Addiction
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a widely used term for abnormal pattern of substance use, leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:(1) Tolerance. (2) Withdrawal symptoms may occur in case of discontinuation (3) the substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended. (4) There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use. (5) A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects. (6) Continuation despite adverse consequences.
The diagnosis of addiction is almost entirely accomplished through knowledge of the person's history.
Many substances besides alcohol have been found to fit the classical definition of addictive. These include: opium and its derivatives (heroin, morphine, etc.), cocaine, barbiturates and amphetamines, solvents, aerosols, Glue, Petrol: Nitrous Oxide, Narcotics, Prescription Drugs, Codeine, Oxycontin, Depressants, Marijuana, PCP, Ecstasy. Symptoms of withdrawal from any addictive substance include body tremors, hallucinations, rapid and irregular heart rate, headache, profuse sweating, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, pale skin, loss of appetite, confusion, seizures, stomach pain, pin point pupil, feeling of bug crawling on skin, chest pain, fever, chills and death.
