 What is
Drug Abuse? |
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Prescription drug addiction is
no different from alcoholism or an addiction to any other
substance. However, no one is prescribed alcohol or cocaine
for medical reasons. People who suffer from chronic pain are
in a very difficult position. Painkillers do relieve pain.
For people who suffer from constant and chronic pain,
narcotics may be necessary to allow them to have any quality
of life. The downside is becoming physically dependent and
risking the possibility of addiction. |
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While it is true that the drugs
themselves are highly addictive, not everyone who takes
painkillers becomes an addict. The statistics of those
suffering from chronic pain who become addicted to these
drugs are actually pretty low.
However, this is not to say that those who suffer with
chronic pain are not at increased risk of prescription drug
addiction.
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Drug tolerance is basically the body's ability to adapt to
the presence of a drug. When narcotic substances are taken
regularly for a length of time, the body does not respond to
them as well.
Tolerance then becomes defined as a state of progressively
decreased responsiveness to a drug as a result of which a
larger dose of the drug is needed to achieve the effect
originally obtained by a smaller dose.
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Difference Between Dependence or Addiction? |
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There is a difference between dependence and addiction.
Dependence occurs when tolerance builds up and the body
needs the drug in order to function. Withdrawal symptoms
will begin if the drug is stopped abruptly. On the other
hand, when a person is dependent on the regular use of a
drug to satisfy physical, emotional, and psychological
needs, they are addicted to that substance. Physical
dependence exists as well, but the drug has become a way to
cope with all kinds of uncomfortable feelings. |
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