LP 4 Drug abuse and drug addiction
Drug Addiction- The definition of addiction is a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance. The term has been partially replaced by the word dependence for substance abuse. Addiction has been extended, however, to include mood-altering behaviors and or activities. So to me that means it is not just illegal drugs but also could include over the counter medications/drugs.
Addiction is one of the most costly public health problems in the USA. Substance abuse is characterized by frequent relapse. It is a progressive syndrome, which means that it increases over time unless the individual seeks some sort of treatment. The substance abuser usually takes several attempts before they are successful at quitting. In the USA it is estimated that the economic cost exceeds $414 billion dollars and with health care costs it is estimated at $114 billion.
Research has shown that by the 8th grade 52% of kids have either consumed alcohol and that 41% have smokes cigarettes which is another addiction and then 20% have smokes marijuana. In the male/female comparison it has been proven that the males are more likely to become heavy drinkers, and nearly one half smoke a pack or more a day. Females are generally more likely to be more substance abusers.
A review has shown that at least four million adolescents’ over the age of 12 have used prescription pain killers, sedatives and stimulants as non medicinal use.
Causes and symptoms- Addiction to substances result from the interaction of several factors. I believe that when there is a lot of peer pressure it plays a significant role in teenagers using and abusing drugs, alcohol and other habit forming agents.
Drug dependencies- Means that a person needs a drug to function normally. Abruptly stopping the drug leads to withdrawal symptoms. Drug addiction is the compulsive use of a substance, despite its negative or dangerous effects. A person may have a physical...