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Addiction: A
state of being very dependent on a drug or behavior.
Addiction can cause the person to be mentally and physically
tied to the drug, to the point that everything else in life
takes second place to the need for the drug. Addicts may
steal, rob, or hurt others to get drugs. The drug-seeking
behavior becomes overwhelming, and causes the addict to
forget about families, friends, and their community.
Depressant: A
powerful and addictive drug that slows and relaxes the body.
Depressants can come from natural and manmade sources.
Depressant overdose can slow breathing and heart rate to the
point of death, and can be made worse by combining them with
alcohol.
Drugs: Natural
or manmade substances that can affect your brain chemistry,
how your body functions, your behavior, and your emotions.
Some drugs are legal, sold over the counter, by doctor’s
prescription, or as herbal remedies, others are illegal.
Drug dependence:
A state of needed drugs to feel or function better. A person
who is physically dependent needs the drug to keep from
suffering withdrawal symptoms, which can be painful. A
person who is mentally dependent craves the drug, but does
not suffer physically if he cannot get it. Dependence on a
drug is a warning sign for becoming addicted to it.
Drug raid:
Police entering a place and serving a search warrant to
someone who is suspected of using or selling drugs. People
in the house can be arrested, and drugs, paraphernalia, and
other evidence can be taken by DEA agents or police officers
during a drug raid.
Drug trafficking:
Selling, smuggling, and distributing illegal drugs (or legal
drugs, if they were obtained without a doctor’s
prescription, or are intended for a use other than the
doctor prescribed).
High: The
feeling drug users want to get when they use the drug. Some
drugs may make them feel “spacey” or disconnected, others
may speed them up and make them feel smart and powerful.
There are many different types of highs.
Narcotic: A
powerful and addictive drug that makes you sleepy, slows
down your body, and relieves pain. Morphine is an example of
a narcotic.
Prevention:
While there is no one definition of prevention, there is a
general agreement that prevention is the sum of everyone’s
efforts to ensure healthy, safe, and productive lives for
all in a community. Prevention can mean keeping legal and
illegal drug use and abuse problems from occurring.
Stimulant: A
powerful and addictive drug that speeds up the body. The
drug can come from manmade and nature sources. Meth is a
definitely a stimulant.
Tolerance: A
state in which the body adjusts to the drug, and needs
higher and higher doses of the drug to achieve the desired
high.
Treatment:
Medical and
psychological help given to people who wish to stop using
and abusing drugs. People who go through treatment often
need support and encouragement after the treatment time to
help them stay clean and sober.
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