Drug addiction doesn't just apply to illegal street drugs. It can apply to prescription medications as well. As the Mayo Clinic explains, drug abuse/addiction is the uncontrollable use of any drug that your body craves, regardless of the negative...
Drug abuse is easily identified if you allow yourself to be aware of the individual’s behaviors. Many times, people in the drug abuser's life choose to remain in denial about the abuse until it becomes fully apparent. Drug abuse can control...
If you think your wife could have a drug addiction, it's often easier to look the other way than to face the facts. Although you may be waiting for your wife to hit rock bottom before suggesting treatment, the earlier the recovery process begins,...
If your friend is acting moody, becomes easily irritable, isolates himself and spends a lot of time obtaining and using alcohol or drugs, he might be abusing drugs. Friends of someone who is abusing drugs have to understand that they can't change...
According to the website Help Guide, drug addiction is the "repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve the same effect." These substances can include alcohol, prescription medications and illegal street drugs such as heroin or...
Although drug abusers often attempt to hide their problem, friends can spot the warning signs. Unexplained weight gain or loss or a deteriorating physical appearance are some physical warning signs, while psychological warning signs include an...
Opioids, also known as pain medications, are some of the most abused types of prescription medications, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Many people rely on pain killers to relieve pain after surgeries or to manage pain...
Alcohol and drug abuse are costly---not only for the users, but for America in general. In fact, half a trillion dollars are lost annually due to health, crime-related expenses and productivity losses, according to the National Institute on Drug...
Drug addiction generally begins as a voluntary choice to take drugs. Over time, however, brain alterations from the drugs affect an individual's ability to control impulses in regard to taking the drugs. The National Institute on Drug Addiction...
If you are suffering from addiction, breaking the cycle is the first step to a successful recovery. There are several types of addiction, including drugs, alcohol and gambling. Addiction is a complicated disorder, and there are several variables...
Teen drug exposure remains a common phenomenon, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the chance exists for casual experimentation to cross the line and become full-blown addiction. Adolescent drug addiction is a complex disorder...
Addiction to drugs is a disease. It is defined in this way because long-term drug abuse changes both the structure and functions of the brain, says the National Institute on Drug Abuse. These changes in brain structure may start to affect the...
Substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, abused painkillers and alcohol, taken regularly for extended periods, will damage a person's body. Unless the person seeks treatment for his drug addiction, the damage will continue.
Drug abuse and addiction are a major burden to society from a financial, emotional and health perspective, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. While no single factor can predict whether or not a person will become addicted to drugs,...
Drug abuse and addiction are often difficult disorders to treat due to the psychological and biological components that complicate the recovery process. In understanding the nature of drug abuse and addiction, it is important to recognize when...
Drug addiction has social, physical and psychological repercussions that destroy lives and place a burden on society. Given the well-known consequences of drug abuse, it's sometimes difficult to comprehend the persistent nature of addiction and...
Drug abuse is the misuse of mind-altering substances like illicit and prescription drugs. It affects not only the drug abuser, but entire families, often leading to long-term emotional and financial problems. The physical and psychological...
When people abuse drugs, it can destroy their lives and end in serious illness or death. It's a serious mental health issue that impacts all involved family members and friends.
Discovering drug abuse strategies is an important step in overcoming drug addiction. Strategies for drug abuse include finding effective approaches to treating addiction and promoting good health. These strategies should not only provide...
Teens abuse drugs for many reasons, including peer pressure, depression and social issues. When a teenager is abusing drugs, it affects all areas of her life such as school, family and friends.
Drug abuse criteria include a maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to significant impairment or distress and one or more of these symptoms: failure to fulfill major role obligations, substance use in dangerous situations, recurrent...
Created from the coca plant, cocaine can cause addition because of its heightened stimulation effects. Chemical dependency treatment includes short-term therapy for withdrawal and long-term psychotherapy for psychological issues. Cocaine causes...
Program Description Those who find success in recovery from drug abuse or addiction do so with the support of other people. Adequate support is a critical aspect of any recovery program, and 12-step programs have been a source of support since...
Alcohol abuse and dependence can wreak havoc on a teenager's life. Abusing alcohol can result in issues at home and with family, poor grades and school attendance and being arrested.
The primary factors that seem to affect increased drug use generally among teens are perceived risk, perceived social approval and perceived availability, according to the Adolescent Substance Abuse Knowledge Base, or ASK. Other, more specific...
Drug abuse can result in serious behavioral and emotional changes that ultimately destroy a person's life. The negative effects from drug abuse can have immediate and long-term consequences. Careers have been ruined and families have been...
Drug abuse occurs when mind-altering drugs are used excessively or in an otherwise irresponsible manner. Teenage drug abuse can lead to health problems, addiction, legal troubles and problems at home, work and school. Learning to recognize the...
Though most people use medications responsibly, prescription drug abuse is a growing public health problem in America. Approximately 20 percent of the population has used prescription medications for non-medical purposes, according to the National...
Many people have family members who suffer from substance abuse. Learn how to get started supporting a relative through substance abuse from a licensed professional psychotherapist in this video.
