaten. It shares many of the same toxic effects as cocaine-heart attacks, dangerously high blood pressure, and stroke. Withdrawal often causes depression, abdominal cramps, and increased appetite. Other long term effects include paranoia, hallucinations, weight loss, destruction of teeth, and heart damage.

7. Club Drugs

the club scene and rave parties have popularized an assortment of other drugs. Many young people believe these drugs are harmless or even healthy. These are the more popular club drugs:

1. Ecstasy

( also known as MDMA or 3,4-methyllenedioxy-methamphetamine, as well as Adam, STP ) this is a stimulant and hallucinogen used to improved mood and to maintain energy, often for all-night dance parties. Long term use may cause damage to the brain's ability to regulate body temperature, sleep, pain, memory, and emotions.

2. GHB ( gamma hydroxybutyrate )

also called Liquid XTC, G and blue nitro ) once sold at the health food stores. GHB's effect are related to dose. Effects range from mild relaxation to coma or death. GHB is often used as a date rape drug because it is tasteless , colorless and acts as as a powerful sedative.

3. Rohypnol

( also called roofies, roche )this is another sedative that can be used as date rape drug. Effects include low blood pressure, dizziness, abdominal cramps, confusion and impaired memory.

4. Ketamine

( also called Special K, K ) this is an anesthetic that can be taken orally or injected. Ketamine ( Ketalar ) can impair memory and attention. Higher doses can cause amnesia, paranoia, and hallucinations, depression, and difficulty breathing.

5. LSD

( also called acid, microdot and mushrooms ( also called mushrooms, magic mushrooms, peyote, buttons ) popular in the 1960s, LSD has been revived in the club scene. LSD and hallucinogenic mushrooms can cause hallucinations, numbness, nausea, and increased heart rate. Long term effects include unwanted " flashbacks " psychosis and mood disturbances.

6. PCP

(known as angel dust, hog and love boat ) PCP is a powerful anesthetic used in veterinary medicine. Its effect are similar to those of ketamine but often stronger, The anesthetic effects are srtong that you can break your arm, but not feel any pain. Usually, tobacco or marijuana cigarettes are dpped into PCP and the smoked.

Wednesday 28 September 2016

Advantages and Disadvantages of Drug Addiction

Sometimes, using drugs have its advantages and its advantages.

Advantages:

The benefits that drugs offer to competitors in the sports world are plentiful. Body builders and athletes both use anabolic drugs to build muscle mass, reduce fatigue and enhance performance, allowing many to perform tirelessly at the most physical demanding sports. Not only can these drugs help an athlete become more aggressive on the field, but also run faster and increase their endurance level. when coupled together in a cycle doses, drugs make it possible to achieve results that otherwise would have not been possible. These advantages make drugs the most highly sought after substances in the world of sports and competition. Here are few advantages of taking performance enhancing drugs:

to satisfy curiosity
to cope with boredom
to have something to do
to rebel or defy parents
to get revenge
to gain attention from family
to avoid loneliness
to deal with stress/ to survive
to forget disappointments
to avoid family arguments or family problems
to forget family or friends for a while

Also experimenting might allow people to meet others and make friends. It might be an enlightening experience. Often if a person tries a drugs and hates its effects they are less likely to use or abuse any other drugs.

Disadvantages:

We all know drugs as one of the most important tools for fighting disease but the disadvantages of drugs should be clearly understood if we are to ensure that we used it responsibly. For this, it is important to define drugs in the context of something that is ingested by the patient to achieve a certain pleasurable or disease-mitigating effect. Holistically, the definition of drugs should not only be limited to artificial pills and syrup sold or store shelves or the prohibited illegal drugs that are well known to cause serious complications; even those that come from natural and inorganic sources must also be considered as drugs and as such be taken in moderation.

There are multiple reasons for this caution to take drugs in moderation.

curiosity gets satisfied
excitement levels off
may get the wrong type of attention
may lose control of emotions ( i.e may become angry or violent, depressed or anxious)
against family or religious values
creates problems with family ( e.g loss of trust )
does not resolve family or personal problems
may lose self esteem

Disadvantages in Social

to fit in with a group or find new friends
to deal with a shyness or lack of confidence
to be able to talk with strangers or feel comfortable in large groups
to avoid having to talk
to imitate role models
to create a positive social image
to be real me
may let friends down
may lead to negative episodes

Performances at school/work

to stay awake
to feel more creative
to have an edge
to avoid having to live up to too many pressures
to forget that school is not where they want to be
may lose employment
moods may change and may have difficulty controlling emotion

Financial

cost of purchasing drugs

Legal

negative implications regarding possession, purchase and use of various substances.

Tuesday 27 September 2016

Cause and Effects of Drug Abuse

Drug addiction has its cause and effects. And the first cause of using drug is:

1 .Psychological Causes of Drug Addiction

While biological causes of drug addiction have been suggested, many people still believe psychological factors comprise the bulk of what causes drug addiction. Some of the psychological causes of drug addiction appear to stem from trauma, often when the drug addict is young.

Sexual or physical abuse, neglect, or chaos in the home can all lead to psychological stress, which people attempt to "self-medicate" (decrease the stress's pain through drug use). This self-medication becomes a cause of drug addiction.

Other psychological causes of drug addiction include:

· A mental illness such as depression

· Inability to connect with others, lack of friends

· Poor performance at work or school

· Poor stress coping skills

2. Environmental Causes of Drug Addiction

A person's environment can be part of what causes drug addiction. Drug addiction is more common in environments where drug abuse is seen or where it's seen as permissible. Children who grow up in homes with drug addicts often become drug addicts themselves.

Because most drug use starts in adolescence. Those with inattentive, abusive or neglectful parents are more prone to drug abuse. One cause of drug addiction can be the combination of drug experimentation with the lack of parental oversight.

Other environmental factors that can be causes of drug abuse include:

· Participation in a sport where performance-enhancing drugs are encouraged

· A peer group that uses or promotes drug use

· People of lower socioeconomic status are at greater risk of drug addiction.

· Gender and ethnicity contribute to addiction of some drugs

3. Genetic Causes of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction tends to run in families, indicating genetics may have a role in causing drug addiction. In fact, in studies of twins it appears half of someone's risk of becoming addicted to drugs is genetic. Genetic causes of drug addiction appear to involve multiple gene sequences and science has not yet been able to pinpoint all the genes involved. However, it is known some genes, like those involved in brain receptors of nicotine, contribute to the cause of drug addiction.

Effects of Drug Abuse and Addiction

The effects of drug addiction also include the cost to the justice and health care systems. Violent behavior is most closely tied to alcohol use and alcohol abuse is responsible for the disability of 58.3 million people worldwide. It was estimated the effects of drug addiction cost the U.S. $245.7 billion in 1992. This number represents health care expenses, lost wages, prevention program costs and criminal justice system costs, among others.

Psychological Effects of Drug Addiction

The psychological effects of drug addiction come from the reason the user is addicted to drugs, as well as the changes that take place in the brain once a person becomes a drug addict. Initially, many people start using drugs to cope with stress or pain. An effect of drug addiction is creation of a cycle where anytime the user encounters stress or pain, they feel the need to use the drug. This is one of the psychological effects of drug addiction involved in "craving" of the drug. Craving is an effect of drug addiction whereby the addict is obsessed with obtaining and using the drug, to the exclusion of all else. One of the psychological effects of addiction involved in craving is the belief the addict cannot function or handle life without use of the drug.

Other psychological effects of drug addiction include:

· Wild mood swings, depression, anxiety, paranoia, violence

· Decrease in pleasure in everyday life

· Complication of mental illness

· Hallucinations

· Confusion

· Psychological tolerance to the drug's effects creating a desire to do ever-increasing amounts of the drug

· Desire to engage in risky behavior

Physical Effects of Drug Addiction

Physical effects of drug addiction vary by drug but are typically seen in all systems of the body. Some of the primary physical effects of drug addiction take place in the brain. Drug addiction changes the way the brain functions and impacts how the body perceives pleasure. These effects of drug addiction are because the drug repeatedly floods the brain with the chemicals dopamine and serotonin during drug use. The brain adapts and comes to expect, and depend on, these drug-induces highs.

Physical effects of drug addiction are also seen in babies of drug abusers as well as in mortality statistics. One effect of drug addiction is: children born to drug-using mothers can be cognitively affected throughout life. Regarding mortality, one-in-four deaths are due to the effects of drug addiction. Other physical effects of drug addiction include:

· Contraction of HIV, hepatitis and other illnesses

· Heart rate irregularities, heart attack

· Respiratory problems such as lung cancer, emphysema and breathing problems

· Abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea

· Kidney and liver damage

· Seizures, stroke, brain damage

· Changes in appetite, body temperature and sleeping pattern

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.

Most abused drugs directly or indirectly target the brain's reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter present in regions of the brain that regulate movement, emotion, cognition, motivation, and feelings of pleasure. When drugs enter the brain, they can actually change how the brain performs its jobs. These changes are what lead to compulsive drug use, the hallmark of addiction.

Injuries

More deaths, illnesses and disabilities stem from substance abuse than from any other preventable health condition. Today, one in four deaths is attributable to illicit drug use. People who live with substance dependence have a higher risk of all bad outcomes including unintentional injuries, accidents, risk of domestic violence, medical problems, and death.

Health Problems

The impact of drug abuse and dependence can be far-reaching, affecting almost every organ in the human body. Drug use can:

· Weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.

· Cause cardiovascular conditions ranging from abnormal heart rate to heart attacks. Injected drugs can also lead to collapsed veins and infections of the blood vessels and heart valves.

· Cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

· Cause the liver to have to work harder, possibly causing significant damage or liver failure.

· Cause seizures, stroke and widespread brain damage that can impact all aspects of daily life by causing problems with memory, attention and decision-making, including sustained mental confusion and permanent brain damage.

· Produce global body changes such as breast development in men, dramatic fluctuations in appetite and increases in body temperature, which may impact a variety of health conditions.

Effects on the Brain

Although initial drug use may be voluntary, drugs have been shown to alter brain chemistry, which interferes with an individual's ability to make decisions and can lead to compulsive craving, seeking and use. This then becomes a substance dependency.

· All drugs of abuse - nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, and others - effect the brains "reward" circuit, which is part of the limbic system.

· Drugs hijack this "reward" system, causing unusually large amounts of dopamine to flood the system.

· This flood of dopamine is what causes the "high" or euphoria associated with drug abuse.

Behavioral Problems

· Paranoia

· Aggressiveness

· Hallucinations

· Addiction

· Impaired Judgment

· Impulsiveness

· Loss of Self-Control

Birth Defects

Nearly 4 percent of pregnant women in the Philippines use illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, Ecstasy and other amphetamines, and heroin. These and other illicit drugs may pose various risks for pregnant women and their babies. Some of these drugs can cause a baby to be born too small or too soon, or to have withdrawal symptoms, birth defects or learning and behavioral problems. Additionally, illicit drugs may be prepared with impurities that may be harmful to a pregnancy.

Finally, pregnant women who use illicit drugs may engage in other unhealthy behaviors that place their pregnancy at risk, such as having extremely poor nutrition or developing sexually transmitted infections.