Addiction Glossary
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most commonly used mood or mind altering chemical in the world. It is legal, readily available, and largely considered to be an acceptable social lubricant. Alcohol is also a toxic, life-damaging drug when used to excess. People intoxicated on alcohol exhibit slurred speech, red and watery eyes, and poor balance and motor control. Alcoholics suffer from temporary and permanent forms of brain, body and tissue damage. Those who find themselves physically dependent upon alcohol suffer severe and potentially deadly withdrawal when the alcohol supply is cut off from them.
Benzodiazepines
Xanax ®, Valium ®, Librium ®, Klonopin ®, Ativan ®, and others are all members of the benzodiazepine drug family. Benzodiazepines are tranquilizers that are frequently prescribed for generalized anxiety disorders. They are most commonly taken in a pill form. They are extremely physically and mentally addictive. Withdrawal from these drugs also can produce seizures and in some cases death. The effects of benzodiazepines resemble alcohol intoxication: slurred speech, difficulty staying awake, poor motor control, etc.
Club Drugs
These include ecstasy, MDMA, GHB, ketamine, crystal methamphetamine, nitrous oxide, and many others. They do not easily break down into other major categories. They are frequently abused by younger people, with some producing long term physical damage, and all with the potential to damage lives and the lives of loved ones.
Cocaine
Cocaine is a drug of abuse that has been around since the 1800's. Crack cocaine is a particularly dangerous and addictive form of this drug. It is a central nervous system stimulant. Some of the signs of cocaine use include increased heart rate, dilated pupils, and increased respiration. In large doses it can cause a psychotic state.
Heroin
Heroin is an opiate with a long history of abuse. It has no medical uses. Its effects are similar to that of opiate pain medications, however, heroin is a street drug, and its strength can be many times that of any medication. Deaths resulting from accidental and intentional overdoses are very common among heroin users. Heroin causes physical dependence, and the withdrawal symptoms are extremely uncomfortable. Most heroin users need to enter a medical detox to be able to break the habit. Heroin can be injected, snorted or smoked. Signs of heroin use are contracted pupils ("pin eyes"), difficulty staying awake and slurred speech.
Opiates/Pain Medications
Oxycontin ®, Lortab ®, Lorcet ®, Morphine, Dilaudid ®, Percocet ®, Percodan ®, Methadone, Vicodin ®, Demerol ®, Fentanyl, etc. are all members of the opiate family of drugs. These narcotic analgesics are central nervous system depressants, which are most effectively used as pain relievers. When taken on a regular basis, they can produce physical dependence, tolerance, and in some cases result in addiction. Withdrawal from these drugs is painful and usually requires a medical detox to be successful.
