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Healthinmind/Mental Health Disorders The consequences of abusing drugs may be intoxication, abuse, withdrawal, and dependence. The different consequences are indicated by different symptoms. Intoxication tends to be an immediate consequence of drug use, and the drug is considered abused when its use begins to interfere with other aspects of the user's life. Withdrawal symptoms may occur after a single intense episode of drug use, but become more likely after repeated, chronic use. Finally, drug dependence occurs when an individual continues to use the drug despite significant, usually obvious, adverse effects of drug use. We can't cover all drugs or even all types; there are too many. However, the consequences of addiction to the different members of a single class of drug are likely to be similar. For example, addiction to a stimulant like amphetamine is likely to result in behavior and consequences for health similar to that caused by the abuse of other stimulants, including cocaine. The same is true of depressants or hallucinogenic drugs; so if the drug or drug class that you're interested in isn't on the list, choose a drug that is related and start your research there. We will give you links to sites with fuller treatments of specific drugs. There are also disorders that result, not from addiction, but from toxins or the side effects of medication. You will find some of these toxins on the list following the list of the most common addictive drugs. Alcohol-Related
Disorders There are many ways family members or loved ones can help individuals to deal with the disorder better.
Sex, Drugs, Gambling, & Chocolate: A Workbook for Overcoming Addictions by A. Thomas Horvath, Reid K. Hester, G. Alan Marlatt
Last updated 12/19/03 |
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