Addiction Glossary
Alcohol
Alcohol and Drug
Addiction TreatmentAlcohol 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 a 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 drug 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.
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