Education About Addiction & Recovery

Drug addiction is a complex illness. The path to drug addiction begins with the act of taking drugs. Over time, a person’s ability to choose not to take drugs is compromised. This in large part is a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning, and thus on behavior. Addiction, therefore, is characterized by compulsive, drug craving, seeking, and use that persists even in the face of negative consequences.

How can we tell if someone is abusing or addicted to drugs?

• A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
• Substance is often taken in larger amounts or over longer period than intended
• Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g., chain smoking), or recover from its effects
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of substance abuse
• Continued substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by use of the substance
• Tolerance, as defined by either:
  • Need for read amounts of the substance in order to achieve intoxication or desired effect; or
  • Markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either: Characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance; or
  • The same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

*From the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, IV.

Signs and Symptoms of Potential Drug Use

Below is a list of potential warning signs of alcohol and/or drug use. Please keep in mind that this list is considered a tool for detection, not a diagnosis. It is recommended that you seek professional help if you are concerned about yourself or a loved one.

Physical Symptoms

• Loss of appetite, increase in appetite, any changes in eating habits,
  unexplained weight loss or gain.
• Slowed or staggering walk, poor physical coordination
• Inability to sleep, awake at unusual times, unusual laziness
• Red, watery eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual, blank stare.
• Cold, sweaty palms, shaking hands.
• Puffy face, blushing or paleness.
• Smell of substance on breath, body or clothes.
• Extreme hyperactivity, excessive talkativeness.
• Runny nose, hacking cough.
• Needle marks on lower arm, leg or bottom of feet.
• Nausea, vomiting, or excessive sweating.
• Tremors or shakes of hands, feet, or head.
• Irregular heartbeat.

Behavioral/ Psychological Symptoms

• Attitude/personality change
• Paranoia
• Irritability or nervousness
• Secretive or suspicious behavior
• Loss of motivation
• Change in habits
• Change in activities
• Sudden oversensitivity
  or resentful behavior
• Loss of interest in hobbies,
  family, and friends
• Appearance has changed
• Excessive need for privacy

Performance

• Frequent mistakes
• Missed deadlines
• Minimal work effort
• Accidents
• Abnormal behavior
• Time management problems
• Poor judgment
• Inconsistent productivity
• Confusion
• Wide swings in morale

 

Buzzed: The Straight Facts About the Most Used and Abused Drugs from Alcohol to Ecstasy, Third Edition by Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder, Wilkie Wilson, Leigh Heather Wilson

Scientifically accurate and easy to read, this no-nonsense handbook gives the most balanced, objective information available on the most often used and abused drugs, from alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine to heroin, Ecstasy, and methamphetamine. In both quick-reference summaries and in-depth analysis, it reports on how these drugs enter the body, how they manipulate the brain, their short-term and long-term effects, the kinds of "high" they produce, and the circumstances in which they can be deadly.

Just Say Know: Talking with Kids about Drugs and Alcohol by Cynthia Kuhn, Scott Swartzwelder, and Wilkie Wilson

This book is a powerful tool for everyone who wants to help young people make good decisions. It provides information clearly, succinctly, and without preaching. The information will help parents stay calm and lay the groundwork for conversations that are productive and not confrontational.