2. Self administration of drug or drugs in manner not in
accord with accepted medical or social patterns
3. CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION:- Drug addiction can be characterized by the following causes-
Psychological Dependency (Habituation)
− Drug necessary to maintain user’s sense of well-being
Physical Dependency
− Physical symptoms if intake reduced
Compulsive Drug Use
− Preoccupation with obtaining drug
− Rituals of preparing, using drug as important as drug effects
Tolerance
− Increasing doses needed to obtain drug effect
4.
5.
Slow or staggering walk; poor physical coordination.
Changes in sleeping habits -- inability to sleep, awake at unusual times; or
unusual sleepiness, laziness, sleeping at strange times.
Red, watery eyes; pupils larger or smaller than usual; blank stare.
Cold, sweaty palms; shaking hands.
Puffy face, blushing or pale skin.
Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
Runny nose; hacking cough.
Unexplained nausea, vomiting or excessive sweating.
Tremors or shakes on hands, feet or head.
Irregular heartbeat.
weight loss.
6.
7.
8. According to the “Controlled Substances Act 1990(original 1970)” the drugs which are able to produce Addiction’ are
considered as ‘Abused Drugs’ are following categories:
Schedule 1: High Abuse, No Recognized Medical Use, Lack of Safety
-Heroin
-Marijuana
Schedule 2: High Abuse, Medical Utility, High Dependency Risk
-Opium
-Morphine
-Coca
-Cocaine
Schedule 3: Lower Abuse, Medical Utility, Moderate Dependency Risk
-Amphetamine
-Barbiturates
-Codeine
-Valium
-Xanax
-Anabolic steroids
Schedule 4: Limited Abuse, High Medical Utility, Limited Dependency Risk
-Chloral Hydrate
-Meprobamate
-Phenobarbital
-Paraldehyde
Schedule 5: Minor Problems, Typically includes preparations of the above drugs in limited amounts
9. The drugs which are used for negative purpose can be classified by following categories:
1. Stimulants: Amphetamines, Caffeine, Nicotine, Cocaine
(Excite, increase alertness, elevate mood etc.
E.g. Prozac mainly used as mood elevator)
2. Depressants: Classified into two groups
I. Analgesics: Relieve pain
Narcotics: Opiates & Opioids
Non-narcotics: Aspirin
II. Sedatives & Hypnotics: Relax, induce sleep
Alcohol
Tranquilizers
Non-Barbiturates: Qualude, Halcion
Long acting Barbiturates: Phenobarbital
Short acting Barbiturates: Seconal
3. Anti-Psychotics: Thorazine
4. Anti-Depressants: Prozac, Lithium
5. Hallucinogens
6. Inhalants
14. Drug rehabilitation (often drug rehab or just rehab) is a term for the processes of medical or
psychotherapeutic treatment, for dependency on psychoactive substances such as alcohol,
prescription drug and street drug such as heroin, cocaine or amphetamines. The general intent
is to enable the patient to cease substance abuse, in order to avoid the psychological, legal,
financial, social, and physical consequences that can be caused, especially by extreme abuse.
Various types of programs offer help in drug rehabilitation. These programs includes-
1) Residential treatment (in-patient)
2) Extended care centers
3) Local support groups
4) Recovery
5) Addiction Counseling
6) Mental health
7) Medicinal care (Medicine like Methadone and buprenorphine be used to treat addiction
prescription opiates.
8) Behavioral therapy (can be used to treat addiction to prescription stimulants, benzodiazepines
and other drugs.
15.
There are only two essential ways to overcome addiction and five stages to recovery.
Recovery
One of the ways to overcome addiction completely is through abstinence, or the complete stopping of the addictive behavior. Many
addicts, however, are unwilling to stop their addiction altogether. The alternate path is to continue their addiction moderately. Their
habit is monitored and they are in control rather than their addiction controling them.
Stage 1-Awareness and Early Acknowledgement
This stage is marked by an awareness of the addiction and that action is needed to address the issues. This process involves a shifting
of perspective from outright denial to a willingness to address the issue.
Stage 2--Research and Consideration
Characterized by a willingness to discover more about the addiction and recovery, this step involves the increasing of the addict's
knowledge about the realities of the addiction and how it's affecting the addict's life and those around him.
Stage 3--Exploring Recovery
This is the first clear stage of recovery. Beyond the denial stage now, the addict is willing to step toward a clear resolution to quit the
addiction.
Stage 4--Early Recovery
Stage 4 marks the first sign of early recovery. Although still fragile, this is the stage that is based upon full recovery and during which
a new life can be built.
Stage 5--Active Recovery and Maintenance
For many, this stage has no end. Recovery can be a life-long effort for some. It can end up being a lifestyle. By the time people enter
Stage 5, they are monitoring themselves, their feelings, thoughts and relationships. Here, people are learning life without addiction.
The Journey to Recovery
It takes time to build yourself for recovery. How long it takes before recovery would depend on the commitment to recovery, the
personality, the approach, and the resilience of the addict. This road to recovery wouldn't be possible without the help of family and
friends. Surrounding yourself with people who will only help you in the end can only be a big plus.