Substance Abuse/Dependence

The key definition of Substance Abuse/Dependence is a behavior pattern where there are recurring consequences as a result of the continued use of a substance. Because of the Substance Abuse/Dependence, there is a failure of one's responsibilities that may cause a loss of employment, financial difficulties, serious family problems and irresponsible individual behavior. The distinguishing factors between abuse and dependence are the increase in tolerance levels, withdrawal symptoms, and one's inability to stop using the substance.

Alcohol:
Alcohol is produced from ethanol, which is a colorless, volatile, and flammable liquid. It is an addictive drug that can cause long-term damage to the brain, liver, stomach and pancreas. It can be slammed, belted and drained and one can get hammered, drunk and out of control.

Alcoholism is a progressive disease, which causes an individual to have an insatiable craving for alcohol. Individuals cannot stop drinking once they start, and they have withdrawal symptoms that can include dizziness, nausea and delirium tremors when they stop. The person who continues to drink will have increased tolerance to alcohol. The tolerance levels will increase until the individual starts to have liver damage, at which point the liver, because of hardening and scar tissue, can no longer filter the blood. This results in cirrhosis of the liver and ultimately death.

"Am I an alcoholic?" Self-Assessment

1. Have you ever tried to stop or cut down on your drinking?
2. Has drinking affected your relationships adversely?
3. Has drinking affected your performance?
4. Have you needed a drink when you awake in the morning?
5. Have you had legal repercussions because of your drinking?
6. Have you ever been fired because of drinking?
7. Has drinking affected your professional life?
8. Do you drink to escape your problems or feelings?
9. Do you have remorse after drinking?
10. Have you ever blacked out while drinking?

If you answered, "Yes" to one of these questions, you may have a problem with alcohol. If you answered, "Yes" to more than one of these questions, then a problem may exist.

Amphetamines (Uppers):
Methamphetamine is produced from ephedrine, red phosphorous and iodine. It can be smoked, snorted, ingested or injected. When used, it causes an initial rush and results in the release of excess dopamine, which can cause toxic effects to the nerve terminals. High doses can cause increased body temperature that can lead to convulsions and death. Long-term use can result in effects that include psychosis, anxiety, insomnia and violent behavior. Other long-term effects are stroke and extreme weight loss. Research, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, shows that both serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters can be damaged.

Heroin:
Heroin comes from morphine, which is produced from the seedpod of various poppy plants. It is highly addictive and one of the most abused of the opioid drugs. It is sold on the streets as a white (China White) or brown powder form or as a sticky black substance known as black tar. The risk of overdose is high since most heroin is cut with other substances and the quality varies. There is the risk of sexually transmitted and other diseases when needles are used and shared. Heroin can be smoked, injected or applied through a suppository. It is highly addictive because it enters the brain quickly and adheres to the opioid receptors. There is an initial rush and warm feeling. The heroin affects the central nervous system, slowing mental function. The heart and breathing is slowed, which may lead to death by overdose.

The long-term effect of heroin that is most destructive is the addiction to heroin itself. Because heroin produces high levels of tolerance and dependence, the compulsion to use the drug is greater. Long-term use can result in infectious diseases, infection of the heart lining and valves, collapsed veins, abscesses and arthritis.

Marijuana:
Marijuana comes from the hemp plant and is a mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers from the pistillate cannabis sativa hemp plant, which contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It manifests a state of euphoria. It affects our short and long-term memory, contains cancer-causing chemicals, and increases one's heart rate. Marijuana is known by other names such as grass, weed, and bud. Marijuana can be smoked and ingested by eating.

Cocaine:
Cocaine is an alkaloid that is obtained from the leaves of various species of Erythroxylon (coca plants) or it is produced synthetically. Crack cocaine is an alkaloid of cocaine that results when it is extracted from powered hydrochloride salt that has been mixed with sodium bicarbonate and then dried into "rocks". Cocaine and Crack Cocaine affect the central nervous system. They can result in serious impediments to physical, mental, social and occupational functioning. Cocaine is sold on the streets in powder form and is also known by other names such as coke, flake or blow. It can be snorted, smoked or injected. Cocaine makes you feel euphoric and energetic when you first use it. Over time, users become restless, have insomnia and show signs of extreme paranoia and hallucinations. Intravenous use can result in HIV and/or Hepatitis. It will increase your blood pressure and heart rate, sometimes leading to overdose and death.

Hallucinogens:
Hallucinogenic drugs alter one's perception of reality and mood and are naturally produced or produced in a laboratory. Drugs like LSD peyote mescaline and ecstasy place the individual in a pure id state and create a euphoric sense of oneness with the world. Ketamine causes a sense of being disconnected, out of control and out of touch with your self. LSD and the other hallucinogens can cause psychosis while Ketamine can cause respiratory failure and heart problems.

Long-term use of hallucinogens can result in flashbacks as well as problems with memory and concentration. There is also the possibility of infectious diseases and blood pathogens.

Barbiturates (Downers):
Barbiturates are medications made from barbituric acid that act on the GABA receptors and affect the central nervous system (CNS). They are known as sedative-hypnotic drugs that depress the CNS. Barbiturates are used as relaxants and to control seizures and convulsions. They are one of the most addictive drugs on the market, where extended use can be habit-forming and lethal when combined with alcohol. They can be ingested as a tablet, liquid or intravenously. Phenobarbital (Barbita) and secobarbital (Seconal) are two common barbiturates that are prescribed. The short-term effects are reduced anxiety and feelings of drunkenness with slurred speech. Individuals can lose control of body functions and have memory impairment. Long-term effects can include vision difficulties, coordination problems, dizziness and breathing problems. Chronic users can display signs of aggression and hostility and/or sedated and hypnotic behavior.

Benzodiazepines:
Benzodiazepines are a CNS depressant. They can be taken orally or intravenously. They increase GABA transmitter production, which then produces a calming effect on the person, reducing anxiety. Benzodiazepines are physically addictive, and abuse will lead to increased tolerance and dependence. They rarely cause death unless used in conjunction with alcohol or other sedatives. Abuse can cause confusion, anxiety, hallucinations, slurred speech and respiratory failure.

Designer Drugs:
Ecstasy, MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) combines speed with other hallucinogens. Designer drugs get their name because they are a variation of other street drugs. It is taken orally, snorted in powder form or taken intravenously. Ecstasy causes a false sense of euphoria and sense of well-being. It can cause anxiety, depression, paranoia and violent behavior.

Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine sedative. It can impair judgment and cause difficulty moving. It is known as the "Date rape" drug. Rohypnol can bring about deep sleep and respiratory failure. The potential for overdose and/or death is increased when used with alcohol.

GHB (gamma-hydroxybutyrate) can be taken in tablet form or dissolved in liquid. It produces a feeling of intoxication and then causes sedation. It can cause nausea, vomiting, delusions, visual hallucinations and coma. When mixed with alcohol, it can be lethal.

Ketamine (Ketamine hydrochloride) is a surgical anesthesia. It can be snorted in powder form or used in a liquid. Side effects include hallucinations, and a large dose can produce an "out-of-body" near-death experience known as a "K-hole". Individuals can lose a sense of who they are and lose track of time. It can cause impaired motor functions, delirium, amnesia and respiratory failure.

Drug Offenses:
The drug offenses that an individual may be arrested for are: possession, possession with intent to distribute, sales, manufacturing, and impairment by a controlled substance. Being arrested for possession with intent to distribute, sell or manufacture a drug is a felony offense. Possession of any amount of drugs can result in prosecution and jail time or time in prison. A felony arrest and conviction generally will stay on a person's criminal record for life.

Drunk Driving:
An individual may be charged with a DUI (driving under the influence), DWI (Driving while intoxicated) or an OWI (operating while intoxicated). Once you are arrested, you may be asked to take a breath, blood or urine test. Refusal to be tested can result in automatic arrest and may be used in court. Many states will revoke or suspend a person's license upon arrest. The length of time an arrest for DUI, DWI or OWI stays on a person's record varies from state to state.

Addictions

Gambling Addiction:
Gambling addiction is defined as an "impulse control disorder." It is a progressive pathological illness. Gambling addiction is a progressive disease that will destroy the gambler and all significant relationships. Gambling is manifested in many forms, from card games, slot machines, and bingo, to dog tracks and horse racing. Once the person starts placing bets, they have an inability to control the impulse to place another wager. Gamblers will go through withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to stop their gambling. Theses symptoms can include irritability, restlessness, inability to control their habit, cold sweats and tremors.

Sexual Addiction:
Sexual addiction is self-destructive behavior that places an individual at high risk of being exposed to a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD). They engage in behavior that releases endorphins through their sexual behavior, and they become addicted to the release of those endorphins. Often, the sexual addict is addicted to the chase and not the actual sexual act. The person engages in sexual behavior as a quick fix and a way for them to medicate against their emotional pain. Sex and sexual thinking begin to dominate the individual's life. The sex addict has low self-esteem and an inability to form close relationships.

Internet Addiction:
The growth of the Internet has led to the development of a new disorder, Internet addiction. Individuals who are addicted to the Internet use the Web every day and spend increasing amounts of time on the Web. They start to isolate themselves from families and friends. They will loose track of time and start eating in front of the monitor. The individual's use of the Internet becomes compulsive and they feel like they cannot live without the Internet. Symptoms of withdrawal from Internet use can include anxiety, irritability and depression.