Diagnosing Drug Dependence

100).” This cycle is broken through detoxifying the body of these substances and then dealing with withdraw symptoms. Withdraw is usually the most trying time in recovery, common symptoms are nausea, nightmares, seizures, depression and hallucinations (Renner, et al, (2011) p.102).

The definition of addiction is the continuing, compulsive use of a substance despite negative physical, mental or societal consequences of the substance. (Drug addiction and drug abuse, 1) To be psychologically dependent upon a substance is to feel the need to have the substance to maintain the feeling of well being. (Drug addiction and drug abuse, 1) Physical need is determined by tolerance levels for the substance. There would be a need for increase in dosage to achieve the same feeling. (Drug addiction and drug abuse, 1)

Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: A group of symptoms which may range from mild to severe, usually occurring 6-24 hours after the last alcohol intake. The health issues involved in this syndrome are delirium tremens, seizures, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, depression, liver disease, and electrolytes disturbances. The mild symptoms may be managed at the outpatient setting and there severe symptom in the hospital under close supervision and benzodiazepine therapy (McKeon, Frye & Delanty, 2008)

After prolonged use, the body becomes physically reliant; the long-term effects of this addiction are synonymous with withdrawal symptoms. Opioid withdrawal is especially difficult since they moderate dopamine; once use is reduced or put to an end, the induced euphoria is as well, and the pleasure centers are often left impaired (Tigerin Peare and drugfreeworld.com). Additionally, one can suffer from restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, and cold flashes, often coinciding with

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a substance (drug) in which the user consumes the

The definition provided above is accessible and easy to understand; however, it initiates false beliefs among individuals because it fails to acknowledge that drug addiction is a mental health problem. Moreover, when words such as, “dependence”, “control” and “craving” are used to define drug addiction, it leaves an impression to the reader that addicts are indeed “people who cannot control their impulses.” Consequently, when we fail to recognize that drug addiction is a mental health problem, our focus is diverted towards the physical aspect of drug addiction. This could cause the belief among individuals that drugs alone cause the addiction. It is essential to acknowledge that there are chemical hooks in drugs; however, individuals need to understand that drugs alone do not cause the addiction. We need to identify and distinguish the “root cause” of addiction and ask ourselves: what caused the individual to take the drug in the first place?

Post acute withdrawal syndrome happens after detox and the duration can last for days, weeks, and/or months. Detox usually last about 5-7 days and that involves the extreme dope sickness. The syndrome’s symptoms include the inability to think clearly, memory problems, emotional overreactions, sleep disturbances, and depression. I have always heard that the major reason that people relapse is because of the dope sickness. Scott Farnum stated

Under the care of licensed doctors and nurses, you will be monitored as you encounter typical withdrawal symptoms. If you experience difficulty sleeping or encounter pain issues, they will prescribed the right medications to help keep you comfortable. If your addiction is considered extreme, there's a good chance they will put you on a tapering program through the use of medications like Suboxone or Methadone. This weaning process allows your mind and body to adjust to the withdrawal of harmful substances over a longer and safer period of time.

Substance abuse, or substance use disorder (SUD), is recognized by the medical community as continual overindulgence of an addictive substance such as drugs and alcohol. The extent of a person’s involvement in the disorder is measured by the amounts normally consumed and the length of time between periods of consumption. Substance abuse does

An opiate-dependent person does not have the inability to think clearly and adapt easily into a life without the opiates. When an addict is presented with the challenge of stopping the use of opiates, the brain needs it more than ever before. Even long after the withdrawal symptoms are gone; an addict must deal with post acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). The syndrome lasts from six to eighteen months after the last use. It has importance to the recovering addict’s ability to benefit from recovery, treatment, function effectively on the job, interact with family and friends, and regain emotional health.

Keeping in mind that withdrawal symptoms can vary based on the types of substances being abused and the length of the addiction, it's generally acceptable to discuss the most common symptoms encountered when an addiction sufferer is trying to "kick the habit." During this discussion, it helps to recognize that while some symptoms seem mundane, most of them can be quite serious.

As a result, when someone tries to stop or decrease their opioid use, they may experience the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. The risk of experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms is higher for someone who has been using these drugs at high doses for a few weeks or more. The reason why is simple. Many bodily systems are impacted and altered when you take large amounts of opioids for an extended period of time. When someone stops taking opioids, their body has to adjust to no longer having opioids in it, and withdrawal symptoms

Even if the Adderall was prescribed by a doctor, it can still lead to Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Over time, the body and mind become used to having Adderall present. When someone suddenly stops using, they can end up crashing. The individual may experience symptoms like depression, insomnia and sluggishness.

The first phase of treatment is taking away the problem substance/activity a little at a time. There are both physical and psychological effects that happen when that person stops taking the substance, they include different obvious signs of having nausea and vomiting, the chills or start sweating, they can have muscle aches and start cramping, no sleeping for long periods of time, changes in the persons heart rate, and sometimes a fever will appear. The emotional effects will include developing depression, anxiety, irritability, and crazy mood swings. These withdrawal symptoms usually can last three to five days or even longer. They are very rarely life-threatening, having medical supervision is usually provided in treatment programs, and medications may be given to help with the discomfort of not having the substance. Behavioral therapy and counseling are important elements of treatment. Cognitive behavior treatment is often used to help patients identify, avoid, and cope with situations in which they are most likely to abuse drugs. The technique of motivational interviewing is often employed to remind people of their values, as a way of avoiding use. Family therapy may also be offered to help the patient maintain a supportive surrounding and help improve a family to function properly. Rehab programs and support groups are often needed to help patients regain necessary jobs and

It occur when person who has been drinking alcohol heavily in regular basis such as weeks, months, or years and then suddenly stop drinking alcohol. The severity of the withdrawal syndrome depends on both the amount and the duration of alcohol consumption.