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Drug Information
Community Action Organization: Awareness, Resources & Support

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Ad-dic-tion (noun)

1. the quality or state of being addicted
2. compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal;
We know addiction as “the dark passenger” -- a part of a person that takes over all logical thinking after the use of substances that are pleasurable to certain areas of the brain. We have learned that the pleasure experienced by these substances cannot be found naturally. We have learned also that once addicted the brain craves these pleasures and therefore the function that would be concerned about consequences no longer plays a part in making choices.

Nearly all drugs target the brain’s reward system by flooding the brain with dopamine. This controls movement, emotion, motivation and feelings of pleasure. The over stimulation of this system which normally responds to natural behaviors that are linked to survival produces euphoric effects in response to the drugs. Current research on drug addiction indicates changes in areas of the brain that are critical to judgment, decision-making, learning and memory.

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Risk Factors

• Addiction in a family member
• Parental abuse and neglect
• Environmental pressures
• Mental illness such as depression and anxiety
• Age of use

(Source WebMD Reference from MedicineNet)

Ten of the Most Dangerous Drug

1. Heroin
2. Cocaine
3. Barbiturates-slang names are yellow jackets, reds, blues, Amy’s and rainbows.
4. Street Methadone
5. Alcohol
6. Ketamin- a powerful hallucinogen, often referred to as Special K.
7. Benzodiazepines-such as Xanex, Valium, Antivan
8. Amphetamines
9. Tobacco
10. Buprenorphine - also known for the treatment of opiate dependence (Suboxone)

Signs and Symptoms

• Physical Signs
• Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits.
• Unusual smells on breath, body or clothing
• Tremors, slurred speech or impaired coordina-tion
• Behavioral signs
• Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
• Unexplained need for money.
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors
• Sudden change in friends, favorite hangout or hobbies.
• Frequently getting into trouble.
• Psychological warning signs of drug abuse
• Unexplained change in personality or attitude
• Sudden mood swings, irritability or angry out-bursts.
• Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation or giddiness.
• Lack of motivation; appears lethargic
• Appears fearful, anxious or paranoid with no reason
(Source: Dr. Ben Kim: Ten Most Dangerous Drugs)