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All of us know that drug addiction is harmful. However, we are unable to come out easily from the smoking and drinking habits that we had unwittingly or knowingly developed. Many of us had also become addicted to drugs like cocaine, heroin, methadone, etc. Further, nearly all of us become addicted in one way or another to opiate medications that are prescribed by our doctors. Hence, it is essential to have some knowledge of drug addiction symptoms and drug prevention methods.
Irrespective of the type of addiction that we have, the drug addiction symptoms are similar in nature that it is easy to diagnose them. Sharp increase or decrease in appetite or sudden changes in eating habits, as well as unexplained weight gain or loss are the first of those symptoms. Unnatural smells on breath, body or clothes, intense hyperactivity like excessive talking, changes in behavior or attitude, moving away from old friends to new circles are some of the other drug addiction symptoms.
Loss of interest in activities, issues or things that were considered importance previously and development of new interests, absence or late arrival to work or school, forgetfulness or difficulty in paying attention are also signs of drug addiction. Depressed mood or violent behavior, including tantrums, reduced energy, lack of motivation, secretiveness or excessive indulgence in privacy, etc., are further positive symptoms of drug addiction.
Effective drug prevention methods should be towards increasing the protective factors, while reducing and reversing the risk factors. Specific protective and risk factors vary with age. Gender, culture, ethnicity, and environment also play a significant part in the risk and protective factors. Younger children carry a higher risk of drug addiction due to lack of proper knowledge.
In the case of adolescents, wrong association is the chief cause for becoming a drug addict. Early intervention would be more effective in such cases than leaving it very late. Changing the habits and the life path of an addict to lead that person towards positive behavior and attitude is essential at the early stage itself.
Drug prevention programs had to be comprehensive in addressing the use of both legal drugs like tobacco or alcohol and the illegal drugs like cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methadone. Such drug prevention process should also include legally obtainable medications like inhalants, prescription medicines and over-the-counter drugs. Further, such drug prevention methods should be individual-specific to address variations in age, gender, culture, ethnicity, etc.
Family-based drug prevention programs should strengthen parental monitoring and supervision. Activity monitoring techniques, praise for correct behavior, and moderate discipline at home play a critical part in drug abuse prevention. On the other hand, insistence or enforcement of excessive discipline could prove to be counter-productive. Family-focused programs have the ability to bring about positive change in both parents and the siblings for reducing the risks of drug abuse. Such programs should be further strengthened with appropriate educative steps in schools as well as in work environments.
Above all, a total community-based drug prevention program through schools, commercial organizations, social welfare institutions, clubs, and media would be very effective in ensuring the reduction, reversal and prevention of drug abuse.
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Fact-Find.com 2006 Drug Addiction Symptoms
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