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 IntroductionPeople often think that addiction is an evil disease, lets face it if you believed what you read in the papers and see on TV its the scourge of society and addicts are portrayed as hopeless losers driven to crime and prostitution by their inability to cope with reality. This simply isn't true. Addiction is part of being a human being, everybody has the potential to become addicted to things. There are two other factors that can influence this:-  Some things are more addictive than others. For example Opiates like morphine, home bake, heroin and opium from poppies are considerably more addictive than speed, ecstasy and acid.Some people are more susceptible to becoming addicted to things than others. Research has suggested that your genes may make you more susceptible to addiction. Therefore if your parents have had addiction problems then this may increase the probability of you having them too.There are two components to addiction; physical addiction and psychological addiction. Tolerance and Physical Addiction When you use drugs regularly your body gets used to them and as you use them more frequently you find that you need more gear to get the same effect. If you continue to use drugs regularly this tolerance builds up and eventually you become physically addicted. Because tolerance builds up slowly you often don't notice just how much dope you're using to get the same buzz. Soon if you continue to use at the same rate you'll find that the drugs make you comfortable but you don't really get stoned like you used to. If your supply dries up or stops, then you start hanging-out and you'll probably feel sick because your body has got used to the drugs and suddenly they're not there. It then takes you body some time to re-adjust to not having drugs in your system, this is called withdrawal. How long the withdrawal takes varies according to how much you've been using, the types of drugs and your body itself. Avoiding becoming physically addicted is a matter self control. using drugs more than once or twice a week will lead to your tolerance developing quickly. So if you want to avoid becoming physically dependant then you'll need to control how often and how much you're using. This will avoid your tolerance building up. Psychological Addiction This is the mental and headspace part of the equation. If you enjoy the effects of taking particular drugs they you'll probably want to enjoy them again. The more you enjoy something then the more you'll want it whether its heroin or chocolate. For some people controlling their desire to use drugs can be a problem and a small minority can become compulsive about things that they enjoy. You can become psychologically addicted to a wide variety of things, not just drugs; sex, eating, your body, even other people...its just part of being human. Again the key to this is awareness and self control. If you know how much you're using and how often, this together with being aware of how you're coping with your drug use should allow most people to stay in control and avoid becoming addicted.  Patterns of Drug UseThe way you use your drugs can make a big difference to whether you become hooked on them. Every user starts out by experimenting with drugs, some don't like them and don't try them again. Others may enjoy the effects and choose to use drugs recreationally. Nobody becomes addicted instantly, nor, if you choose to use drugs are you somehow fated to become a drug addict, these are myths perpetuated by the anti-drug lobby. Many people use use drugs for many years without becoming addicted to them. A word of caution however; tolerance and addiction are not easily monitored, they develop, often unnoticed. Using drugs constantly or consistently every day will lead you to becoming addicted to them. So it's best to avoid regular drug use and to use them occasionally, say at weekends, or as a treat.  DepressionDrugs, particularly opiates, can make you feel good, they can make you forget all your troubles and worries. This is an illusion, for which you've probably paid good money. If you're depressed or bummed out about something they can lift your depression and improve your mood. The problem is that when they wear off you'll probably feel depressed again. This is a very dangerous cycle to get into. Depression is the enemy of every drug user. Illicit drugs cannot cure depression. Everybody gets depressed or bummed-out from tim-to-time, again it's part of being human. using drugs when you're feeling down is a major cause of addiction. By staying out-of-it for a prolonged periods of time to avoid unpleasant realities your tolerance grows and you start to psychologically depend on the drugs to improve your mood. This is a trap because most problems don't go away unless you deal with them. The best way to avoid this is not to use drugs if you're feeling depressed. Everyone has bad days and bad weeks. Life is not a box of chocolates...The best way to get over depression is to think things through or talk about your problems with close friends. If this doesn't help see a counsellor or your doctor. A few dollars carefully spent on moral support could save you a packet on a raging habit. Only use drugs when you're feeling good, they can enhance your mood, but they can't change reality.  The StingBecoming addicted to a substance (or several) is not as straightforward as it seems. Once you've had an addiction problem with a drug then most people find it difficult to return to being a recreational user. It's really a one-way street. You may go clean for years but the first time you try it again you're back to where you left off. Your body will recognise the drug quickly and your tolerance will grow rapidly. Your brain knows the feelings and the problems you had controlling them in the past. Suddenly you're an addict again. The only way to avoid this dilemma is not to allow yourself to become addicted in the first place. Looking after Number 1 "Human beings are not bacteria, everyone is a unique being. Deciding whether you want to use drugs, which one's you want to use, how much and how often all all personal choices. Everybody's needs and wants are different as are their abilities to control them. If you decide to use them, then it's up to you to look after yourself, be aware of how much you're using and how often. Avoid using drugs when you're feeling down.." Getting Help CLICK HERE |