Addiction


What are the signs of addiction?

Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for if you are concerned about the possibility of a loved one being involved with substance abuse of any kind. Different drugs produce different effects resulting in slight variations in outward indications. Some signs and symptoms are specific to opiates and narcotics and distinct from those experienced with Central Nervous Stimulants like Cocaine or depressants like alcohol.

* Seclusive behavior - long periods spent in self imposed isolation.
* Change in friends, hanging out with a new group.
* Long, unexplained absences.
* Lying and stealing.
* Involvement on the wrong side of the law.
* Deteriorating family relationships.
* Obvious intoxication, delirious, incoherent or unconscious.
* Changes in behavior and attitude.
* Decrease in school / work performance

Can a person be to young to have problems with drug addiction and alcoholism?
There is no minimum age requirement for a person to have alcoholism or drug addiction. In recent years there has been a trend in which younger and younger people have begun to experiment with alcohol and drugs. Statistically, people who begin to use at a young age have higher chances of becoming dependent and addicted. Drug addiction and alcoholism do not discriminate and the affect people across all backgrounds, ages and classes.

Young people are sighted as being part of the underground party scene, also known as as Raves at which club drugs such as ecstasy, LSD, and other synthetic pills are taken. Harder drugs such as cocaine, speed and heroin are also available to young teenagers at these parties. Fake Ids are another way that young people are able to gain access to alcohol. In many cases alcohol and drugs are readily available and parties or through friends of friends. Although experimentation may seem innocent, becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol is a very serious problem. Young adults as old as twelve and thirteen are being admitted into rehabilitation facilities for the treatment of addictions.

Is it possible to become addicted to a drug even if you have only tried it once?
In most cases a person will not become addicted to a drug if it is only tried once, however highly addictive drugs such as heroin and amphetamines may create a craving, even after the first use. A person who has tried a drug once may want to continue to use the drug, thus developing and dependence and addiction. Having obsessive thoughts and creating schemes to get more of the drug may indicate mounting addictive tendencies. All illicit drugs are dangerous and should not be tampered with, however, once a person is addicted to a drug seeking proper substance abuse treatment is one of the most productive possible options.

Should a person that uses marijuana on a daily basis seek substance abuse treatment?
Marijuana contains the chemical THC which is a mood and mind altering drug. THC occurs naturally in marijuana plants and when taken into the body causes a ‘high’ feeling in the brain. Marijuana is most commonly smoked, although it can be ingested in the form of various foods. It has not been scientifically proven that marijuana or THC is addictive, however if used over extended periods of time in a habitual manner, a person can develop a dependence on marijuana.

Many people use the justification that, marijuana is not physically addictive, therefore they do not have a problem, however, marijuana can negatively affect a persona life on a number of different levels. Marijuana decreases short-term memory capacity, creates confusion, paranoia, anxiety and restlessness. In addition marijuana can negatively impact a personas motor skills as well as his/her ability to feel emotions. Marijuana is often used in combination with other drugs and treatment for marijuana abuse is available and readily utilized.

Can you become addicted to club drugs such as ecstasy?
Ecstasy or MDMA has a chemical structure similar to hallucinogens and stimulants. The drug commonly comes in the form of a pill and is swallowed. Research shows that ecstasy is not a physically addictive drug however users do build up a tolerance to the drug quickly. People who use ecstasy regularly may find that they start to believe they are unable to function normally without the drug. Even if ecstasy is not physically addictive, it is extremely detrimental to the body and mind. Ecstasy can cause muscle meltdown and has caused death because of excessive dehydration and organ (kidney & liver) failure

What does heroin addiction do to a persons life?
Heroin is one the most addictive drugs on the market. Heroin is an opioid and a depressant, meaning it slows down the brains ability to function. Heroin is usually injected and can also be smoked and snorted. Heroin created a highly desirable sense of pleasure and euphoria and almost immediately creates a craving for more of the drug.

A person who becomes addicted to heroin has no desire to do anything but to get more heroin. He/she will most likely lie, cheat or steal in order to find the next high. People addicted to heroin lose relationships, especially those that are most important to them and are unable to function in daily life. People who inject heroin, meaning they use it intravenously are at risk for diseases such a HIV, AIDS and hepatitis. Heroin addiction can lead to debt, insanity and death. Many people do recover from Heroin.

How can the Donnycarney Youth Project help me or a loved one?
Here at the Donnycarney Youth Project we listen, we do not judge, we respect every human being. We can help guide you in the right direction for recovery. We offer a safe and friendly enviroment where you can talk to our trained counsillers and get involved in one our our many projects to help people on substance abuse.

Facts on Drugs:

Cannabis
Nicknames: Bhang, black, blast, blow, blunts. Bob Hope, bush, dope, draw, ganja, grass, hash, hashish, hemp, herb, marijuana, pot, puff, Northern Lights, resin, senti, sinsemilla, shit, skunk, smoke, soap, split, wacky balky, weed, zero.

Cannabis is a naturally occurring drug made from parts of the cannabis plant. It usually comes as either the dried heads and flowers of the plant (marijuana) or as a solid block or lump of compressed resin from the plant (hash).
This is the most widely used of the illegal drugs in Ireland.
Effects:
Smoking cannabis can reduce coordination, reduce blood pressure, cause relaxation, sleepiness, disruption in attention and/or an altered sense of time or space. Other effects include bloodshot eyes, giggling and hunger pangs. Smokers can get anxious, panicky and suspicious.
Risks :
Long term effects associated to this drug include hallucinations, delusions and loss of memory. Cannabis like tobacco can cause lung disease and cancer. It also makes asthma worse There's a strong link between cannabis and mental health problems (such as schizophrenia). If there have been previous mental health problems or you are experiencing paranoia or depression you'd better steer clear. Regular heavy use makes it very hard to concentrate and learn and some people feel tired all the time and don't seem to get motivated.

Cocaine
Nicknames: Cocaine, Coke, Charlie, Beak, White, C, Percy, Snow, Toot. Crack'. Rocks, Stone, Wash, Baker, Base,
Freebase.

Cocaine is a very addictive drug made from the leaves of a South American plant. Coke is a white powder that's usually snorted up the nose. It can also be smoked and is sometimes made into a solution and injected. Crack cocaine is made from cocaine and it's usually smoked although it can also be injected.
Effects:
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug that speeds your heart, your breathing and your brain. Users report feeling confident, alert and powerful when they are under the effects of cocaine. However, when the ejects wear off, which is quite quickly, you can feel exactly the opposite: agitated, depressed, tired, paranoid and weak. When this happens there's a strong temptation to take more. Other side ejects include dizziness, nose bleedings, headache, anxiety, aggression, insomnia and movement problems. Recent evidence suggests possible long-term changes to the nervous system.
Risks :
Overdose can happen as cocaine can produce a stroke, head attack, respiratory problems and bleeding in the brain.
Because of its short lasting effects and strong cravings for more once its ejects are gone combined with the fact that this is an expensive drug makes it easy for regular cocaine users to get into debt. People who use crack or coke regularly often develop serious problems with anxiety and paranoia, which is a known cause of panic attacks. Large or frequent use of coke tends to knock sexual desire on the head. Mixing alcohol and cocaine can be very dangerous and lead to death. Injecting any drug can cause vein damage, ulcers and gangrene. Also dirty or shared needles are highly contagious and can spread HIV and hepititis.

Ecstacy
Nicknames: E, Pills Disco, Biscuits Hug Drug, Yokes, Mitsubishi's' 'Rolex's' dolphin's XTC

Pure Ecstasy is a white crystalline powder known as MDMA and is a member of the family of drugs that include amphetamine. Ecstasy is a semi-synthetic chemical compound that usually comes in tablet form although it's getting more common to see it sold as powder.. Although ecstasy is not physically addictive it is possible to build up a tolerance - which means people take more and more to get the same buzz - and develop a psychological dependence.
Effects:
A big problem with E's nowadays is that they're rarely pure. It's cheaper to make them with amphetamine, caffeine, and substances that would feel more at home under your kitchen sink. Their effects then, can be very different and they may take longer to kick-in with a risk of double-dosing to compensate (and double the side effects). Some of the effects of this drug include hyperactivity, jerky movements, insomnia, being very talkative, grinding of teeth, sweating, having large pupils, and feeling thirsty.
Depending on how much and how regularly used, ecstasy withdrawal effects can include mood swings, poor sleep patterns, irritability, periods of paranoia, hypersensitivity and depression.
Risks :
Some are linked to the way ecstasy affects the body's temperature control mechanism. E can cause the body's temperature to rise to dangerously high levels. Add that to a sweaty dance floor as well as dancing for long periods in a hot atmosphere increases the chances of severe overheating and dehydration. This is the most common reason for death or illness due to the use of this drug.. Be careful - drinking too much can be dangerous or even fatal. Ecstasy can also affect your brain's ability to know when you have had enough water causing users to drink too much at one time. This sudden excess can upset your body's salt balance, which can be as deadly as not drinking enough water. Anyone with a head condition, blood pressure problems, epilepsy or asthma can have a very dangerous reaction to the drug.

Alcohol
Nicknames: Booze, Bevy, Pop.

Alcohol comes in all kinds of forms. From the hard stuff - spirits like whisky and vodka - to the mixers that seem innocent but actually contain more alcohol by volume than beer or cider. Several factors that influence how alcohol will affect a person include age, gender, physical condition, amount of food eaten and other drugs or medicine taken. Alcohol can play a major part in many people's social lives. That's why it's easy to forget that it's actually a very powerful drug.
Effects:
In low doses it has a relaxing eject, impairs concentration, slows reflexes and reduces coordination. One too many can strip you of your dignity. Slurring your words, loss of balance and vomiting are just some of the effects that you may want to avoid. Especially if you're trying to impress. It takes your body an hour to process one unit of alcohol (one unit = half pint of beer, lager and cider', or alma of spirits', or a small glass of wine). So it doesn't take a genius to work out that if you're dawning them like there's no tomorrow, your body won't be able to cope. And you'll end up plastered.
Risks :
Tolerance increases with use so if you drink on a regular basis, over time you'll need more and more alcohol to reach the same state. It can make you mouthy, argumentative and aggressive. So if you discover you're a nasty drunk you'd be wise to either stop drinking or control you drink. Especially if you want to keep your mates. Alcohol is blamed for all kinds of problems from violent crime to domestic violence and car related deaths. Drinking can also lead you to have unprotected sex, which can expose you to HIV / AIDS and other STD'S and STI's. It is the main risk factor for unplanned Teenage pregnancies.