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Drug addiction


Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (gambling) that can be pleasurable but the continueduse of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work or relationships, even health. Users may not be aware that their behavior is out of control andcausing problems for themselves and others.

Symptoms of Addiction
• The cardinal symptom of addiction is the inability to limit use of a substance or activity beyond need leading to clinicallysignificant impairment.
• There is a craving or compulsion to use the substance or activity.
• Recurrent use of the drug or activity escalates to achieve the desired effect, indicating tolerance.• Attempts to stop usage produce symptoms of withdrawal—irritability, anxiety, shakes, nausea.
• Recurrent use of the substance or activity impairs work, social, and familyresponsibilities, creates psychological impairments and interpersonal problems, has negative effects on health, mood, self-respect, exacerbated by the effects of the specific substance itself.




Treatment ofAddiction
Addiction is a treatable condition. The first phase of treatment from is withdrawal from the problem substance/activity. There are both physical and psychological effects that occur whensubstance-taking stops, including such physical signs as nausea and vomiting, chills and sweats, muscle cramps and aches, sleeplessness, shifts in heart rate, even fever. Emotional effects includedepression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Withdrawal symptoms typically last three to five days. While they are rarely life-threatening, medical supervision is usually provided in residentialtreatment programs, and medications may be given to ameliorate the acute discomfort of withdrawal.
Behavioral therapy and counseling are important elements of treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy is...