Quick and easy guides to help keep you healthy and out of danger



Download 5.47 Mb.
Page15/26
Date26.11.2017
Size5.47 Mb.
#35067
1   ...   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   ...   26

UNDERSTANDING DRUG ADDICITION:
Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug use.

People who are addicted feel an overwhelming, uncontrollable need for drugs or alcohol, even in the face of negative consequences




SUBSTANCE ABUSE


  • An individual who continues to use drugs even though they know it is having an adverse affect on their health and well being.




  • Drug abusers will continue to use even though their social life is falling apart and their financial stability is collapsing.




SUBSTANCE DEPENDENCE


  • Drug dependence occurs when an individual has built up a tolerance to a particular drug or drugs.




  • With tolerance comes the need to take more and more of the drug in order to achieve a "high".




  • Those with a drug dependence problem are also likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the drug in question.



HOW ADDICTION DEVELOPS:




  1. Starts with experimentation; Experimentation with friend or an effort to erase another problem.

  2. At first, the substance seems to solve the problem or make life better, so you use the drug more and more.

  3. But as the addiction progresses, getting and using the drug becomes more and more important and your ability to stop using is compromised.

  4. What begins as a voluntary choice turns into a physical and psychological need.



Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse


  • You’re neglecting your responsibilities

  • You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high,

  • Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble,

  • Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships



Common signs and symptoms of drug addiction


  • You’ve built up a drug tolerance.

  • You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms.

  • You’ve lost control over your drug use.

  • Your life revolves around drug use.

  • You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy

  • You continue to use drugs, despite knowing its hurting you




Warning signs that a friend or family member is abusing drugs

Physical warning signs of drug abuse



  • Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.

  • Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.

  • Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.

  • Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.

  • Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.




Behavioral signs of drug abuse


  • Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.

  • Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.

  • Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.

  • Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.

  • Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).




Psychological warning signs of drug abuse


  • Unexplained change in personality or attitude.

  • Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.

  • Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.

  • Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.”

  • Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.




HelpGuide.org (2010) Drug Abuse and Addiction. Retrieved form: http://helpguide.org/mental/drug_substance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm

Alcohol dependence QUESTIONAIRE



Have you ever felt – C. A. G. E. d?

C

Cut down

Have you ever felt

you should cut down

on your drinking/drug use?

A

Annoyed/Angry

Have people annoyed you

by criticizing your drinking/drug use?

G

Guilty

Have you ever felt

badly or guilty about

your drinking/drug use?

E

Eye opener

Have you ever had

a drink/drug first thing in the morning

to steady your nerves, cure a hangover?


Download 5.47 Mb.

Share with your friends:
1   ...   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   18   ...   26




The database is protected by copyright ©ininet.org 2024
send message

    Main page