Drug addiction: physical and psychological dependency

The best way to prevent an addiction to an illegal drug is not to take it at all. To prevent drug dependency in children, it is required to communicate with them about the risks of drug use, to listen to them, to strengthen the bond and to set a good example.

Drug addiction has two components - physical dependency and psychological dependency. Physical dependency occurs when the body becomes accostemed to the effects of drugs. The user then have to continue using the drug in order to feel normal. Psychological dependency occurs when the mind becomes emotionally reliant to the effects of drugs. In the absence of drugs, the person does not feel capable of functioning.

The drug addiction treatment provides a person ways to withdraw from using the drug. Detoxification involves reducing the dose of drug or substituting it temporarily by other substances like methadone. The withdrawal treatment shows side effects like restlessness, anxiety, sleep problems, depression, intense cravings, rapid pulse and high blood pressure. After detoxification, therapies like counselling, addiction treatment programs and self-help group meetings helps you to withdraw from using drugs.