Addiction can manifest itself in a number of different ways. Most people are aware of the addictive qualities of alcohol, pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs, but less people are aware of addiction striking video gamers, or diet soda drinkers. The reasons behind these addictions are as varied as the addiction themselves. Here are five of the strangest. Continue reading
5 Strange Addictions
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4 Things You Didn’t Know About Addiction
Heroin is an extremely addictive drug, but it’s not a drug that addicts believe hooks you immediately. Heroin is a drug that bodies build a tolerance to, so more and more of the drug is needed to produce the same effect. Additionally, this tolerance makes it seem like the drug isn’t creating an addiction right off the bat. Former heroin addicts have said that it didn’t feel like they were addicted to the drug until a week or two after of using. It created a false sense of security that they weren’t becoming addicted to it, so use persisted. When heroin addicts realize that their body is craving the drug, it’s usually too late to quit. The body is already relying on the drug and creating a tenacious addiction. Continue reading
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The First Step in Stopping Prescription Addiction
Prescription drugs are “medicines” first and foremost, so many Americans don’t think of them when they think of dangerous drugs. Aren’t drugs what shady people buy on the street from other shady people? Well, believe it or not, medically prescribed drugs from doctors are available on the street right alongside heroin and meth. In many states, drug addicts are using these prescription medications at far higher rates than these other illegal drugs. In fact, government research indicates that over 7 million Americans are now using prescription drugs in order to get high. Continue reading
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Addiction Can’t Happen To Me
Drug use and addiction usually begins when an individual seeks to suppress an unwanted situation or sensation in their life. Drugs can numb that sensation, cause a feeling of disconnection and create the sensation of pleasure or euphoria. It can be hard to turn away from drug use after the effects wear off and reality and problems set in again. The desire to take more drugs can quickly become a need to take more drugs, and can result in shame, embarrassment and guilt. The individual may be approached and offered help, and is either unable or unwilling to accept that the drugs they initially took by choice are now running their life. It is not uncommon for a substance abuser to say things like, “Drugs don’t harm or change me, they just help me relax occasionally or deal with stress,” or “I can quit using drugs whenever I want,” or “I don’t need help, I’m not addicted,” or “I just use drugs on the weekend,” or “It’s someone else’s fault”. Continue reading
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Teen Violence Directly Connected to Addiction
If you think of teenagers fighting, you probably think of boys. Gang fights, bullying, even just “normal” male testosterone let out in displays of aggression and violence – these are the images we usually think of if we think of teen violence. While it’s true that young men participate in far too much violence for anyone’s good, an often-overlooked fact is that girls are involved in teen violence, too. Continue reading
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How Addiction Affects the Heart
Addiction to drugs and alcohol can cause more than just heartache. Addiction to drugs and alcohol can actually increase the likelihood of heart failure in people of all ages. Heart attacks and heart failure are the number one preventable cause of death in the United States today. Raising awareness for February’s American Heart Month can save lives as well as prevent drug addiction and overdose. Continue reading
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Parents Often Blame Themselves For Child’s Addiction
There are many volatile emotions that erupt as a result of drug abuse and addiction, not the least of which is anger. It is not unusual for substance abusers themselves to feel angry, nor is it unusual for their loved ones to feel angry. Parents may feel angry about their child’s addiction, and some parents may go even so far as to disconnect from their substance abusing child’s life. But who are they really angry with? The answer may surprise them. Continue reading
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10 Reasons a Person Turns to Drugs
It would be hard to predict, for any particular person (young, old, or in between), as to what the exact tipping point might be that sends them over the edge into drug abuse. It’s hard to say why a particular emotional crisis, for example, might send one person down the dwindling spiral of drug abuse, where another person hangs on and makes it through without needing a chemical crutch. But there are a number of reasons that generally cover why most people do go down the wrong path. Continue reading
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Three Mistakes Family Can Make When Handling Addiction
Drug and alcohol addiction are problems wrecking the nation. As recently as 2009, over 23 million people 12 or older needed treatment for some kind of drug or alcohol addiction. Out of that number only 2.6 million people actually received treatment. Relapsing into addiction is also a very common problem with addicts and some methods of rehab are almost entirely ineffective when considering their rate of relapse. Continue reading
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Overcoming Crystal Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine is a high dangerous and highly addictive drug that is snorted, smoked or injected. The drug gives the user a rush of confidence, hyperactivity and energy. It can also create a feeling of happiness and well being along with a decrease in appetite. Methamphetamine initially acts like a stimulant but is a chemical that immediately begins to destroy the basic functions and organs of the body. Methamphetamine use can lead to memory loss, aggression, psychotic behavior and heart and brain damage. Continue reading
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