Drugs and Crime

The connection between drugs and crime is reflected in at least three types of crimes:
1. Drug-defined crimes, such as the possesion, use, or sale of controlled sunstances,
which voilates drug laws.
2. Crimes committed by drug users to get money to buy more drugs or crimes
committed by persons under the influence of drugs.
3. Organized criminal activities, such as money laundering and political corruption,
in support of the drug trade.
Crime is associated with drug use but drugs usually don’t cause crime. First, only a
small percentage of burglaries and roberries drug related. Second, studies of high‐rate
offenders show that many of them began their criminal careers before using drugs.
Most experts agree that even if we could succeed in eliminating drug abuse, there
would be only a small reduction in robberies, burglaries, and similar crimes.

The amount of illegal drug use

The 1995 National Household Survey (which collects self‐reported information from
4,000 to 9,000 individuals each year) indicates that drug use has declined but that
illegal drug use among teenagers (ages 12–17) increased from 1990 to 1995. A second
survey, the 1995 Drug Use Forecasting (DUF) program (which collects urine
specimens and self‐reported data on drug use from arrested persons) reports that a
majority of male arrestees in U.S. cities tested positive for drugs.

Drug laws
The first major drug law, the Harrison Act (1914), required persons dealing in
opium, morphine, heroin, cocaine, and derivatives of these drugs to register with the
federal government. The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control
Act (1970) forms the basis of federal enforcement efforts today. This law sets up five
schedules which classify narcotic drugs according to the abuse potential. In 1988, the
U.S. Republican leadership stepped up the war on drugs. It passed the Anti‐Drug
Abuse Act, which substantially increased the penalties for recreational drug users.
Other important federal drug laws include the Crime Control Act (1990) and
the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act (1994). The former doubled
the appropriations to state and local communities for drug enforcement and created
drug‐free school zones by increasing penalties for drug crimes occurring close to
schools. The latter provided $245 million for rural anti‐crime and drug efforts.

Alcohol abuse and crime

Even though the abuse of alcohol is rarely discussed in the same terms as the use of
controlled substances, alcohol abuse has serious consequences for abusers as well as
the criminal justice system. First, alcohol is often a factor in the commission of
crimes, drunk driving being a prime example. Sometimes the use of alcohol lowers
inhibitions and leads to other, serious crimes, such as criminal assaults. Second, the
processing of alcohol‐related crimes consumes large amounts of criminal justice
resources. For example, between 1970 and 1992 arrests for drunk driving soared 200
percent across the United States. Today, police make about one million drunk driving
arrests annually, more arrests than for any other crime except drug abuse and larceny‐
theft. In 1996 police made about 500,000 arrests for public drunkenness, another
crime related to alcohol abuse.

COMMON TYPES OF DRUGS

There are a wide variety of addictive substances that exist, but the most common
types are classified under six main categories: alcohol, benzodiazepines, illicit drugs,
opiates, sleeping pills and stimulants.

Alcohol
Alcohol is a legal controlled substance that slows down the body’s vital functions
when consumed in excess. Its many forms include beer, wine and liquor. Some of the
physical effects of heavy alcohol consumption are slurred speech, loss of coordination
and slowed reaction time. Psychological effects include inhibiting judgment and
lowering a person’s ability to think rationally. Typically, drinking alcohol in
moderation does not signify a problem. However, consuming more than four
alcoholic beverages per day for men – or more than three per day for women – can
indicate an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Typically, drinking alcohol in moderation
does not signify a problem. However, consuming more than four alcoholic beverages
per day for men – or more than three per day for women – can indicate an alcohol use
disorder (AUD).
Topics on Alcohol Addiction

1. Symptoms and Warning Signs

Alcoholism can stem from consumption and experimentation during a
person’s teen years. Knowing the symptoms and warning signs to look for can
help determine if an addiction is present.

2. Withdrawal and Detox

Alchol withdrawal is a collection of symptoms which binge drinkers or alcoholics

experience when they suddenly stop drinking alcohol. The symptoms of alcohol
withdrawal can be mild, but sometimes alcohol withdrawal is life-threatening.
Withdrawal is most common in adults, but children and adolescents who have an
alcohol use disorder can experience it as well. Fortunately, most people who suffer
alcohol withdrawal will survive, especially if they receive treatment.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. It impairs certain functions of the

brain by disrupting connections between neurons. This is why someone who drinks
too much alcohol will have trouble with coordination and judgment. When someone
drinks alcohol regularly or in large quantities, their brain will begin to adapt to the
effects of alcohol and develop tolerance. Eventually, the person will feel that they
need to drink to feel normal or get through the day.

When someone with alcohol dependence stops drinking, the sudden absence of
alcohol in their body shocks their nervous system, which causes withdrawal. To avoid
withdrawal, people who are addicted to alcohol drink compulsively, even though they
know that alcohol is harming their health and their relationships. Alcohol withdrawal
is not only physically dangerous, but it’s also a major obstacle to overcoming alcohol
addiction.

What Is Alcohol Detox?

The best way to conquer addiction to alcohol or any other substance is to stop using it.
When someone undergoes alcohol detox, they deliberately abstain from drinking to
give their body time to adjust to functioning without alcohol. Alcohol detox can be
painful and distressing because it requires a person to experience the full range of
withdrawal symptoms. Although withdrawal often causes a person to relapse, when
someone resolves to experience withdrawal and not suppress it by having another
drink, they reach an important milestone on the path to sobriety.

Since some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are dangerous, people should

undergo alcohol detox under medical supervision at a rehab facility. People who
detox from alcohol with professional help are more likely to weather the process
safely and successfully. Detox may not be pleasant, but it is a necessary first step for
anyone who wants to defeat alcoholism. After detox is over, a person in recovery can
begin therapy in a treatment program.

What Are the Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal?

Everyone who undergoes alcohol withdrawal will have a different experience, but the
most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal are:

 Anxiety
 Confusion
 Fatigue
 Headaches
 Heart palpitations
 Heightened blood pressure
 Insomnia
 Irritability
 Nausea and vomiting
 Shaking and tremors
 Sweating

Delirium Tremens

Delirium tremens is a condition which characterizes extreme alcohol withdrawal.

Delirium tremens is potentially fatal because it can cause seizures. About 1 in every
20 people who experience alcohol withdrawal will also suffer delirium tremens. The
condition is most likely to occur in people who are severely addicted to alcohol and
have experienced alcohol withdrawal in the past.

Most symptoms of delirium tremens usually begin within two to three days after a
person stops drinking. If you or someone you know exhibits signs of delirium
tremens, it is important to get help right away. The symptoms of delirium tremens
include:
  Emotional distress
 Fatigue
 Fever
 Hallucinations
 Hypersensitivity to sound, touch, and light
 Intense agitation or irritability
 Intense confusion
 Hallucinations
 Seizures (usually within one day of the last drink)

3. Treatment and Rehab

Treatment for Alcoholism

As the most common addiction in America, alcoholism has many available treatments
and methods for recovery.
Alcohol addiction treatment programs guide the former user through a safe and
effective medical detox, followed by counseling that targets the reasons behind
addiction.
Get in touch with a dedicated treatment specialist to find an alcohol rehab.
Overcoming an alcohol addiction starts with a qualified treatment center that can help
address underlying and co-occurring disorders. Because of alcohol’s prevalence
throughout our culture, recovering alcoholics are constantly bombarded with triggers.
Treatment centers must be equipped to help the recovering user find effective ways to
manage triggers and cravings in order to be effective.
The First Step of Recovery From Alcohol
Getting alcohol out of the addicted person’s system is the first part of recovery.
People with a severe alcohol addiction can experience intense withdrawal symptoms.
A supervised alcohol detox is usually necessary for people addicted to alcohol to
prevent potentially fatal complications. Shaking, sweating, seizures, and
hallucinations are possible alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
A medical detox can prevent discomfort and complications during alcohol
withdrawal.
Alcohol Addiction Medications
One of the benefits of inpatient treatment is medical management of the physical
aspects of addiction. Using prescription drugs in combination with treatment boosts
the recovery success rate to 50 percent.
Medications can be used to help ease the symptoms of withdrawal in order to avoid
relapse, or to create a negative physical reaction to alcohol that helps eliminate the
desire to drink. Common drugs used in alcohol detox and recovery include:
 Acamprosate – Used to reduce alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
 Naltrexone – Used to reduce cravings for alcohol as well as its pleasurable
effects.
 Vivitrol – An extended-release formulation of Naltrexone
 Disulfiram – Causes severe negative effects when alcohol is consumed.
Inpatient Rehabilitation for Alcoholism
Inpatient rehab allows for round-the-clock care and personalized support from
medical staff.
Inpatient treatment is a good choice for anyone who wants to focus completely on
recovery without the stress or distractions of work, school, or social obligations. It
allows for a thorough immersion in the recovery process and may be a good choice
for people who have tried other treatments unsuccessfully. Inpatient treatment for
alcohol rehabilitation may last anywhere from 30 days to six months or longer
— recovery times depend on the needs of the individual.
Treatments at inpatient centers may include behavioral therapies, the most popular of
which is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These therapies encourage
participants to change the way they react to stressful external stimuli (like failing a
test or losing a job) by promoting healthy ways of coping. Many centers also offer
group and individual counseling, experiential therapies and training on proper
nutrition and health.

4. High-Functioning Alcoholics

A “high-functioning alcoholic” is someone who habitually drinks an unhealthy

amount of alcohol while maintaining some level of professional and personal success.
He or she might hold down a job and have a family despite an underlying struggle
with alcohol addiction. High-functioning alcoholics often hide the severity of their
abuse from friends and loved ones. Many high-functioning alcoholics will deny their
struggle with alcohol addiction. Some might even think alcohol helps them achieve
success by making them more social or charming. High-functioning alcoholics are
often unaware of their behavior’s impact on those closest to them.

It is important to understand that these people’s achievements are earned in spite of —

not because of — alcohol use. Regardless of personal success, prolonged alcohol
abuse carries serious health risks and poses many negative consequences. Call now if
you or someone you care about is struggling with an alcohol addiction.

High-Functioning Alcoholism in Popular Culture

The high-functioning alcoholic is an often-celebrated but problematic character type

in the media. Popular TV programs like Mad Men depict advertising executives,
lawyers, bankers and financial advisers balancing success and heavy alcohol use
without consequences. The stereotype becomes more troublesome when contrasted to
its counterpart, the rock bottom alcoholic. This contrast suggests acceptable,
“charming” types of alcohol disuse as well as unacceptable, “bad” ones. This cannot
be further from the truth. There is no “best form” of alcoholism. Regardless of success
or personal achievements, everyone is vulnerable to alcohol’s mental and physical
harms. These might include liver and brain damage, various forms of cancer and
stroke. Learn the extensive side effects of alcohol abuse and addiction.

Signs of High-Functioning Alcoholism

High-functioning alcoholics often hide their struggles from loved ones and may be in
denial. High-functioning alcoholics have built a resistance to alcohol’s sedative
effects so they may not appear intoxicated. There are signs of alcoholism to look for
in friends or loved ones, including:

 Drinking to feel confident or relax

  Hiding alcohol, denying heavy drinking, or becoming angry during
confrontations
 “Morning drinking” or drinking alone
 Losing close friends or missing work or school
 Causing friends and family to make excuses for or worry about their drinking
 Having lapses in memory while drinking
 Joking about alcoholism or about having a drinking problem
 Drinking when they hadn’t intended to

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders outlines criteria

identifying substance use disorders. Learn how professionals diagnose an alcohol
problem.

Confronting a High-Functioning Alcoholic

It can be difficult to acknowledge that a friend or loved one is struggling with an

alcohol addiction. After recognizing that someone needs help, it is important to
approach them about their behavior. An intervention specialist can help a defensive
high-functioning alcoholic see the truth about their addiction. Learn more about
staging an intervention.

5. Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence (DUI), or impaired driving, refers to drinking alcohol
and then operating a motor vehicle. Motor vehicles are not limited to just cars; this
also includes bicycles, motorcycles, golf carts, boats, jet-skis, and lawn mowers.

Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is the percentage of alcohol in the bloodstream.

By federal law, at 0.08 percent BAC a driver is incapable of operating a motor
vehicle. Critical thinking and fine motor skills begin to drop as early as the first sip.

Consequences of Driving Drunk

If someone drives drunk and survives a crash that injures or kills other people, he or
she must live with the consequences. That emotional burden can be worse than any
bodily harm.

But the physical perils of drunk driving are immense, too. Impaired driving can cause
accidents that lead to paralysis, disfigurement, brain damage, and even death.

Impaired driving is also a crime. Drunk drivers often pay significant fines, lose their
license and face higher insurance costs. Many convicted drunk drivers serve jail time.

Drunk Driving Dangers

Alcohol’s sedative effects impair a driver’s decision-making skills and coordination.

An impaired driver lacks the ability to quickly and decisively avoid an accident or
even perform routine driving maneuvers. Drunk drivers endanger themselves and
everyone on the road, increasing the risk of automobile crashes and deaths.
Impaired driving doesn’t just affect those in cars. Drunken motorcyclists, boaters and
jet-skiiers are all at risk of causing accidents and injuries.

Drunk driving is as prevalent as it is lethal. According to the U.S. Department of

Transportation, nearly 4 million American adults committed an estimated 112 million
drunk-driving incidents in 2010 alone. Despite the high volume of drunk driving
episodes, only a small percentage of impaired drivers are arrested.

6. Is There A Cure for Alcoholism?

While there is no cure for alcoholism, people can overcome an alcohol
addiction by attending a treatment program. Treatment for alcohol abuse can
help a person maintain their sobriety and manage alcohol cravings.

7. Alcohol and the Liver

Chronic drinking can increase a person’s risk of developing liver disease.
Those who struggle with excessive alcohol consumption will need treatment in
order to avoid major health complications later in life.

8. Genetics of Alcoholism
Individuals with a family history of alcoholism have a higher risk of incurring
alcohol abuse patterns at some point in their life. Research shows that genetics
make up 40 to 60 percent of a person’s likelihood of developing an alcohol
addiction.

Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines, or benzos, include pharmaceutical drugs used to treat a wide array
of mental disorders, including severe anxiety and panic attacks. People can build a
tolerance to benzos if they are consumed for an extended period of time, which can
lead to dependency.
Some people choose to take benzos with alcohol, which strengthens its effects and can
lead to overdose. Withdrawal from benzos can include dangerous symptoms such as
Grand Mal seizures, so it’s always recommended to detox from these drugs under
medical supervision.
Comprehensive treatment for a benzodiazepine addiction typically includes cognitive
behavioral therapy, support groups and medications to help reduce cravings.

Types of Benzodiazepines

Ativan
Ativan, the brand name for the drug lorazepam, is an intermediate-acting
benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders, depression and panic attacks.
Ativan is extremely potent when compared to other benzos. Because of this,
people who consume Ativan have a high risk of developing an abuse disorder.

Halcion
Halcion is prescribed to treat anxiety and insomnia. As a short-acting
medication, Halcion is processed through the body faster than other benzos.
As a result, people may be inclined to increase their dose in order to keep
experiencing a high, which can lead to an addiction.
 Klonopin
Klonopin has a high potential for abuse and addiction – even when prescribed
to treat a medical condition. Klonopin is a long-acting benzo, meaning that it
takes longer to feel its full effects. Once Klonopin leaves the body, a person
can experience severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms of
withdrawal.
Librium
Librium is typically used to treat a wide array of anxiety disorders. It is often
abused due to the calming effects this drug produces. Because Librium has a
low potency when compared to other benzos, many people consume it in
combination with other substances to achieve a greater high.

Xanax
With over 44 million scripts written every year, Xanax is the most prescribed
medication in the country. It is highly addictive when taken in high doses or
over an extended period of time. A person struggling with Xanax addiction
will typically exhibit symptoms of fatigue and loss of motivation.

Valium
Valium is the brand name for diazepam, which is used to treat muscle spasms
and seizures. When prescribed, it’s meant to be taken on a daily basis.
However, people who start taking more Valium than recommended are at risk
of addiction.

Illicit Drugs
Illicit drugs include powerfully addictive and illegal substances such as heroin and
meth. The nature of these substances is vastly different from one another.
For example, marijuana’s short-term effects slow down the central nervous system
and interfere with a person’s reaction time and concentration. In contrast, cocaine puts
brain functioning into hyper speed, resulting in increased alertness and anxiety.
Even just a single use of some of these substances can spawn devastating patterns of
abuse. Once a physical or psychological dependence is formed, using illicit drugs
takes priority over everything else in a person’s life.
People looking to quit a dangerous habit of consuming illicit substances should seek
professional guidance to aid in their recovery. A licensed inpatient treatment center
can provide everything a person needs to achieve and maintain sobriety, from medical
detox services to therapy and 12-step programs.
Types of Illicit Drugs
Cocaine
A stimulant with effects similar to excessive amounts of caffeine, cocaine is
most often snorted in powder form. This illicit drug is highly addictive and
continued abuse can cause severe weight loss and damage to the nasal
passages.

Crack Cocaine
The more potent, freebase form of cocaine, crack cocaine is usually smoked
through a short pipe that often causes blisters and burns on the mouth and
hands. An addiction to crack cocaine can develop in as little as one use.
Ecstasy
Ecstasy is often consumed by young adults attending parties or raves. It is a
stimulant with potentially hallucinogenic effects. Many forms of ecstasy on
the black market are cut with much more dangerous substances, such as heroin
and LSD.

Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens are mind-altering, psychoactive substances with a high
potential for abuse. These substances are often taken by people looking to
distort their perception of reality. Hallucinogens are also sometimes used to
self-medicate a mental disorder, such as depression. However, taking
hallucinogens for self-medication purposes can make an underlying condition
even worse.

Heroin
One of the most addictive substances on earth, heroin is a synthetic derivative
of morphine. Heroin comes as either a powder or a sticky gel, known as black
tar heroin. Long-term abuse of heroin can cause abscesses and scabs on the
skin, in addition to psychological and internal damage.

Inhalants
Inhalants are categorized by their method of administration and include many
household objects that can be abused for a brief high. Commonly abused
inhalants are nail polish remover, paint thinner, gasoline and lighter fluid.
Long-term use of inhalants can cause severe damage including muscle
deterioration and psychological disturbances.

Ketamine
Ketamine is primarily used as an anesthetic for animals undergoing surgery,
but is often abused recreationally among teens and college students. Not only
is it incredibly addictive, but it has also been used as a date rape drug. Because
it is odorless and tasteless, it cannot be detected when mixed in a beverage.

Marijuana
As one of the most commonly abused illicit substances, marijuana comes from
the cannabis plant and is usually dried out, rolled up and smoked. More
commonly known as “weed” or “pot”, marijuana is gaining legal recognition
in some states. However, continued abuse of marijuana can cause diminished
brain function and lung damage.

Meth
A deadly and addictive substance, methamphetamine (or meth) is a substance
that can be made from easily obtained items, such as lithium batteries and
drain cleaner. As a result, manufacturing meth is extremely dangerous.
Continued abuse of meth can cause tooth decay and the appearance of
accelerated aging.

Synthetic Marijuana
Also known as Spice or K2, synthetic marijuana is a manufactured substance
that contains an ingredient similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the active
 ingredient in marijuana. Because synthetic marijuana can be purchased
legally, many people believe it is a safer alternative to marijuana. However,
synthetic marijuana is dangerously addictive and can produce psychoactive
effects that are just as strong as its natural counterpart.
Opiates
Opiates encompass prescription drugs that are used to treat acute and chronic pain.
While they can be effective when taken as directed, opiates pose a major risk of
addiction among their users.
An opiate addiction often manifests itself within a person’s drug-seeking behavior.
This can involve visiting multiple doctors in order to obtain more prescriptions –
otherwise known as “doctor shopping.” If drugs cannot be obtained through various
doctor visits, some people turn to heroin use as a cheaper, easier-to-get alternative.
Withdrawal from opiates can be agonizing and should never be attempted alone.
Medically-assisted detox is the safest way to endure the withdrawal process. After
detox, it is highly recommended to enter an inpatient addiction treatment program to
ensure the lowest chances of relapse.
Types of Opiates

Codeine
Codeine is most often found in over-the-counter and prescription-grade cough
medicines. Because of its easy accessibility, many people don’t perceive
codeine to be as dangerous as other opiates. In some cases, codeine can act as
a gateway drug to harder substances down the road, such as morphine or
oxycodone.

Demerol
Demerol is a highly potent opiate with growing rates of addiction. While a
prescription of Demerol is legal, it is rarely prescribed outside of intensive
hospital care. It has similar effects of other opiates like morphine, putting
users in a “dreamlike” state when abused.

Dilaudid
As one of the more powerful opiates, Dilaudid is mainly prescribed to patients
diagnosed with cancer or serious injuries. It is abused for its intense calming
and euphoric effects; however, Dilaudid comes with a high risk of overdose,
which can be fatal.

Fentanyl
Fentanyl is known to be up to 100 times stronger than morphine and is used
primarily to treat pain after surgery. Recreational use of fentanyl is especially
dangerous when combined with other opiates or heroin. Fentanyl causes the
respiratory system to slow down, leading to overdose and potentially even
death.

Hydrocodone
Hydrocodone is commonly prescribed for pain relief following oral surgery.
However, taking this opiate without a prescription is illegal and constitutes
abuse. Abusing hydrocodone over an extended period of time, or in large
amounts, can evolve into an addiction.
 Methadone
Methadone is widely known for its common use of treating a heroin use
disorder. Despite its intended legal use, methadone is still an extremely potent
opiate with highly addictive qualities. Methadone should only be taken under
the careful supervision of a physician.

Morphine
Morphine is primarily prescribed to hospital patients recovering from surgery
or diagnosed with cancer. However, a black market for morphine exists due to
its intensely pleasurable effects. A person suffering from an addiction to
morphine may compulsively seek out and abuse the substance – despite legal
ramifications.

Oxycodone
Oxycodone is a powerful painkiller and one of the most abused prescription
medications in the United States. Many people unknowingly kickstart an
addiction by taking their regularly prescribed dose. Once a tolerance is
established, using or obtaining oxycodone may be prioritized over personal
obligations and social activities.

Propoxyphene
Propoxyphene, otherwise known as Darvon or Darvocet, was once prescribed
for moderate pain relief. The FDA banned propoxyphene in 2010 after
recognizing its lethal side effects. Users who abuse propoxyphene experience
a rush of euphoria, followed by heavy sedation.

Tramadol
Tramadol is used to treat moderate pain from medical conditions such as
fibromyalgia. It is perceived to be less addictive than other opiates, and is
therefore commonly prescribed by doctors. As with any other opiate
prescription, the risk of addiction is still at large.
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Sleeping Pills
Sleeping pills fall under a category of prescription medications known as sedative-
hypnotics. Many individuals assume they cannot develop a sleeping pill addiction;
however, becoming addicted is easier than most may think.
A dependency on sleeping pills often begins forming when a person increases their
prescribed dose without consulting their physician first. They may believe that taking
more pills will improve their quality of sleep. Over time, a person will feel the need to
take larger amounts each time in order to fall asleep, which often leads to an
overwhelming addiction.
When a person who is dependent on sleeping pills tries to quit cold turkey, their body
may experience withdrawal. Symptoms of withdrawal can be uncomfortable, so it is
best to go through the process at a medical detox center. Further treatment at an
inpatient rehab center or outpatient program can address the psychological impact of
an addiction to sleeping pills.

Types of Sleeping Pills

 Ambien
Ambien is generally prescribed for short-term insomnia. Most cases of
Ambien dependence start when a person takes more than their recommended
dosage to fall asleep faster. An addiction to Ambien can form in as little as a
few weeks.

Amytal
Amytal is the brand name for the barbiturate amobarbital. Because of its level
of potency, Amytal is used as a pre-anesthetic for surgeries and to treat
chronic sleep disorders. It produces effects that feel similar to alcohol
intoxication, which causes users to abuse the medication and subsequently
become addicted.

Lunesta
Many people mistakenly believe that Lunesta is a non-habit forming
medication. However, Lunesta is a highly potent sleeping pill that can cause a
spiraling addiction. Some people who develop a Lunesta dependency will mix
the medication with other substances in order to increase its sedative effects.

Sonata

Sonata is a fast-acting sleeping pill that remains in the body for about an hour.
This makes Sonata a prime target for accidental abuse, as people might take
too much in order to help them sleep. While Sonata isn’t as potent as other
sleeping pills, its long-term use can lead to an addiction.

Stimulants
Prescription stimulants include amphetamines and methylphenidates. Typically,
stimulants are used to treat mental disorders like attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder (ADHD). They are generally used to enhance performance, rather than to
achieve a high.
Stimulants work by activating the central nervous system, inciting feelings of
excitement and increasing physical and cognitive function. When a person uses these
substances, they feel a rush of intense pleasure caused by a surge of dopamine. A
tolerance can build up over time from frequent stimulant use, which can signify the
early stages of an abuse disorder.
In order to overcome an addiction to stimulants, detox at a treatment center may be
required before transitioning into therapy and group support.
Types of Stimulants

Adderall

Adderall is the most commonly prescribed stimulant for treating symptoms of

ADHD. People who habitually use Adderall to increase their productivity and
improve their mental focus have the highest risk of becoming addicted.

Antidepressants

Unlike other addictive prescription medications, antidepressants don’t produce

a “high” or cause intense cravings. In fact, people who have clinical
 depression typically won’t feel its full effects for over a month. The true
danger lies in other substances a person chooses to abuse while taking
antidepressants, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.

Concerta

Concerta is a prescription stimulant similar to cocaine. People who develop a

dependence on Concerta will feel strong compulsions to seek out the drug in
any way they can. Individuals who cannot obtain more of the drug may
experience withdrawal symptoms, which are sometimes referred to as the
“Concerta crash.”

Dexedrine

Dexedrine is an amphetamine with a high potential for abuse and addiction.

After repeated use of Dexedrine, the brain cannot function normally without
the drug. Side effects of Dexedrine include insomnia, blurred vision and
dizziness.

Diet Pills

Diet pills include a number of over-the-counter and prescription supplements

designed to help users lose weight. Aside from their appetite-suppressant
effects, diet pills can cause elevated energy levels and feelings of euphoria,
which increase the likelihood of abuse and dependency.

Ritalin

As a central nervous system stimulant, Ritalin increases alertness and

concentration. It is effective in treating ADHD among children; however,
Ritalin also comes with a high potential for abuse. Those with other types of
mental disorders, such as bipolar, run the risk of experiencing negative side
effects from using the drug.

Anabolic steroids are synthetic substances that mimic the male hormone
testosterone. They are commonly abused by people wanting to increase
athletic performance. While they don’t produce the same euphoric “high” as
other addictive substances, frequent use of anabolic steroids can lead to an
addiction.

The Importance of Drug Addiction Treatment

Entering a substance abuse rehabilitation program is the best way to relinquish your
life from the turmoil of substance abuse. As of 2016, an estimated 28 million people
around the globe are battling a substance use disorder. Yet only a small portion – 10
percent – are getting the treatment they need.
There is a multitude of reasons why people put off treatment. Some feel ashamed to
admit they need help due to the social stigma that surrounds addiction. Others don’t
want to leave their career, family or other obligations behind.
While it’s completely understandable to have concerns, an addiction can worsen over
time if left unaddressed. Avoiding rehab can have long-term consequences, such as:
  Damages to familial and romantic relationships
 Financial complications due to funding substance use
 Deterioration of mental and physical well-being
 Legal troubles, such as an arrest for illegal possession
 Career loss
Confronting your addiction head on might be the scariest thing you’ve ever done. But
you don’t have to do it alone. Our treatment center specialists can talk you through the
entire recovery process so you know what to expect.
As people in recovery themselves, our specialists have stood in your shoes and can
relate to what you’re going though. They’ll assist you with finding a treatment center
that’s right for you, as well as insurance consultation and post-rehab care options.
Aftercare options include halfway houses, support groups and one-on-one therapy.
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