Drug Addiction
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- Date Submitted: 01/15/2011 03:22 AM
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Drug addiction is a pathological condition which arises due to frequent drug use. The disorder of addiction involves the progression of acute drug use to the development of drug-seeking behavior, the vulnerability to relapse, and the decreased, slowed ability to respond to naturally rewarding stimuli. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) has categorized three stages of addiction: preoccupation/anticipation, binge/intoxication, and withdrawal/negative affect. These stages are characterized, respectively, everywhere by constant cravings and preoccupation with obtaining the substance; using more of the substance than necessary to experience the intoxicating effects; and experiencing tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and decreased motivation for normal life activities. By the American Society of Addiction Medicine definition, drug addiction differs from drug dependence and drug.
It is, both among scientists and other writers, quite usual to allow the concept of drug addiction to include persons who are not drug abusers according to the definition of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. The term drug addiction is then used as a category which may include the same persons who under the DSM-IV can be given the diagnosis of substance dependence or substance abuse.
Overview
Drug abuse can be harmful to a person's health on a mental, emotional and physical level, and it can affect other people besides the drug abuser. All drugs come with their own set of health problems when they are used and abused in a non-prescribed manner, and many of those problems cannot be helped.
Significance
Many people start using drugs when they are young and uninformed about the consequences of drug abuse. Every effort should be made to educate those who are vulnerable to drug use so they will not engage in the use of drugs that could have lifelong damaging effects on their health.
Effects on the Drug Abuser
Drugs that are...
It is, both among scientists and other writers, quite usual to allow the concept of drug addiction to include persons who are not drug abusers according to the definition of the American Society of Addiction Medicine. The term drug addiction is then used as a category which may include the same persons who under the DSM-IV can be given the diagnosis of substance dependence or substance abuse.
Overview
Drug abuse can be harmful to a person's health on a mental, emotional and physical level, and it can affect other people besides the drug abuser. All drugs come with their own set of health problems when they are used and abused in a non-prescribed manner, and many of those problems cannot be helped.
Significance
Many people start using drugs when they are young and uninformed about the consequences of drug abuse. Every effort should be made to educate those who are vulnerable to drug use so they will not engage in the use of drugs that could have lifelong damaging effects on their health.
Effects on the Drug Abuser
Drugs that are...