Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is essentially the advanced stage of drug abuse. While “drug abuse” could imply occasional meddling with drugs to the point of sensory impairment, “drug addiction” points to an all-consuming habit that is a focal point of the daily routine.
The addict will feel compelled to use drugs before normal, everyday experiences like going to work, picking children up from school, or even interacting with people in general. They will feel compelled to do so just to cope with reality if their addiction has developed to the point where they are unable to function without the assistance of drugs. They may also feel compelled to use drugs after normal activities, again as a means of coping with reality and the stresses of everyday life.
A drug addiction is a very dangerous thing, and can cause the addict or even an innocent person to experience injury or loss of life. When under the influence, a drug addict may consider themselves perfectly able to drive, care for children, operate heavy machinery, etc. In reality, however, their judgment and their reaction time is greatly impaired and they are a threat to society. Drug addiction is marked by unsuccessful attempts to stop using drugs, keeping a constant supply of the drug on hand, using the drug alone as much as in social circles. Some drugs are legal, like tobacco, alcohol and prescription medicines. However, if a person is obtaining the drugs by resorting to illegal means like stealing money or forging prescriptions, it is a sign of drug addiction.
Different drugs cause different reactions. Marijuana and hashish can result in memory loss, increased appetite, slowed reaction time and paranoid thinking. Depressants can cause depression and slowed breathing, while stimulants can cause rapid speech and feelings of euphoria. Opioids, like heroin and morphine, reduce pain and cause constipation, slowed breathing and also needle “tracks” near the area where the drug is being injected. Knowing the reactions of each type of drug can help a person decide whether they know an addict, or are addicted themselves and in need of help.
