DRUGS

In the past, addiction was viewed as a moral failing or a sign of a weakness. Today, we realize that drug addiction is a devastating, chronic brain disease. Each year, millions of Americans try drugs like alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or heroin for the first time, and a disturbing percentage of these people will be unable to stop without help. Understanding the causes and consequences of the cycle of addiction is the first step toward recovery.

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DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS


There are a wide variety of addictive substances that exist, but the most common types are classified under six main categories: alcohol, benzodiazepines, illicit drugs, opiates, sleeping pills and stimulants.


1. Alcohol :


Alcohol is a legal controlled substance that slows down the body’s vital functions when consumed in excess. Its many forms include beer, wine and liquor. Some of the physical effects of heavy alcohol consumption are slurred speech, loss of coordination and slowed reaction time. Psychological effects include inhibiting judgment and lowering a person’s ability to think rationally. Typically, drinking alcohol in moderation does not signify a problem. However, consuming more than four alcoholic beverages per day for men – or more than three per day for women – can indicate an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Typically, drinking alcohol in moderation does not signify a problem. However, consuming more than four alcoholic beverages per day for men – or more than three per day for women – can indicate an alcohol use disorder (AUD).


2. Benzodiazepines :


Benzodiazepines, or benzos, include pharmaceutical drugs used to treat a wide array of mental disorders, including severe anxiety and panic attacks. People can build a tolerance to benzos if they are consumed for an extended period of time, which can lead to dependency.

Some people choose to take benzos with alcohol, which strengthens its effects and can lead to overdose. Withdrawal from benzos can include dangerous symptoms such as Grand Mal seizures, so it’s always recommended to detox from these drugs under medical supervision.

Comprehensive treatment for a benzodiazepine addiction typically includes cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups and medications to help reduce cravings.



3. Illicit Drugs :


Illicit drugs include powerfully addictive and illegal substances such as heroin and meth. The nature of these substances is vastly different from one another.

For example, marijuana’s short-term effects slow down the central nervous system and interfere with a person’s reaction time and concentration. In contrast, cocaine puts brain functioning into hyper speed, resulting in increased alertness and anxiety.

Even just a single use of some of these substances can spawn devastating patterns of abuse. Once a physical or psychological dependence is formed, using illicit drugs takes priority over everything else in a person’s life.



4. Opiates :


Opiates encompass prescription drugs that are used to treat acute and chronic pain. While they can be effective when taken as directed, opiates pose a major risk of addiction among their users.

An opiate addiction often manifests itself within a person’s drug-seeking behavior. This can involve visiting multiple doctors in order to obtain more prescriptions – otherwise known as “doctor shopping.” If drugs cannot be obtained through various doctor visits, some people turn to heroin use as a cheaper, easier-to-get alternative.

Withdrawal from opiates can be agonizing and should never be attempted alone. Medically-assisted detox is the safest way to endure the withdrawal process. After detox, it is highly recommended to enter an inpatient addiction treatment program to ensure the lowest chances of relapse.



5. Sleeping Pills :


Sleeping pills fall under a category of prescription medications known as sedative-hypnotics. Many individuals assume they cannot develop a sleeping pill addiction; however, becoming addicted is easier than most may think.

A dependency on sleeping pills often begins forming when a person increases their prescribed dose without consulting their physician first. They may believe that taking more pills will improve their quality of sleep. Over time, a person will feel the need to take larger amounts each time in order to fall asleep, which often leads to an overwhelming addiction.

When a person who is dependent on sleeping pills tries to quit cold turkey, their body may experience withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal can be uncomfortable, so it is best to go through the process at a medical detox center. Further treatment at an inpatient rehab center or outpatient program can address the psychological impact of an addiction to sleeping pills.



6. Stimulants :


Prescription stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Typically, stimulants are used to treat mental disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They are generally used to enhance performance, rather than to achieve a high.

Stimulants work by activating the central nervous system, inciting feelings of excitement and increasing physical and cognitive function. When a person uses these substances, they feel a rush of intense pleasure caused by a surge of dopamine. A tolerance can build up over time from frequent stimulant use, which can signify the early stages of an abuse disorder.

In order to overcome an addiction to stimulants, detox at a treatment center may be required before transitioning into therapy and group support.