Do you have a
problem with drug dependance? Take the test,
and see if you need further help.
Most drugs
that are used or abused to produce euphoria in the
brain's "pleasure center" called accumbens, using the
neurotransmitter dopamine. Almost every drug of abuse
either stimulates dopamine release or enhances its
activity. Sustained use of a drug results in less
stimulation of the accumbens until eventually it produces
no euphoria at all. Discontinuation of the drug then
produces a withdrawal effect characterized by dysphoria
(bad feeling) as the accumbens activity reduces to below
normal levels. Withdrawal symptoms can vary significantly
from person to person, but the usual effects are less
activity in the accumbens followed by anxiety,
depression, and cravings, harm or even to
suicide.
Pscychological
addiction is to be carefully distinguished from physical
dependence. Addiction is a psychological compulsive
reaction to a drug even after the physical dependance and
withdrawal effects have stopped. Likewise a physical
dependance to a drug does not necessarily denote
addiction, e.g. people who use opiates for pain, or take
dopamine for Parkinsons. Stopping a drug without any
tapering off is often called cold-turkey and can
sometimes produce dangerous effects especially
benzodiazepines or alcohol. Although physical dependance
can be very difficult, the psychological addiction is
often the worse of two evils.
Addictive
Drugs
OxyContin
2C-B,
2C-T-7
Cocaine /
Crack
Crystal
Meth
DMT
DXM
Ecstasy
Foxy
GHB
Marijuana,
Hashish
Methamphetamine
Pills
Opium
|
PCP
Prescription
Pain Relievers
Prescription
Sedatives & Tranquilizers
Rohypnol
Salvia
Herbal
Ecstasy
Heroin
Inhalants
Ketamine
Khat
LSD
Methamphetamine
(Meth)
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