Definition
Drug dependence (addiction) is compulsive use of a substance despite
negative consequences which can be severe; drug abuse is simply
excessive use of a drug or use of a drug for purposes for which it was
not medically intended. Physical dependence on a substance (needing a
drug to function) is not necessary or sufficient to define addiction.
There are some substances which dont cause addiction but do cause
physical dependence (for example, some blood pressure medications) and
substances which cause addiction but not classic physical dependence
(cocaine withdrawal, for example, doesnt have symptoms like vomiting
and chills; it is mainly characterized by depression). See also drug
abuse and drug abuse first aid.
Alternative
names
Drug addiction; Addiction - drug
Causes,
incidence, and risk factors
Drug abuse can lead to drug dependence or addiction. Drug dependence may
also follow the use of drugs for physical pain relief, though this is
rare in people without a previous history of addiction.
The
exact cause of drug abuse and dependence is not known. However, the
genetic make-up of the individual, the pharmacology of the particular
drug, peer pressure, emotional distress, anxiety,
depression,
and environmental stress
are all factors which seem to be involved.
Risk
factors that predispose people to drug
dependence are different from those which predispose to use or
abuse. Peer pressure may lead to use or abuse, but at least half of
those who go on to addiction have depression, attention-deficit
disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder or another psychological
problem.
Children
who grow up in an environment of illicit
drug use may first see their parents using drugs. This may put them
at a higher risk for developing an addiction later in life for both
environmental and genetic reasons.
Signs of drug use in children include but are not limited to:
A
change in the childs friends, a new group
Seclusive
behavior
Long
unexplained periods away from home
Lying
Stealing
Involvement
with the law
Deteriorating
family relations
Obvious
intoxication (e.g., drunk) , delirious, incoherent, or unconscious
Opiates
and narcotics are powerful painkillers with sedative and euphoric
qualities. These include heroin,
opium, codeine, meperidine, (Demerol), hydromorphone
(Dilaudid), Oxycontin and others.
Central
nervous systemstimulants
include amphetamines, cocaine,
dextroamphetamine, methamphetamine, and methylphenidate (Ritalin). The
most commonly used stimulants are caffeine and nicotine. These drugs
have a stimulating effect and can produce tolerance.
Central
nervous system depressants include barbiturates (amobarbital,
pentobarbital, secobarbital), benzodiazepine (Valium, Ativan, Xanax),
chloral hydrate, and paraldehyde. The most commonly used, by far, is
alcohol. These substances produce a soothing sedative and
anxiety-reducing effect and can lead to dependence.
Hallucinogens
include LSD,
mescaline, psilocybin, and phencyclidine
(PCP or "Angel Dust"). They have hallucinogenic properties
and can produce psychological dependence.
Tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC) is the active ingredient found in cannabis, marijuana,
and hashish. Although used for their relaxing properties, THC-derived
drugs can also lead to paranoia and anxiety.
Drug
intoxication and drug overdose may be accidental or intentional. Drug
withdrawal symptoms can occur when use of a substance is stopped or
reduced. Withdrawal symptoms vary, depending on the abused substance.
The onset of withdrawal symptoms depends on the length of time the drug
normally stays within the body. Drug intoxication, overdose, and
withdrawal can be life-threatening in some situations.
Prevention
Drug education programs may be helpful though none has proven effective
in the long term.
Symptoms OPIATES AND NARCOTICS:
Symptoms
of use:
needle
marks on the skin in some cases (called "tracks")
Signs
and tests
Toxicology screens (drug testing) done on blood and urine specimens can
reveal the presence of many chemicals and drugs in the body. The
sensitivity depends upon the substance itself, when the substance was
taken, and the testing laboratory. Blood tests are more likely to detect
the presence of an abused substance than urine tests, however, urine
drug screens are more frequently done.
Opiates
and narcotics are usually present in the urine 12 to 36 hours after the
last use, depending on the amount used and the frequency.
CNS
stimulants such as cocaine can be detected in urine anywhere between 1
to 12 days, again depending in frequency of use.
CNS
depressants such as Valium and Xanax are detected up to 7 days after the
last day of use, mostly depending on the substance used and how quickly
it is eliminated by the body (half-life).
Most
hallucinogens are also detectable in the urine up to 7 days after the
last use. However, cannabis can be detected up to 28 days in regular
users.
Last
Reviewed: 1/29/2002 by Benoit Dub, M.D., Department of Psychiatry,
University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review
provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
