Not everyone who uses drugs becomes addicted to them, but many people do. Drug addiction occurs when a person is compulsively seeking to use a substance, and they have no regard for the potentially negative social, psychological and physical consequences. Some drugs are more likely to cause dependence and addiction than are others.
The drug addict may be hooked emotionally and psychologically. They may also have a physical dependence, on the drug. Drug Addiction, means an intense craving for the drug, and the need to use it again and again. Withdrawal can have unpleasant physical reactions. Breaking a Drug Addiction is difficult, but not impossible. With the medical support from a doctor, and the help of family, friends and perhaps others who have a Drug Addiction, as well as clinical treatment, it is possible to beat drug dependence.
Addiction to any drug may include these characteristics:
- A feeling that you need the drug regularly, and sometimes, many times a day.
- Maintaining a ready available supply of the drug.
- Failing repeatedly in attempts to stop using the drug.
- Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn’t do, like stealing.
- Feeling that you need the drug to deal with problems.
- Driving or doing other activities that place you and others at risk when you are under the influence of the drug.
The signs and symptoms of drug use and Drug Addiction vary depending on the type of drug. Cannabis compounds are found in marijuana and hashish. Signs of use and dependence may include, an increased sense of visual, auditory and taste perception, poor memory, increased blood pressure and heart rate, decreased coordination, difficulty in concentrating, red eyes, increased appetite, slowed reaction times, and paranoid thinking.
Central Nervous System Depressants, such as Phenobarbital, Amytal and Seconal and Benzodiazepines, which include tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), oxazepam (Serax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). Use of and abuse of these drugs may show, drowsiness, slurred speech, lack of coordination, loss of memory, confusion, slowed breathing and decreased blood pressure, dizziness and depression. Amphetamines, methamphetamine, cocaine and methylphenidate (Ritalin) are examples of Central Nervous System Stimulants. The signs and symptoms of use and dependence on these drugs include, euphoria, decreased appetite, rapid speech, irritability, restlessness, depression as the drug wears off , nasal congestion and damage to the membranes of the nose in users who snort these drugs, insomnia, weight loss, increased heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, and paranoia.
The signs and symptoms of using designer drugs such as Ecstasy vary depending on the drug. Ecstasy can produce a mild hallucinogenic effect and a feeling of euphoria. It may also cause an increased heart rate, high blood pressure, overheating, kidney and liver toxicity, and memory problems.
The use of hallucinogens such as LSD, phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine (special K), a so-called “club drug” can cause hallucinations, greatly impaired perception of reality, permanent mental changes in perception, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, tremors and flashbacks.
Possible warning signs that your teenager is using drugs include:
A decrease in performance and a change in attitude at school, a change in physical health, such as showing listlessness and apathy, a sudden lack of interest in looks, clothing and grooming, drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family and friends, and sudden requests for money. You may also discover money stolen from home, and some items may disappear from your home because they are being sold to support a drug habit.
