Definition Of Drug Addiction
Even though drug addiction is a complex disease, assigning a definition for that disease is actually quite simple. Drug addiction is, in its simplest form, defined as the continued compulsive use of drugs in spite of adverse health or social consequences.
The definition of drug addiction should also include the fact that it is a state of heavy dependence on a specific drug. Generally, it’s thought of as a physical dependence, but in actuality, there is a psychological addiction as well as an emotional dependence. Some say that it is compulsive and pathological drug use or substance dependence.
Drug addiction is also a behavior disorder as the initial drug use is generally done as a reaction to a behavior or situation that seems out of control to the user. The user seems to have no other choice but to use that drug because of the body’s dependence on the fact that the drug will remain present in the system.
A distinction should be made between drug use and drug addiction. It is possible for people to use drugs without becoming addicted, but that is generally limited to prescription drug use. People who take drugs to cope with a physical ailment do so to control pain or the adverse effects of a physical condition. Those drugs improve the quality of life for the sufferer, but they are not necessarily addicted to the drugs.
To be dependent on a drug – or addicted to it – the user must take the drug regularly, and they experience unpleasant symptoms if they stop using the drug such as nausea or sleep disturbance. Substance abuse or addiction is present when a person uses a drug despite the harm that it causes to their system.
There is a difference between drug abuse and drug addiction. Drug abuse occurs when a person uses excessive amounts of a drug at one time or frequently. Drug addiction is present when a person cannot stop using the drug and stopping the drug seems like an impossibility.
Of course, no definition of drug addiction is complete without noting that it is both a physical dependence as well as a psychological one. Physical dependency occurs when a drug has been used habitually and the body has become accustomed to its effects. Psychological dependency is present when the drug is used habitually and the mind has become accustomed to the effects the drug produces.
When drug addiction affects a person’s life, the definition of that drug addiction becomes a bit less important than the reasons why people use. However, it can help multitudes if a definition is specified so that a better understanding of drug addiction can occur.
Quit Smoking With Electronic Cigarettes
The electronic cigarette can certainly help a struggling smoker kick the habit. We are all quite aware that traditional cigarettes are not healthy for us or our family members. Yet quitting can be a monstrous issue. Sometimes all you really need is a new approach, but this invention isn’t limited to use as a smoking cessation aid.
Some people aren’t interested in quitting but have still switched to the e cigarette. It’s become nearly impossible to go out with friends and smoke while having drinks or enjoying pleasant conversation over a good meal. Instead, you either have to excuse yourself and walk outside or you end up sitting there uncomfortably while waiting for the right moment to leave. It’s a frustrating situation for a smoker. You end up feeling as though you didn’t get to enjoy your time fully.
While lighting up a traditional cigarette is an anti-social move these days, smokeless cigarettes can prevent many of the hassles. There are many establishments that now require you to take yourself completely off the property rather than just step outside. That’s not much fun in the cold and rain. You can avoid that walk with the electronic version because you can “light it up” anywhere. As of now there are no laws prohibiting indoor use.
Most of us know that smoking traditional cigarettes can be murder on your wallet. The price of a pack has risen to more than twice what it was five years ago in some states. If you could save money without having to go through the withdrawal of quitting, wouldn’t that make sense? All you need is a simple refill kit that lasts much longer than a pack. Your budget will thank you for making the switch.
It’s not a complicated process to use the electronic version. When you bring it home you simply charge it up and then fill it up. Your kit will come with everything you need including the battery and the vaporizing unit known as the atomizer. You still go through the same motions as a regular cigarette you just have vapor instead of smoke.
Since there’s no fire involved, it’s safer and much more convenient. You inhale a vapor that contains nicotine but doesn’t contain all of the other toxic elements.
Anyone who lives with nonsmokers and children will immediately see the health benefits of switching to the e-cig. Most smoking households have long term issues with respiratory health. Because you are now eliminating the irritants that are contained in second hand smoke, many asthma and allergy sufferers find relief faster.
Outpatient Alcohol Rehabilitation
Outpatient alcohol rehabilitation refers to any non-residential alcohol rehabilitation program which is in use to help the addicts. Most outpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs expect that you have already stabilized physically through a separate alcohol rehabilitation program; they expect that you feel well enough to focus on the psychological, emotional and mental aspect of alcohol addiction.
Whether the time commitment expected of you is a little or a lot, the focus each time you go to outpatient alcohol rehab will be on learning more about your addiction and yourself as well as learning relapse prevention.
The primary benefit of outpatient alcohol rehabilitation is the continued support and structure provided by the program during early recovery. Right after one stops drinking, you’ll notice that there is a lot of extra time on your hands, time you used to spend drinking or recovering after drinking. As you regain your energy and your health, you will need new, positive things to fill your time.
Outpatient alcohol rehabilitation is at first that healthy time filler for you. It also provides you with the support and guidance you need as you rebuild your life. With therapists, psychologists and in peer groups, you will explore the issues that first prompted you to turn to alcohol as well as address the issues that came about as a result of your alcoholism. This can be the basis for a strong support network in 12-step groups and one-on-one therapy that sustains you throughout your life.
Relapse prevention is another positive aspect of outpatient alcohol rehab. As you explore your personal issues and create a network of support, you will also learn the coping skills to fight against relapse and remain alcohol-free.
Through education that addresses the physical mechanisms of alcohol in the brain and the body as well as real life skills you can employ to safely avoid alcohol when you feel tempted, you will be totally prepared to embark on a life of sobriety when you graduate from outpatient alcohol rehabilitation.
Outpatient alcohol rehabilitation also allows you to continue to care for your children or dependent family members. If you are employed, you can manage your schedule around your outpatient alcohol rehabilitation schedule.
Alcohol Rehabilitation Programs
Effective alcohol rehabilitation programs address one or more aspects of alcohol addiction treatment. Whether they are detox-only facilities, addiction treatment facilities or comprehensive alcohol rehab programs that offer both detox and addiction treatment, there are effective alcohol rehab programs at every point on the spectrum.
No matter what they offer, with a well-defined treatment objective, programs that are modified to suit the needs of the individual, and certified substance abuse and addiction treatment specialists at the helm, you have an effective alcohol rehab program.
The detox-only alcohol rehabilitation programs are generally shorter than other alcohol rehabilitation programs. The alcohol rehabilitation program varies in duration from three to seven days; they focus only on the body’s physical dependence on alcohol.
Medications may be prescribed if alcohol detox withdrawal symptoms are severe, and you can expect to be monitored medically to defend against any complications due to other co-occurring medical or physical issues.
There are various rehabilitation programs which have been in use from some time now. The outpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs are a very effective way to get alcohol addiction treatment while maintaining your career or taking care of your family.
They usually assume that you are physically stable when you enter an outpatient alcohol rehab, so their focus is solely upon the psychological, mental and emotional aspects of alcoholism. You will be required to come to the alcohol rehab facility-in most cases-daily during the week and check in or fulfill other 12-step requirements on the weekends.
While you are at your alcohol rehab center, you will go to 12-step or support group meetings and attend educational classes. Relapse prevention is a big part of outpatient alcohol rehab as is your personal treatment plan and goals.
Inpatient alcohol rehabilitation programs are usually the most effective option in terms of comprehensive alcoholism treatment. They provide for alcohol detox for those who experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking and follow it up with a therapeutic alcohol addiction treatment program that is modified to suit the individual.
In The Fight Against Substance Abuse, Experts Have Found That Fish Oil Supplements Are An Effective Ally
Consuming a diet loaded with nutrients has forever been critical for health, but now clinical studies demonstrate that there probably is a link between drug dependency and dietary inadequacies. Carolyn Reuben, a nutrition expert (and the executive director of the Community Addiction Recovery Association in Sacramento, CA) believes that our bodies often respond to certain nutritional inadequacies in a fashion that can ultimately result in psychological troubles and/or drug abuse.
She and other nutritionists consider deficiency in omega-3 as part of the problem.
Based on an addict’s substance of choice or major complaints, Reuben says experts can figure out which amino acids, vitamins and nutrients are lacking.
People struggling with drug often do not consume a sound diet. What Is More, drugs wipe out fundamental nutrients from the addict’s body, so replacing and preserving them are an important part of recovery. Moreover, drugs use up vitamins and nutrients from the user’s body, so replenishing and maintaining them are an important part of rehabilitation.
Reuben believes, paraphrased, that there’s an an intrinsic connection between our behavior and our nourishment, a direct connection between our food intake and good mood. When someone starts taking alcohol or engaging in substance abuse and their answer is, “I don’t feel high, I feel natural,” that’s the key that indicates they were born with a bio-chemical abnormality. They are deficient in something and we can fix that with our diet, sometimes with amino acids, fish oil, vitamin C or B. Fish oil benefits seem to be really important.
This method is based on research by Professor Stephen Schoenthaler, PhD, who found a relationship between high sugar intake, reduced vitamin intake and hostility, in 1985. He learned that prison inmates who were given daily nutritional supplements experienced up to a 43% decrease in violence, which led researchers to start investigating the association between nutrition and addiction. More recent research have also learned that giving inmates omega-3 capsules also reduces violence.
The CARA program proposes that individuals (in cooperation with their physician) begin a regimen of consuming 3 meals a day, each having at least 20 grams of protein, at least 4 cups of veggies, 2000 mg of vitamin C, a multivitamin, 1-3 grams of omega-3, 500 mg of L-glutamine, and 2-3 mcg of chromium. It also advises avoiding white sugar and flour, which may deplete the body of vitamin B. It also advises avoiding white sugar and flour, which might drain the body of vitamin B.
Although many factors play a role in drug and alcohol addiction, eating a diet rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fish oil pills is unquestionably an essential part of the successful path to recovery and a drug-free life!
For additional information on ways to assist a substance or alcohol abuser you can call 1-877-782-7409 or access Addicthelp.org.