Alcohol Use During Pregnancy

Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Addiction

Problem and Solutions.

Abstract: Although there is no definition of "dependency" which is universally accepted, in general, dependence refers to physiological and psychological addiction to drugs. While some drug abuse induce physiological addiction, others do not. In addition, some drugs are physiologically addictive are generally not abused (eg, caffeine). Tolerance to drug effects and withdrawal symptoms with abrupt cessation of consumption to grow over time, are characteristic of physiological dependence. "Addiction" is the term used to describe the psychological dependence on a drug. Some drugs of abuse are highly rewarding because of their influence on reinforcing neurobiological processes, but they do not necessarily result in "tissue" related withdrawal symptoms. Cessation of these drugs can cause subjective desire mainly due to previous drug conditioning (perhaps true of some marijuana users) and desire can be more readily evoked or deeply conditioned among some persons than others ("dependent persons" ). main methods of assessment of dependency and addiction are complemented by clinical interviews or self-assessment surveys (eg, American Psychiatric Association DSM-IV, World Health Organization ICD-10). treatment paradigms for curbing the addiction begins with initial detoxification or withdrawal, followed by hospitalization or outpatient program participation (eg, 12-step programs, milieu, cognitive-behavioral or behavioral). Pharmacological efforts (eg, methadone maintenance) may be used as strategies to reduce harm among those who seem unable to quit drug use.

An estimated 15 percent of adults worldwide have serious drug problems (excluding nicotine dependence), and this percentage has remained relatively constant over the last twenty five years. Of these addicts, alcohol abuse and about two thirds of the third abuse other substances, mainly marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine and heroin. Approximately2.5 percent of marijuana abuse of the population, 0.5 per cent of stimulant abuse, 0.3 percent abuse cocaine, and opiates (heroin), and up 0.8 percent abuse of other substances (eg, inhalants, depressants, hallucinogens). Sites of drug production and manufacturing, and distribution channels, tend to identify areas at high risk of abuse.

Drug abuse causes significant health-related consequences and financial losses to legitimate economies. The financial cost to society is estimated at about $ 600 billion per year worldwide. This does not include the cost of abuse of nicotine, which, through its influence on heart disease, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and many other consequences, is the number one killer of behavior in the world. Drugs of abuse are also associated with the production of psychotic symptoms (eg, paranoid ideation) and injuries due to accidents and violence. About 50 percent of auto fatalities involve intoxicated drivers, and many car accidents also involve chronic marijuana or amphetamines.

In addition, each class of drugs is associated with a unique set of potential consequences. Some drugs of abuse are likely to have fatal consequences (eg, opiates and depressants), and some have a high potential for addiction. Health effects may also vary depending on drugs. For example, depressants, PCP, stimulants, steroids, and cannabis are associated with cardiovascular disease. the use of stimulants is associated with the seizure, digestive problems and lung problems. documented consequences of marijuana use include lung damage and memory problems in the short term. Dementia, seizure disorders, memory, peripheral and central nervous system deficiency diseases, gastrointestinal and cancer.