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The long and the short of drug dependence is
that the body has become dependent on the
drug that has been introduced. Some
drugs take longer than others to create this
effect. People using certain
medications may not even realize they've
become addicted until they try to stop
taking their medications.
When a person becomes dependent on a drug
you can hardly get out of bed let alone try
to function without it. The "easy" solution
of course is to continue taking the
medication, but the situation will only get
worse.
Physical dependence is manifested by pain
when one tries to stop taking the
medication. This is called withdrawal when
abstaining from using the medication one's
body has become adapted to.
Drug addiction or dependence can also be
defined as the compulsive use of a
substance, despite its negative or dangerous
effects.
Of course, most people take medicines only
for the reasons their doctors prescribe
them. But an estimated 20 percent of people
in the United States have used prescription
drugs for non-medical reasons. This is
prescription drug abuse. It is a serious and
growing problem.
Even without abusing prescription
medications however, one can become addicted
to these drugs.
There are certain drugs (this includes
alcohol) that a person should be under a
doctor's care during this withdrawal
process. One should never go cold
turkey as severe side effects may occur
including sweating, shaking, severe
headaches, pounding heart, insomnia,
confusion, increased anxiety, severe
depression, fatigue, flu-like symptoms.
Withdrawal side effects become more severe
with some drugs such as benzodiazepines
which could result in seizures and with
alcohol, DTs (Delirium Tremors) which may be
fatal.
Prescription dependence should never be
taken lightly. Whether it started
under a doctor's care, or whether one was
abusing these drugs for "recreational"
purposes, if a dependence has
developed, you should seek help.
Our counselors will keep all information
confidential. There is no obligation,
and there is no cost to speak to them.
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