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Addiction: A Short Summary And Analysis

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There are many factors that play a role in an individuals’ life that lead to the cause of their addiction. Addiction affects the individual’s brain which causes them to have many psychological problems. Abuse of a drug can change the structure and molecular functions of the brain. The reasons for an individual to develop an addiction to something can be from depression, anxiety, genetics or mental illness. But, are certain addictions more serious than other? Addiction is a far more serious concern rather than drug abuse. The addict physically can’t stop themselves from using a substance (Addiction Resource 6). “Addicts can experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and changes in their mood” (Addiction Resource 4). …show more content…

Examples of opioid drugs include OxyContin, Vicodin, methadone, fentanyl, codeine and morphine (AAC 3). “As of 2014, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that more than 4 million Americans abuse those types of drugs” (AAC 3). Withdrawal symptoms from opioids usually occur 12 hours after their last dose. These symptoms can include muscle aches, restlessness, anxiety, excessive sweating and excessive sweating. More intense symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea/vomiting, rapid heartbeat and high blood pressure. People who are addicted heroine or opioids don’t just wake up and chose to go do these kinds of drugs. There are many factors that contribute to an individual’s motive to try it. In an article on National Institute on Drug Abuse, a man name Deon became addicted to heroin because of his family issues. His mom was an alcoholic and her boyfriend would hit her or him for the littlest things. At the age of 10 he started drinking and hanging around more on the streets to avoid being at home. He liked the way alcohol made him forget his problems which after a while lead to heroin. “I needed the drug just to get by” Deon said. Deon is now in treatment, talking in support groups and taking classes to help his addiction. He also takes methadone to help him feel normal and not …show more content…

Crystal methamphetamine looks like a shiny glass crystal. It is taken by inhaling/smoking, swallowing, snorting and injecting it by dissolving it in either water or alcohol (NIDA 2). Short-term effects of taking meth are increased wakefulness and physical activity, decrease in appetite, fast breathing, rapid/irregular heartbeat and increase in body temperature and blood pleasure. Long-term users have to deal with many negative consequences such as extreme weight loss, very severe dental problems, intense itching, anxiety, sleeping problems, paranoia, hallucinations and various physical changes (NIDA 9). For long-term users, a study has shown that they have increased their risk of getting Parkinson’s disease (NIDA 11). This drug is highly addictive and without taking it people will have withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, severe depression, psychosis and intense drug cravings (NIDA 17). In an article on the Phoenix House, Jasmine had a rough childhood growing up. Her older brother got her into everything. She was drinking at the age of 11 and smoking marijuana by the age of 12. She didn’t even know what drugs were at the time. She just like the buzzed feeling it gave her. By the age of 13, she was tricked into trying crystal meth. She became heavily addicted at the age of 14 and was doing meth nonstop. At around of 15, she ran away from home and met older guy who she lived with till she was 16. By the age of

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