oxycontin detoxification
Drug addiction is a complicated disease that overwhelms both the addict and those who love him. After abusing drugs for a period of time, the user becomes both physically and emotionally dependent on drugs. Understand the differences between drug abuse and addiction, and how they relate to each other, is vital to help addicts recover from this devastating disease.
* Drug abuse
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders Musculoskeletal Disorders (DSM-IV) published by the American Psychiatric Association, provides definitions and criteria for making judgments related diagnostic and drug use alcohol.
According to DSM-IV, the essential features of substance abuse is a "maladaptive pattern of substance use manifested by recurrent and significant adverse consequences related to repeated use of substances. "
Drug addiction occurs when a person uses any type of drug for a purpose or in a different way than it was created. More commonly, drug abuse is associated with illicit or illegal drugs, however, Drug addiction can also occur with over-counter and prescription drugs too.
Illicit drugs such as marijuana, heroin and cocaine are commonly abused drugs. Others, like nicotine and alcohol, although legal, are also drugs that get abused. Also, some people abuse prescription and over-the-counter medications that are intended to help people somehow, like OxyContin and even cough syrup. In this case, the addict drugs do not actually need the drug for its intended use. Instead, the abuser chooses to use in order to get high.
* Understanding Drug Addiction
The DSM-IV describes addiction as follows: "The essential characteristic of substance dependence is a set of cognitive symptoms, behavioral and physiological indicating that the individual continues use of the substance despite significant substance-related problems.
A person who abuses drugs is not necessarily dependent on the drug, which however will ultimately develop a substance dependence. The amount of time it takes for the person to be dependent on a drug depends on the person and the type of drug abused. For some people, abusing a drug just once can lead to dependence. For others it may take several incidents abuse of a unit to develop. In addition, drugs such as alcohol and codeine, often need to be abused on several occasions before the unit is produced. By Moreover, a person can become addicted to heroin or cocaine after a single use.
A person who is dependent on the drug addict is considered. This is because the person feels the need to abuse drugs to feel "normal." This dependence can be physical or psychological, or both. For example, a person who is dependent on cigarettes may be physically dependent on nicotine, but also psychologically addicted to having something in your mouth. They can also be psychologically addicted to the feeling that comes after smoking a cigarette. Therefore, a person trying to overcome addiction to nicotine must overcome both forms of dependence In order to fully recover.
* Drug Tolerance
Building a tolerance for a drug exacerbates both drug abuse and dependence. After using a drug for a period of time, a drug addict more of the drug required in order to achieve a high – or even to feel normal. As a result it is necessary that more of the drug abuse in order to satisfy the dependency. This vicious circle is what often leads to an overdose, or take more of the drug that the body can safely handle.
Unfortunately, addicts who overdose often do not receive the medical attention they need. They can be as addicted to the drug not may face the prospect of being forced to stop abusing IT. It may also be because they are physically unable to come to help or because they refuse to seek help. Many not seek help because they are afraid of getting into legal trouble for drug abuse.
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Unfortunately, seeking help often results in death for the addict. Even those who receive immediate medical attention, can not live beyond the overdose.
Retirement
When an addict seeking help for addiction to drugs, they will have to endure a period of detoxification. During this time, the addict the drug is not allowed any longer. Because the addict is dependent on the drug, withdrawal can be very painful, both physically and psychologically.
Physically, the addict's body has become accustomed to the effects of the drug. As a result, your body reacts negatively when they are denied most of the substance. Physical symptoms vary from person to person and the type of drug of abuse. Common physical symptoms, however, are severe headaches, vomiting, tremors and increased heart rate and blood pressure.
Psychologically, an addict has become dependent on drugs to cause a particular effect. This effect may be to relieve pain or to provoke feelings of pleasure and the addict does not believe that it is possible to achieve these same feelings without using the drug. This causes severe anxiety and many addicts feel a lot of stress while going through withdrawal. For this reason, drug rehabilitation centers are closely monitoring addicts during the withdrawal period.
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About the Author:
The California Rehab Guide. Lists and reviews drug rehab and alcohol rehab facilities, lawyers and interventionist and an articles on addiction recovery and addiction treatment.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Drug Addiction: Abuse And Dependence Explained

