Signs, Effects & Treatment of Substance Abuse

Substance abuse addiction is a large problem in society today. It does not matter where you come from, your background or what nationality you are. Substance addiction knows no gender or financial status when the ugly abuses of drugs penetrate the lives of individuals and families in today’s modern society.

There are several factors or causes associated with substance abuse and dependency; one of them is environmental factors. With this factor, the risk of substance abuse becoming a problem depends upon the community where individuals live. If the area is high in statistics of crime, illegal guns and free-flowing drugs and everyone in the neighborhood accepts this behavior as the norm, the risk factors for substance abused and dependency increase. Another factor is on the grounds of genetics. A person’s genes can determine if an individual will or will not become susceptible to addiction and dependency.

Although discovering genetic factors is a complicated and complex process, there are some genes that are already known to play a role in addiction. Some of these genes are the DRD2, Mpdz, Cnr1 and the Creb to name a few. Having any of these genes in the DNA of individuals can lead to the potential addiction of morphine, alcohol, cocaine and barbiturates.

The Trouble with Alcohol

In today’s society, drinking alcohol is a part of life in some people’s circles. Drinking occurs for many reasons; there is a glass of alcohol to celebrate occasions and events in all walks of life. People partake in after dinner drinking and while socializing. The drinking habit can go from seldom to heavy when you need a little wine or something harder to make yourself feel good, or to get you through trying times. It can be abusive when you need it to cope and to escape life’s problems. It can be destructive and life threatening when one glass turns into eight, or when you don’t have enough will power to say no. You know you have a problem when the alcohol affects your life in a negative way and you stop caring.

Some common signs that alcohol is in control of your life is when you begin to neglect your responsibilities at home and at work. There is a problem when drinking affects your relationship with your spouse, or when you start to mix the deadly brew of alcohol and prescription drugs to obtain a fast high. There are two main signs of alcoholism and they are tolerance and withdrawal. These are major signs; when you need more alcohol to survive and when you have to take a drink to ease the symptoms of withdrawal, which could include symptoms of jumpiness, trembling, nausea, and loss of appetite and sleep. However, these are just some of the signs and symptoms, the list is actually longer.

You can be treated for alcohol abuse either as an outpatient or with inpatient care. However, that treatment choice depends upon the severity of symptoms, for moderate to severe, treatment involves being admitted to a medical facility when you will be monitored for withdrawal symptoms of hallucinations and delirium. Another treatment option is joining an alcoholism support group, it is their mission to keep you on the right path once you kick or try to kick the habit.

• Alcohol Abuse and Dependency –The information found here tells you all about Alcohol abuse. It gives an overview of dependency and how it affects an individual.

• Alcohol Withdrawal- This article discusses what alcoholism is. It tells of the causes and the effects of this disease. Also included is information on how to stop the addiction when you are serious about quitting. 
• What Drives Alcohol Addiction –The information on this site is on substance abuse. It gives a personal account of alcohol dependency. Information gives insight into the symptoms, going from dependency to abuse.
• Symptoms, Exams and Treatment of Alcohol Addiction – This is a very informative site that gives information on the causes and symptoms of alcoholism. You will find other information on treatment and exams for the disease of alcoholism.
• Alcohol Abuse Facts –This site covers the facts of alcohol abuse. It tells what it is, giving an in-depth definition. It covers the causes and gives the statistics of this disease.

Heroin: How it affects the Body

Heroin is an addictive drug which is made with a combination of morphine and poppy seeds. In its natural form and what it looks like when it is sold on the street, is a white or brown colored powder. Most users when they partake of this drug stand the chance of overdosing, this is because users don’t know the actual strength of the substance that is taken when they sniff, inject or smoke the drug. For the user, when it comes to injecting heroin into the veins, users get a sudden rush or a pleasurable sensation. However, what causes this drug to become addictive is partly because of the time it takes for the blood to reach the brain. Injecting causes this to happen quickly.

After the sudden rush, the user may feel nausea; have vomiting and severe itching over the body. A person using this drug also gets dry mouth and a sudden hot flash. Heroin causes the user to become sleepy and the heart tends to slow down as well as their mental capacity. For those using over a long period of time, they can get infectious diseases such as HIV/Aids and hepatitis. Heroin abuse causes arthritis, collapsed veins and addiction. When it comes to treating this addiction, the user is put on methadone. This substance takes away the withdrawal symptoms. Another treatment option is behavioral therapy and going through a detoxification program.

• Heroin Abuse and Addiction –You will find information on heroin abuse and addiction. It gives information on how it is used. It also talks of the effects of long and short term use.

• The Side Effects of Heroin –the information found on this site tells how heroin affects the brain. It also mentions what other bad effects it has on the general health of cocaine users. You will also find treatment options listed on this website.
• Heroin Fast Facts-This is a question and answer website. It explains what heroin is and what it looks like. It also tells which people use this drug. Information also includes the risk factors and other names for this drug on the streets.
• Heroin Addiction Symptoms –The information on this site gives a detailed outlook of what the heroin symptoms are. It also gives you warning signs to look for if you suspect addiction.
• Heroin: Signs and Causes of Addiction –Heroin is an addictive drug and illegal. This website tells the signs of dependency. It tells of the causes and effects of this drug on individuals. You will also find treatment options to help with symptoms of addiction.
• Treatment Options for Heroin Abuse –The article contains information on heroin abuse and how it reacts to the brain. Article speaks on physical dependency and how it affects the body. Also mentioned are treatment options that are available.

Cocaine: The Drug that Causes Euphoria

Cocaine is a powdery substance that is derived from the cocoa plant. It is white, has no smell and it has the same properties as that of amphetamines. People who use cocaine have several ways of abusing this addictive substance. They snort it, smoke it or they inject it. However, when a needle is involved and the liquid substance is put into the vein it is called a speedball.

Cocaine gives its user the feeling of bliss, like all is well with the world and there are no problems existing. Users get an extra surge of self-confidence and euphoria. However, these feelings are only temporary, lasting a short 15-30 minutes. When the person comes down off their high, they are likely to feel an overwhelming amount of anxiety, panic, depression and even have problems sleeping. The body can go through changes too, for this drug causes mood swings, muscle twitching and a rapid pulse. Users who abuse this drug for a long period of time have health issues that lead to chronic sneezing and nose bleeds. With cocaine, the more you use, the more you want; increasing your tolerance level to a point that the body cannot withstand. People on crack spend a lot of their money on getting high, so their cash flow diminishes quickly. Another symptom is unexpected weight loss. This means that they stay out all night fixing their dependency, which is another symptom.

There are several options available to treat cocaine abuse and dependency. However, treatment is complex because you don’t just treat the symptoms or the addiction itself. A professional in charge will also have to get to the root of the problem in the individual and these issues can be social, family and environmental issues that the cocaine user is dealing with. For treating a cocaine addict, a doctor might suggest a behavioral intervention, counseling and a self-help program such as Cocaine Anonymous, because after all, users and abusers will need a support group to help them recover and stay clean.

• A Social History of America’s Most Popular Drugs –This is a website that gives a brief history on America’s most popular drugs. You will find information on drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, crack, LSD, marijuana and heroin.
• All about Cocaine –The information found on this website describes the abuses of cocaine addiction. It tells you all the forms of cocaine. The article talks of the effects of cocaine and the risk factors as well. Other information included is the other names that are on the street for cocaine.
• Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse –In this article on cocaine use, it talks about the symptoms and the effect that the drug has on the central nervous system. It also discusses the effects it has on the brain as well as the ears, nose and throat. Other areas of concern that are mentioned here is the effect that cocaine has on the heart and lungs.
• Signs of Cocaine Use – If you suspect someone is using cocaine; the information found here will let you know what to look for when validating your suspicions. This article lists the 3 most important factors that are associated with cocaine addiction.

• Treatment of Cocaine Abuse –This article covers the treatments that are available today for cocaine addiction. You will find information on interventions, counseling and self-help programs when you want to find help.
• Symptoms, Withdrawals and Treatment-This is an informative article that shows the consequences of using cocaine. It talks of how it causes cardiac arrest. It also talks about the withdrawal symptoms and what an abuser will likely go through to get clean. 

Meth: the Tell-Tell Signs of Addiction

 Another addictive drug that is penetrating societies today is that of methamphetamines or meth. It is a stimulant drug that interferes with the function of the brain and other vital organs of the body. Street meth goes by other names such as speed and chalk. It is a chunky, crystal like substance that resembles small pieces of ice.

This drug is taken by injection, snorting and by smoking it. When meth is smoked it is referred to as ice or glass. Meth has both long and short term effects. In short term, a person may experience a decrease in appetite, they become irritable, confused and agitated easily. A person abusing this drug may experience anxiety and paranoia. Sometimes, a person will have convulsions when they abuse this drug. With long term effects, there is the possibility of having strokes, respiratory problems and severe anorexia.

To be treated for meth addiction, a person will have to go through a specific program designed for meth abuse. Treatment will call for cognitive-behavioral therapy. It will take an intense outpatient program where the patient will be involved with both group and individual approaches to recovery. The approach will involve exercises and worksheets once an individual understands and can identify the sources of their addiction. The tell-tale signs of someone using meth are rapid eye movements, unexplained sweating, and a rise in body temperature, paranoia and anxiety, which is followed by an extreme state of euphoria or a feeling of happiness.

• Learn about Methamphetamines –This site explains what meth is. It speaks of the hazards of the drug and how dangerous it is for teenagers.

• Facts about Meth – Nothing but the facts are found on this page. Information includes the effect it has on the brain and other health issues. It also gives information on the treatment options for the long and short term effects of this drug on individuals.
• Methamphetamine –This is an informative website that explains and describes this drug. It tells what meth is, how it is used. Also included is how it affects women when they are pregnant.
• What You Need to Know about Drugs: Methamphetamines –Information from this page is targeted toward children. The article explains about meth and what happens when you get addicted to the drug.
• Signs and Symptoms of Meth –On this page is a review of the signs and symptoms of meth use. There is information on early meth use and advance meth use. Also, there is information on the signs and symptoms of meth overdose.

• Symptoms of Methamphetamine Use –This article discusses what happens to the body when using the illegal drug of meth. Information shows the effects that the drug has on the Central Nervous System and the Cardiovascular System. There is a list of side effects associated with this drug usage.

• Treatment for Meth Addiction –Information contained on this page comes from the voice of the Attorney General on the subject of meth addiction. The article covers the three main symptoms of this drug addiction. It also covers the treatment options telling what each treatment entails.
• Getting the Facts on Methamphetamines –This is a website that gives questions and answers on Methamphetamine. Information discussed here tells about the street names of this drug. It also gives information on where the drug is manufactured and how it is made. Included in the article is the cost of the substance on the street.