Page 16 - GHOPC Womens Magazine January 2021-7 FINAL_Neat

H•latch

Let's Talk About It: Fighting
Addiction (Series 1 of 4)
...... ..
There are some who believe drug addiction is direct'iy linked to lacking a
moral compass or the willpower to stop. While the initial use of a drug is
often a personal choice, the recurrent use is one that is beyond a person's
control. Let's talk about it!
This series will include:
Introduction to drug addiction
The effects on the family unit ., .,,
Interview from a former drug addict
Interview from a family member of an addict

What is drug addiction?
Drug addiction consists of the intentional nature of a person to seek out
and use drugs based on compulsion and the inability to control the
impulse, despite the harmful affects on the body. The initial decision to
use is a personal choice, but repeated use can alter the brain and increase
urges to continue using, making it difficult to stop.

Symptoms of drug addiction
♦ Having the constant desire to use
♦ Taking larger amounts of the drug to obtain the same results as the
first high
♦ Keeping a continuous supply of the drug
♦ Spending money to obtain the drug at whatever cost
♦ Changes in work or social habits because of the use
♦ Continuing to use even when it causes problems in health or life
structure
• Doing things that would not be typically done to get the drug
• Driving or performing other tasks under the influence
♦ Failing in attempts to stop using and experiencing withdrawals when
attempting to stop

How drug addiction affects the brain
Similar to how sugar or sweet foods affect the "reward center" of the
brain, drugs assume the same reaction by causing a person to experience a \ \
euphoric feeling after use.

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