Drugs -Tolerance,Dependence,Addiction and Treatment

Drugs -Tolerance,Dependence,Addiction and Treatment. There can be a great deal of confusion surrounding the words addiction, physical dependence, and tolerance. People will use these words as if they are referring to the exact thing, but there is a significant difference between them . Misunderstandings about these terms can not only be confusing for the general public but also many in the medical profession. One of the main culprits blamed for this confusion is the fact that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has chosen to use the word dependency instead of the word addiction and people assume this to mean physical dependency. Drug tolerance is commonly encountered in pharmacology, when a subject s reaction to a†¦show more content†¦Drug abuse is an increasing epidemic in today’s society. There are so many types of drugs being abused today, both legal and illegal. These drugs affect the human body in many different ways. Drug abuse can lead to addiction. Drug addiction involves the repeated and excessive use of a drug to produce pleasure or escape reality despite its destructive effects. Some medications used to treat pain can be addictive. Addiction is different from physical dependence or tolerance, however. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms occur when a substance suddenly is stopped. Tolerance occurs when the initial dose of a substance loses its effectiveness over time. Addiction is a psychological and behavioral response that develops in some people with the use of narcotic pain medicines. People who take a class of drugs called opioids for a long period of time may develop tolerance and even physical dependence. This does not mean, however, that a person is addicted. In general, addiction occurs in only a small percentage of people when narcotics are used under proper medical supervision. The use of and abuse of illegal and prescription drugs are affecting our health, our society, and creating law enforcement problems all across America. Drug usage isShow MoreRelatedEssay about Addiction and the Brain1037 Words   |  5 PagesAddiction and the Brain The ponderance that Brain = Behavior and the inherent ramifications of such proves no more fascinating than when addressed in the context of Addiction and the Brain. Essential to consider is: -what exactly is an addictive/abusive substance (drugs of abuse) -what brain center(s)/chemical(s)are involved -what does it mean to become physiologically dependent -how should the concept of addiction be addressed -how might we use animal models -and whatRead MoreLove Is a Natural Drug1415 Words   |  6 PagesLove Is a Natural Drug John-Mark I. 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