Who Is an Addict?
Most of us do not have to think twice about this question.
We Know! Our whole life and thinking was centered in drugs in one form or another - the getting and using and finding ways and means to get more. We lived to use and used to live. Very simply, an addict is a man or woman whose Life is controlled by drugs. We are people in the grip of a continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions, and death.
How it works.
This sounds like a big order, and we can’t do it all at once. We didn’t become addicted in one day, so remember-easy does it.
There is one thing more than anything else that will defeat us in our recovery; this Is an attitude of indifference or intolerance toward spiritual principles. Three of these that are indispensable are honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness. With these we are well on our way.
We feel that our approach to the disease of addiction is completely realistic, for the therapeutic value of one addict helping another is without parallel. We feel that our way is practical. for one addict can best understand and help another addict. We believe that the sooner we face our problems within our society, in everyday living, just that much faster do we become acceptable, responsible, and productive members of that society.
The only way to keep from returning to active addiction is not to take that first drug. If you are like us you know that one is too many and a thousand never enough. We put great emphasis on this, for we know that when we use drugs in any form, or substitute one for another, we release our addiction all over again.
Thinking of alcohol as different from other drugs has caused a great many addicts to relapse. Before we came to NA, many of us viewed alcohol separately, but we cannot afford to be confused about this. Alcohol is a drug. We are people with the disease of addiction who must abstain from all drugs in order to recover.
HEROIN
It is a powerful and addictive substance that can be sold in the form of powder, pill or a liquid. It can be smoked with tobacco, heated on foil, snorted or injected either just below the skin’s surface or directly in the vein.
Symptoms
Initially most user’s experience a sleepy pleasant euphoria and total relief from stress and anxiety. This then makes a feeling of calm relaxation.
Heroin is not instantly addictive but with regular usage the body adjusts and tolerance sets in. By that time the body needs drug just to stay normal and keeps the pain of withdrawal.
COCAINE
It delivers quick and euphoric high confidence soars high unfortunately the hit doesn’t last very long and this encourages repeated doses.
Symptoms
Intake of cocaine causes blockage in nasal passage smoking of cocaine may result in chest pain lung damage and bronchitis. It is an appetite suppressant, users are vulnerable to malnutrition can lead to heart problems, destroys the skin tissues and can cause ulcers.
Long term use of coke can result in a range of mental health conditions from mild depression to the extreme cocaine psychosis with symptoms similar to schizophrenia.
ALCOHOLISM
It engages in maladaptive behavior in the use of alcohol. Abuse of this substance does not include the person having withdrawal symptoms or the urge for more and more amounts to achive intoxication unless the person has developed alcoholism.
Risk Factors
Factors for developing a drinking problem include depression, anxiety or another mood problem in the individual as well as having parents with alcoholism. Low-self-esteem feeling out of place is other side risk factors for developing alcohol dependence.
Children or teens who have their first drink of alcohol between 11 and 14 years of age are more at risk for developing a drinking problem than those who do so when either younger or older.
OPIUM
Opium is highly addictive narcotic drug.
Side Effects
Addictive is only one of the side effects. Nausea and vomiting is another along with constant scratching especially of the nose constipation is another side-effect.
Overdosing of opium can be fatal. It suppresses the respiratory system. Opium intake may also result in seizures, some factors of retardation and even heart irregularities.