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GENERAL INFORMATION:
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How to recognize drug abuse and addictionDrug abuse occurs if you take any drug for purposes other than for what it was intended or in any manner or in quantities other than directed. The abuse of drugs may lead to an addiction, now often referred to as drug dependence.An addiction may be considered to be the compulsive and continued use of a drug, or the loss of control over its use, despite adverse consequences produced by the drug. Drug dependence has both psychological and physical characteristics. If unable to obtain the drug, the addicted person may experience symptoms of distress or withdrawal and a need to take the drug again. Recognizing the signs of addiction (to legal or illegal drugs) in someone else can be difficult. These signs vary from drug to drug and person to person. However, people who are addicted to one or more drugs often will exhibit changes in their behavior that may gradually affect personal relationships and work performance. Their behavior may be erratic and their moods unpredictable, alternating between periods of exhilaration or agitation and exhaustion or lethargy. Some addicted persons find that they no longer sleep well, and other will "crash" and sleep for long periods. They may lose their interest in eating and experience an unexplained loss of weight. Eyes that are bloodshot or that have a dazed or expressionless appearance can be clues to drug abuse. Persons abusing hallucinogens may appear to be daydreaming and may have to be spoken to several times before responding, or they may gaze at or examine an object without explanation for long periods. Other drugs may produce excessive sweating or flushed skin. An unexplained rash or irritated nostril or running nose may be a sign that someone has been using an opiate. Alternatively, many drug-dependent persons appear normal to their friends. If someone close to you has several of these signs or symptoms, he or she is not necessarily a drug addict. But you may know the person well enough to recognize whether genuine changes in personality have taken place. If changes include spending increasing amounts of time away from home, a shift in classroom behavior or missed classes, or a constant demand or need for money, you may have grounds for concern. However, as with all medical conditions, proper evaluation must be done to assess the true nature of the problem or t o rule out disorders that might cause similar behavior.
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