Drug Abuse and Addiction

By Sherri Miller 

Drug Abuse: habitual use of drugs to alter one's mood, emotion, or state of consciousness, excessive use of drugs

Addiction: Compulsive physiological and psychological need for a habit-forming substance

Drug abuse and addiction is a serious problem that many individuals face today. Although it is not known as to why some people turn to drugs, there are other reasons why some do. Some people turn to drugs because of pain within. It could be that they've lost a loved one and couldn't or can't deal with it, personal problems, or sometimes people can suffer from depression. Who really knows why? Only the individual. It's a sad thing to see because there is nothing you can do to help an individual with addiction until they are ready to help themselves. Sometimes they are so far gone that they are in denial. They really believe that they are not addicted and that there is nothing wrong with them and until they see it, it's nothing you can say or do.

Addiction is a difficult thing to deal with for the individual and their family. It's hard to see a loved one with an addiction. It takes a toll on all parties involved. They go through so many stages. The worst part is when they hit what we may think as rock bottom but nothing can convence them that they are ill. Once they come to the realization on their own then this is another stage they go through. Now it's time to be rehabilitated. The rehabilitation process is a slow and patient process for both the family and the individual. The family has to keep the faith that this is going to get better and the individual has to believe that they can do this.

Miller onebehindbars@yahoo.com

[http://drugabuseandaddiction.blogspot.com]

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Drug Abuse and Addiction

Why are intelligent people more likely to abuse drugs?

The downsides of drug abuse are so clear that one would imagine smarter folks would stay away from them. The research suggests otherwise.

MATT DAVIS

30 June, 2019

learn more>>> https://bigthink.com/mind-brain/intelligent-people-drugs

Difference Between Abuse and Addiction

What’s the difference between drug abuse and drug dependence, and are they connected? It’s a common question, and it may not always be easy to tell when someone you care about crosses the line from abuse of a substance into a full-blown addiction.

The difference is in the number of diagnostic criteria as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as published by the American Psychiatric Association and used by physicians and the court system alike.

When it comes down to it, however, no matter what the specifics, consequences of chronic drug use and addiction can be damaging to every aspect of a person’s life, and if moderation of that use is impossible alone, then treatment can help.

Drug Abuse

Chronic drug abuse problems are often perceived to be less devastating than drug addiction but the fact is that ongoing use of illicit substances can be just as damaging to the user’s life. For that reason, treatment services are available to those who struggle with either issue.

Drug abuse is signified by experiencing one or more the following issues in the past year:

• Legal problems caused by drug abuse or behaviors under the influence
• Physical harm to others caused by the individual’s use of drugs and/or his behaviors under the influence (or lack of action caused by use of drugs)
• Inability to do what is necessary at home, at school, at work or to manage responsibilities in general
• Ongoing use of drugs despite continued problems in these and other areas caused by drug abuse

Drug Addiction

If you experience three or more of the following issues within a 12-month period, you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of addiction:

• Onset of withdrawal symptoms (physical and psychological) when without the drug of choice
• Using larger and larger amounts of the drug of choice in order to achieve the same results experienced initially
• Less interest in old hobbies and interests or career/school pursuits
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Patterns of behavior that revolve solely around getting or staying high
• Multiple attempts to cut down or stop drug use without success
• Continued use of drugs and alcohol despite continued and growing problems related to their use

Learn more>>>https://www.dualdiagnosis.org/drug-addiction/abuse-and-addiction/

What Are the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Opioids?

Short-term effects of opioid use include decreased pain, euphoria, drowsiness, constipation and nausea, and long-term effects include physical dependence and addiction, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Opioid use may also cause decreased respiration and decreased oxygen sent to the brain.

Opioids attach to the opioid receptors  Learn more>>>https://www.reference.com/article/short-long-term-effects-opioids-897fd3470277e4df?aq=treatment+of+substance+abuse&qo=similarQuestions

Drug use remains prevalent inside Maine State Prison

By Stephen Betts, BDN Staff • November 30, 2012 5:01 pm...

WARREN, Maine — Drug use remains common within the Maine State Prison although the state said it has taken steps to stem the flow of illegal substances and diverted prescriptions into the maximum security facility.

Thirty-eight inmates were charged with drug crimes last year and thus far in 2012, another 26 prisoners have been indicted for trafficking in prison contraband, namely drugs, at the Maine State Prison. In the October grand jury session alone, 12 inmates were charged with drug offenses within prison walls.

read more here>>>https://bangordailynews.com/2012/11/30/news/midcoast/drug-use-remains-prevalent-inside-maine-state-prison/

Portland and the Promise of Recovery

As the country struggles with the opioid epidemic, people are settling in this Maine city to start a new life in sobriety.

By Tamara Kerrill Field ContributorApril 9, 2019, at 6:00 a.m.

PORTLAND, MAINE – THE opioid epidemic has exacted its blood price from Maine. Since 1999, there has been a more than 500 percent increase in overdose deaths, giving it the eighth-highest mortality rate among states in the nation.

read more here>>>https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/articles/2019-04-09/recovering-from-addiction-in-portland-maine?yptr=yahoo

Drug Use by State: 2018’s Problem Areas

May 14, 2018  |  John S Kiernan, Senior Writer & Editor

Drug abuse has a long and storied history in the United States, and we’ve been “at war” with it since 1971 under the Nixon administration. But no matter who is in office, the federal drug budget continues to increase. It’s moved from $23.8 billion in 2013 to almost $27.5 billion in 2017.

The current administration seems to be taking a hardline approach to drug use. President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions have advocated for strict sentences for drug-related offenses, even as far as the death penalty in some cases.

Given the uncertain future and lack of significant progress to date, it’s fair to wonder where drug abuse is most pronounced and which areas are most at risk in the current political climate. This report attempts to answer those questions by comparing the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 20 key metrics, ranging from arrest and overdose rates to opioid prescriptions and meth-lab incidents per capita. Continue reading for the complete findings, commentary from a panel of researchers and a full description of the methodology used.

read more here>>>https://wallethub.com/edu/drug-use-by-state/35150/

Inside Maine's growing drug epidemic

More drug dealers setting up shop in Maine

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Updated: 5:00 PM EST Feb 24, 2014

Shernay Williams 

Reporter

PORTLAND, Maine —

As Maine's drug problems continues to get worse, law enforcement say more drug dealers are setting up shop in the state.   read more>>>https://www.wmtw.com/article/inside-maine-s-growing-drug-epidemic/2001167

Find a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Rehab Center in Maine

Abusing drugs and alcohol can have severe consequences on your well-being, including an increased risk of addiction and pre-mature death. However, you don’t have to live with addiction. You can take your first step today by scrolling through our directory listings and narrowing down your search for a treatment program in Maine that will best suit your own path to sobriety.

read more here--excellent information>>>https://drugabuse.com/usa/drug-abuse/maine/