Drug addiction symptoms

Millions of people around the world are said to suffer from some form of drug addiction. Drug addiction are diseases that over time cause changes in the person's body, mind, and behavior, and the individual is unable to control his or her use of substances despite the harm that it causes.

As a person progress from substance use to abuse and possibly dependence, there are observable behavioral signs and symptoms. Like any other progressive, life-threatening disease, it is always desirable to intervene as early as possible when symptoms become apparent.

The symptoms in drug addiction and habituation vary with the type of drug, the amount used, and the personality of the user. Drug addiction is usually symptomatic of a personality disorder. Signs of drug addiction can include a decreased desire to work and/or socialize, extreme drowsiness, inattentive- ness, frequent mood swings, and restlessness.

Addiction definition

Millions of people all over the world suffer the consequences of addiction. But what exactly does the term addiction mean? Addiction is a compulsive searching for happiness outside of ourselves. Traditionally, the term addiction has been used to identify self-destructive behaviors that include a pharmacological component. Drug addiction is often defined by the pharmacological terms tolerance, sensitization, dependence, and withdrawal.

Although there is still debate about the definition of addiction, most professionals in the field seem to agree with the World Health Organization which defined addiction as a pathological relationship with a mood altering experience or thing that causes damage to the person and others.

Preventing drug use among children and adolescents

The United States continues to have the highest rate of teenage drug use of any nation in the industrialized world. To reduce the rate of teenage drug use and prevent American youth from using dangerous drugs we should combining broadcast media and parent education. Parents can be influential by talking to their children about the dangers in using drugs, and remain actively engaged in their children's live.

Another strategy for preventing drug abuse involves school-based curricula. Education for drug abuse prevention should be seen to include both formal and informal health curricula, the creation of a safe and healthy school environment, the provision of appropriate health services and support as well as the involvement of the family and the community in the planning and delivery of programs.

General effects of drug abuse

A large number of Americans regularly use drugs that are not intended as medicines. Drug abuse causes enormous damage to the person, family, and society. The repeated use of drugs can cause many problems, such as physical and psychological addiction, family difficulties, legal complications, health problems, problems with your job, and relationship troubles.

There are many negative physical effects that result from drug abuse. Substance abuse can damage the heart, the liver, and the brain. Drug abuse also can kill people through overdose, serious infections and accidents.