Drug addiction, despite being seen by many as some sort of failing of the mind, is not listed as a mental health disorder. Substance abuse has escaped that category despite the fact that comparatively less troublesome ailments or sicknesses like social anxiety disorder and (in some circles) insomnia are listed as possible or acknowledged mental health conditions. The facts known about drug addiction show that it is a biological and physiological condition, with the body craving the effects that these narcotics have on the brain. The divide between mental disorder and drug addiction is a very thin, blurry line, but there is a line. However, recent research is starting to reveal information that is making this line seem even thinner and more blurred than it already is. It would appear that drug addiction and mental conditions, such as social anxiety disorder and depression, are not as distinct from one another as initially thought.
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Posts Tagged ‘drug addiction’
An addict is a person who has an uncontrollable compulsion to repeat a behavior regardless of its negative consequence. There are many drugs that can lead to a condition recognized as addiction. The common symptoms are a craving for more of the drug, increased psychological tolerance to exposure, and withdrawal symptoms in the absence of the stimulus. A risk of dependency exists in most drugs that directly provide pleasure or relief. There are two types of dependency – physical and psychological. Physical dependency on a substance is defined by the appearance of characteristic withdrawal symptoms when the drug is suddenly discontinued.
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Drug Rehabilitation centers provide the essential support that addicts need, if they are to kick their drug habit. Drug rehabilitation is best handled in a residential setting, where the clients have no access with the outside world. Mobile phones, Internet access and phone calls are not allowed. This is to prevent clients arranging illicit supplies and undoing all the good work being done. They are not rest homes and many addicts find the regime unpleasant, but that is only to be expected with any system that deprives them of their daily drug needs. Before sending an addict for treatment you should visit the center and assess for yourself the level of care and treatment provided.
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