Drug Addiction
Many people experiment with drugs and will enjoy the inevitable ‘highs’ they experience which can lead to a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes.
Dealing with Addiction
Providing the facts about substance abuse, gambling, gaming & food addiction as well as how to help people recover from addiction.
- Age range: 12 years and upwards
- Category: Schools
- Last revised: 2021
- Pages: 83
- Illustrated throughout
Ebook: £10.99 
Hard copy: £35.99 add to basket
What is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction occurs when a user continues to take the drug of their choice, thereby developing a chemical dependency. Eventually they develop a tolerance and will need more and more of the substance to achieve their desired effect. As time passes, the drug addict will continue to take the drug despite the harmful consequences.
There are many forms of mind-altering drugs and if someone uses drugs for a long period of time, they may no longer be able to control their use because they have become physically and psychologically dependent on them.
Cannabis, marijuana and hashish are the most widely abused drugs in the world, followed by amphetamines, cocaine, heroin and opioids. People from all walks of life and age groups become addicted to drugs and there are many different types of substance abuse. When an addict tries to stop taking drugs, the withdrawal symptoms are usually so severe that they start taking the drugs again just to feel ‘normal’.
Recovery is possible with the right help and support as follows:
- A GP can prescribe medication to alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
- An addiction counsellor can provide advice and support.
- Recovery and rehabilitation centres teach addicts how to live without drugs.
- Meetings in the community for a variety of substances.
It is possible to become drug-free, but it takes hard work, dedication and determination, alongside support from medical practitioners and addiction experts.