Drug Abuse Facts

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Classifying Drugs of Abuse

By Stephanie Loebs

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image: man angry about behavior of drug abuser girlfriend When you plan to confront an employee or loved one about drug and/or alcohol abuse, it is important to know the all the facts, not just about the addiction, but about the drugs involved.

Health professionals who specialize in addiction and recovery are aware of the damage drug and alcohol abuse can do to a person's health, finances, and personal and professional relationships. When you contact somebody for help in these matters, you will be made aware of the consequences if immediate action is not taken.

image: doctor getting prepared to treat drug abuse patient The more you know about controlled substances, the better equipped you will be to help those in need of rehabilitation and recovery. Drugs of abuse typically fall into specific categories:

Cannaboids - marijuana, hashish
Depressants - barbiturates and various prescription drugs
Dissociative Anesthetics - ketamine, PCP
Hallucinogens - LSD, peyote

Know the law. Cocaine, hallucinogens, methamphetamines, marijuana, crack and many other substances are illegal. Depending on where you are caught, you could face severe fines and jail time. Alcohol is illegal to buy or possess if you are under 21.

Opioids - morphine, various prescription drugs
Stimulants - cocaine, methamphetamine
Inhalants - nitrites, aerosols
Alcohol - beer, wine, spirits

image: doctor talking to parents of teen who is a drug abuser The sources for these drugs may vary. They may be purchased illegally from dealers, obtained through forged prescriptions or theft, and in some case bought legally. Certain household objects, like model glue and aerosol sprays, may also be abused to achieve a dangerous, addictive high.

Regardless of whether or not a drug is legal, the fact remains that any substance with addictive properties can be abused, and if addictive behavior is not treated it can lead to health and mental problems, perhaps permanent brain damage or death.

LSD produces tolerance, so that users who take the drug repeatedly must take higher and higher doses in order to achieve the same state of intoxication. This is extremely dangerous, given the unpredictability of the drug, and can result in increased risk of convulsions, coma, heart and lung failure, and even death.

If you believe somebody you love is abusing drugs, you are encouraged to learn more about the various narcotics and controlled substances that keep thousands in addiction each year. Know what to look for, then contact a physician or rehabilitation clinic today to learn more about the intervention and detox services.

Methamphetamine is an increasingly popular drug at raves (all night dancing parties), and as part of a number of drugs used by college-aged students. Marijuana and alcohol are commonly listed as additional drugs of abuse among methamphetamine treatment admissions.

Stephanie Loebs is the executive director of Williamsburg Place, one of the top drug rehab clinics in the nation. Williamsburg Place aids those who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction, and specializes in caring for health care professionals. For over twenty years Williamsburg Place and its joint rehabilitation center, the William J. Farley Center, have helped thousands of people from all walks of life take back their lives and overcome substance abuse.

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and tends to be the first illegal drug teens use. The physical effects of marijuana use, particularly on developing adolescents, can be acute.

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Inhalants affect your brain. Inhalants are substances or fumes from products such as glue or paint thinner that are sniffed or "huffed" to cause an immediate high. Because they affect your brain with much greater speed and force than many other substances, they can cause irreversible physical and mental damage before you know what's happened.

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