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Are amphetamines addictive?
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Yes, amphetamines commonly referred to as speed, crystal or meth, are highly addictive. These drugs are stimulants and can be snorted, swallowed, injected and inhaled. Aside for being addictive amphetamines are also extremely dangerous. If injected these drugs can lead to collapsed veins and heart problems. The use and abuse of amphetamines is addictive creating a tolerance and psychological dependence.
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Can a person be too young to have problems?
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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 ‘underground party scene’, also known 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.
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How are alcoholism and drug addiction different?
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Alcoholism and drug addiction only different in the type of substance abused. Alcohol is an addictive drug that comes in a liquid form. Alcoholics and drug addicts both suffer from a dependence, tolerance and obsession with a mind-altering substance. Both are progressive diseases and both are treatable through abstinence and rehabilitative treatment.
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How can you tell if someone has a problem with alcohol?
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There are a number of different ways you can tell if someone has a problem with alcohol. Alcohol abusers generally begin to smell like alcohol over extended periods of use because their bodies are trying to get rid of the substance via the pores. People with alcohol problems tend to hide alcohol and bottoms in places they think other people may not look.
When an alcohol problem becomes more severe the abuser will experience periods known as blackouts when he/she cannot remember what happened during a drunk. Alcohol begins to take its toll on a person’s life causing problems in relationships, work and home life. Usually, if confronted, alcohol abusers will deny that they have a problem, making up excuses and rationalizing their use.
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How can you tell if someone has a problem with prescription drugs?
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Prescription drug abuse is very hard to detect because a person taking medication in the form of pills has the ability to hide his/her use. A person with a prescription drug abuse problem may act differently or be preoccupied with going to the pharmacy or drug store in excess. Careless prescription drug abusers may leave medical prescriptions lying around and they may go through outrageous numbers of pills in short periods of time.
It is often necessary to keep track of the number of pills disappearing each day. Abnormal behavior, specifically behavior related to the medicines being taken may also indicate a growing abuse of the pills.
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Is marijuana addictive?
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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 person’s 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 person’s 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.
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What are the signs that someone is addicted to amphetamines?
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Addicts show a variety of different signs and symptoms including drastic changes in personality and mood. Users often engage in dangerous and thoughtless behaviors, doing activities that they would probably not do otherwise. Addiction itself, like other drug addictions is characterized by a tolerance and dependence on the drug. Increased paranoia, anxiety and changes in eating and sleeping patterns are also characteristic of abuse or addiction.
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