Drug abuse is the chronic or habitual use of a drug for a non-medical purpose, with the objective of altering states of body and mind for the user. The use of illegally produced drugs and the abuse of legal drugs are both included here. For example, not only illegal drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine or ecstasy, but also legal drugs like tranquilizers, painkillers and sleeping pills can be abused. Some even abuse cough syrups and herbal medicines.
Drug abuse may cause death or injury by overdose, accident or aggression, and can damage the brain, liver and mental health. It also causes harm to self, family and friends, and is fraught with serious legal consequences like imprisonment and hefty fines.
Drug abuse by young people is very common, which can lead to disastrous consequences in the future. A large proportion of deaths in people between 15 and 24 are reportedly caused by drug or alcohol abuse. Such abuse also leads to violent criminal acts, such as assault, murder or rape. Some young people also take to drugs to overcome depression and anxiety.
If a young member of your family suddenly starts performing badly in school, makes a new group of friends, behaves in a delinquent manner or tries to keep aloof from other family members, you have some reasons to be suspicious. Physical signs like red eyes, nagging cough, and changes in eating and sleeping habits should also serve as warning signals.
In most cases, a specialist is needed for treatment of drug abuse. The choice of treatment will depend on the specific needs of the individual concerned, and the drug that is being abused. Treatments include psychological therapies, and medication to help the patient with withdrawal symptoms. The areas that deserve special attention during treatment include detoxification, relapse prevention and long-term rehabilitation.
Drug Abuse provides detailed information on Drug Abuse, Drug Abuse Treatments, Drug Abuse Treatment Centers, Teen Drug Abuse and more. Drug Abuse is affiliated with Drug Abuse Treatment Programs.
Women and Drug Abuse
According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, more than 4 million women use drugs today in America. In the past year alone, 9 million women used drugs illegally and another 50% of all women between the ages of 15 to 44 will try drugs at least once in their lifetime. These troubling numbers are compounded by the fact that many instances of w...
Drug Abuse Treatments
As treatment of drug abuse should suit the specific needs of the individual concerned, there is no one treatment that can be used in all cases. The choice of treatment also depends on which drug is being abused. Psychological therapies, such as behavior therapy, and medication to help the individual with withdrawal symptoms are components of the tr...
Major Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
There are many different signs and symptoms that show whether a person is a victim of alcohol and drug abuse. Some are obvious, others are not. The one thing that is for sure; they are all signs of trouble.I will go over the main ones that point to drug and alcohol addiction.An alcoholic can easily be detected by the perpetual smell of alcohol...
Drug Abuse Treatment
The roots of drug abuse are often found in a disturbed childhood and puberty; if not; then what starts off often as an ostentation of respective macho-ness grows into a compulsive habit within no time. Perhaps it is the only field where the teenagers and the young adults never fall short of ambition. For the aged, it is a different story altogether...
The Dangers Of Prescription Drug Abuse And How To Get Help
Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem throughout the country. The basic reasons for abusing prescription drugs are much the same as abusing any type of drug. For example, some people abuse prescription drugs so they can loosen up, while others do so in hopes of losing weight, having fun, or simply fitting in. Another reason for the growin...
Prescription Drug Addiction Statistics- Drug Abuse Hits Home
The big drug addiction problem facing America, according to drug addiction statistics, lies not in the crack houses and shooting galleries of the inner cities, but in the doctors offices to which millions of Americans go in search of relief for their physical and emotional pain.Drug Abuse Among The ElderlyAs the Baby Boomer generation enters its re...
Multi-Generational Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is a most divisive force within a family unit. It causes people to lie to those that trust them, to use violence against those that love them and above all, to loathe themselves. In many cases the abuse of drugs goes on for many years, causing an ingrained type of damage that becomes a feature of daily life. Yet amidst the pain and suffe...
