Drug Abuse – An Overview

Does drug abuse exist primarily in the mind of the abuser or is drug abuse society’s problem? Somewhat of a philosophical question, agreed. Let’s get right down into the reality of the matter and skip the pretense.Drug abuse and addiction can be a huge burden on society. There have been approximate estimates of the overall costs of this issue in the USA alone, which includes health costs as well as losses in productivity, to surpass 500 billion dollars annually. People who realize they have to quit this dangerous habit may be too embarrassed or afraid to confide in anyone. They might even be worried that they will land into trouble if they admit to having this problem. Abusers must talk to anyone they trust.The procedure for a drug abuse test is a two-step process. A urine sample is taken from the individual and divided in two parts. One part is tested using immunoassay, a relatively simple, inexpensive, yet highly accurate test.If the doctor discontinues the prescription, an addict will seek out another doctor for a prescription of the same drug under false pretexts.

Abusers use various methods to get a high. They even mix prescription drugs with alcohol, marijuana or any other similar drug.Addicts use drug abuse treatment centers at the usual time when people cannot tolerate their usage anymore and is sometimes a healthy alternative to being an out-patient and going to NA (Narcotics Anonymous) meetings.College students seem to do very well with social / educational methods of rehab as they aren’t expected to admit they are powerless over their addiction. In fact the opposite is true. Drug abuse if the biggest and foremost concern among children and parents as cited in the National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse. The survey was conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (Columbia University). It is clear that people will not get the satisfaction they need in life and may seek to better their mood and feeling in a bid to ease the conflict on the inside. Feelings of failure and low esteem in various life aspects will be among the key reasons why people might seek to find an alternative to happiness with drugs.The problem is that some people associate drug abuse with illegal drugs.

There are many drugs that are very legal to buy. These drugs can be abused.Non residential programs serve the largest number of drug abusers. Among residential facilities are hospitals, group homes, halfway houses, and therapeutic communities. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides on-line resources for locating drug and alcohol abuse treatment programs.The effects of different types of drugs on teenagers include irritability, insomnia, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, violent behavior, memory loss, learning problems, increased heart rate, lethargy, panic attacks etc. If a young member of your family suddenly starts performing badly in school, makes a new group of friends, behaves in a delinquent manner or tries to keep aloof from other family members. To deal with the problem at its core, patients need to undergo behavioral therapy that delves into counseling, cognitive and physiotherapy. Fix the food nutrition problem in this country and you just may find another answer to effective drug abuse prevention for a number of pill poppers.

Alcohol Abuse Or Alcoholism, Are You Crossing The Line?

Alcohol abuse can be a tricky term to use, considering that ‘abuse’ can have different meanings to different people. However, it is often understood as referring to the excessive use of alcohol, and causing problems or negative consequences. While it may not automatically mean addiction to alcohol, alcohol abuse remains as one of the topmost public health concerns facing our society today and is in fact, the most common substance that often causes chemical dependencey.


Is it alcohol abuse or alcoholism?


Can you have an alcohol problem is still not be labeled as an alcoholic? Some experts say yes, alcohol abuse can occur without a person actually becoming an alcoholic. In alcohol abuse, the intake of alcohol can occur often and in big quantities but may not often result to alcohol dependency.


Alcoholism, on the other hand, is characterized by physical and psychological dependence, the lack of control over the frequency and amount of drinking, along with the strong craving to drink. Alcoholism is also marked with tolerance, a state where the amount of alcohol needed by the body to get the feeling of ‘high’ continually increases. Alcoholism is also chronic and may exhibit certain withdrawal symptoms.


Can alcohol abuse be inherited?


There are certain research studies that show the tendency of alcoholism or alcohol abuse to occur in families. It seems that a gene exists that predisposes an individual toward addiction to substances such as alcohol. However, this is not always the case. While certain genes may be to blame for alcohol abuse, lifestyle and the environment are also strong contributing factors.


Is there a specific group of people who are more likely to develop alcohol abuse?


Alcohol abuse does not depend on sex, race or nationality. However, certain generalities exist. More men, for example, have alcohol problems than women. There is also a higher incidence of alcohol abuse among people between 18 to 29 years old compared to people 60 years old and older.


Young people who start drinking alcohol earlier, say, at 13 or 14 years old, are more likely to develop alcohol problems when they get older, compared to people who start drinking when they are already adults.


Is there such thing as safe drinking?


Alcohol isn’t all bad, provided it is taken in moderate amounts. By moderate, we mean 1 to 2 drinks a day for men and less for women and people who are older. This type of alcohol drinking is possible if you do not have the proclivity toward addiction.


People taking medication or have certain diseases, for example, are advised to stay away from alcoholic drinks. For informational purposes one serving of alcoholic drink should consist of:


1.5 oz. of 80-proof drinks (few people measure with tis accuracy)

5.0 oz of wine

12 oz. of beer, wine coolers and mixed spirits


Is there a cure for alcoholism and alcohol abuse?


There is no magic pill, drug, cream or ointment that will cure alcohol abuse. However, it can be treated, although the efficacy of treatments is highly dependent upon an individual’s willingness to avoid or control alcohol intake and the frequency of exposure to circumstances that lead to alcohol use.

More Alcohol Abuse Articles

The Effects of Drug Abuse on the Addict's Family

According to statistics, the State of Colorado ranks the highest for all drug categories within the United States. Increased drug use has caused a breakdown of the family unit in Colorado.Drug abuse can have lasting effects on family unit. This applies whether the family member is a parent, a spouse or a child. Foundations of the relationship are destroyed; and it takes time to rebuild essential relationship components, especially trust. Early detection of drug abuse is the best way to preserve the family bond and save it before these components are destroyed.

A drug abuser is at a high risk for multiple emotional and physical problems because of their drug use. The use of intravenous drugs and shared needles places the abuser at a higher risk of developing an autoimmune deficiency along with other harmful infections and diseases. The loss of sexual inhibitions increases the risk of developing such diseases. Additionally, mood swings can occur, especially during withdrawal periods, making recovery more difficult. Increased immunity to the drug requires more of the drug to achieve the same feeling. This increases the potential of overdose which can and often does result in death. Some drugs have a hallucinogenic effect which can cause delirium and paranoia. This can often result in abusive behavior and unreasonable accusations of family and friends.

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Families can suffer total destruction amidst the drug abuse of a family member. Relationships become difficult and often scary for spouses, partners, and children. This can even extend to parents when children are abusing drugs. Often, families try to cover up the problem or deny that one even exists. This action is often stems from either love or in fear of punishment.

Another problem with families and drug abuse pertains to parents who abuse. Children who have parents that abuse drugs are more likely to develop emotional problems later in life. They are also more likely to suffer physical, emotional, or medical neglect. The effects of this on children can take decades to heal.

For many Colorado families, drug abuse can result in intervention by Colorado state services. The drug-abusing family member may be required to undergo hair follicle drug testing, a form of drug testing that is impossible to alter. In order to maintain custody or regain custody of children from Colorado state care, drug testing must be clean for a specified amount of time.