Opiates are a commonly abused drug because of their ability to cause an elevated sense of well-being and euphoria (often referred to as a high). Repeated opiate abuse leads to opiate tolerance (in which increasing amounts of the drug are required...
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant used recreationally for its intoxicating effects. Alcohol dependence occurs when a person requires alcohol to avoid physical withdrawals and continues to drink despite obvious negative effects. Both...
According to Harvard Health Publication, opiate dependence is second only to alcohol as the most commonly abused substance throughout human history. Though some become dependent on opiates as a result of prescribed pain solutions, others become...
In 2006, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health reported that 23.6 million Americans ages 12 and older had a substance or alcohol problem. Out of the 2.5 million who sought treatment at a specialty facility, 40 percent received help for...
Webster's Dictionary defines "dependence" as the quality or state of being influenced or determined by or subject to another". In this case, the subject doing the influencing is alcohol. According to Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., psychologist and managing...
Many people wine with dinner or a few beers while watching a game, but for some alcohol use can become alcohol dependence, a disease called alcoholism. According to the National Institutes of Health, those at risk for becoming alcohol dependent...
Regularly drinking too much alcohol may indicate alcohol abuse or the chronic disease alcoholism, also called alcohol dependence. Alcohol abusers can control their drinking while alcoholics cannot, but both types of heavy drinkers may require...
People who want to quit smoking and escape their nicotine dependence have a variety of treatments available. People should not worry if they cannot quit on their first attempt. Many smokers have made several attempts before becoming successful at...
Alcoholics lose vital nutrients because they neglect their diet and often choose unhealthy foods during intoxicated periods. Over time, this has damaging effects on the body, leading to illness and life-threatening diseases. The liver, which...
Being addicted or dependent on drugs and alcohol is a serious issue. The effects of this type of dependency can have harmful effects on health and lifestyle. Many people also lose touch with friends and family members. Some people may lose their...
Oxygen, an essential part of our planet's water and atmosphere, is vital to nearly all of your body's regular processes. Although this indicates that we are all dependent on oxygen, the label "oxygen-dependent" applies solely to people who require...
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration indicates that regular drinking increases your risk for problems at home and work. People are more likely to argue when drunk, causing estrangement from family members. It strains...
All opiates belong to a group of drugs called narcotics. These are sedative, addictive substances that are mainly used for the treatment of pain and illegal consumption. Overcoming dependence to any opiate is mostly a matter of making it through...
According to the Ohio State University Medical Center, chemical dependency is defined as "the compulsive use of chemicals (drugs or alcohol) and the inability to stop using them despite all the problems caused by their use." Chemical dependence...
In a 2006 report, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, said 47 percent of all patients in treatment for substance abuse abused multiple substances. Treatment for alcohol abuse combined with psychostimulant...
Drugs to treat alcohol dependence aim at keeping recovering alcoholics sober following detoxification. Sedatives and other medications may be used while an alcoholic goes through withdrawal symptoms, such as shaking, confusion or hallucinations....
According to TeenHelp.com, alcohol is the most abused substance by teens in the U.S. Teenagers who abuse alcohol on a regular basis can become addicted and turn into alcoholics. Having a dependence on alcohol can affect a teen's health and his...
For many, drinking alcohol occurs at social events, in the presence of others, over dinner or at parties.There are many people who consume alcohol and experience very few problems as a result. Yet, there are individuals whose alcohol consumption...
People who build up a tolerance to a drug develop drug dependence. They face the difficulty of going through withdrawal symptoms when abruptly stopping use of the drug. Drug dependence can result from abuse of illicit drugs or prescription...
Alcohol and sugar act on the reward system of the human brain, a characteristic action of addictive substances. The addictive properties of alcohol are well documented, but there is debate as to whether sugar truly is addictive. Sugar consumption...
Alcohol withdrawal is a condition with symptoms alcoholics might develop when they decide to stop drinking, according to FamilyDoctor.org. This syndrome typically affects people who have been drinking for weeks, months or years. Alcohol withdrawal...
The primary differences between drug abuse and drug dependence revolve around withdrawal and tolerance. Other distinctions exist as well. Most drug assessments such as the CAGE and the AA 20 assess whether someone has a problem with drugs or...
Teenage drug use is wide-ranging, and the popularity of specific drugs varies with each generations. According to the Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base, common reasons for this variance include perceived benefits of drug use, availability...
There are a wide variety of treatment approaches for alcohol and drug dependence, each of which can be effective for different people. People looking for a program for substance abuse should find a treatment center that offers an approach best...
Metamucil is a psyllium fiber supplement designed to help relieve constipation and promote regular bowel movements. Metamucil has many products, from fiber wafers to fiber capsules and powders. Unlike other laxative products, Metamucil and other...
Perhaps nothing awakens maternal or paternal instincts, or evokes stronger judgments, than seeing a pregnant woman drink. Despite popular belief, however, addictions cannot be controlled by willpower alone. The "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual...
The pleasurable effects of alcohol produce a relaxed mood when consumed in moderation. Excessive alcohol drinking, however, can intensify depression. Alcohol dependence and depression often occur together, according to NetDoctor. Although the two...
Alcoholism affects 17.6 million Americans, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Symptoms include craving, dependence, tolerance and loss of control. There are several types of treatment for alcohol addiction.
Chemical dependency is a growing health and social problem. Chemicals of abuse include both illegal substances, such as heroin or cocaine, and legal substances, such as alcohol and drugs prescribed by your doctor. Many of these substances can be...
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