drug addiction,nairobi kenya

Drugs are prescribed for many injuries and illnesses, we find them in our foods, our beverages, and in cigarettes. So what is drug addiction?

Drug addiction is characterized by compulsive and uncontrollable behavior. It turns even the mildest of people into drug seekers who will do almost anything to obtain their drug.
Drug addiction can become chronic which means that even after long periods of abstinences the addict can relapse back into the addiction.
The progression of acute drug use will create this pathological condition and develop into a harmful and dangerous lifestyle for the addict.
Drug addiction is categorized in three stages:

1. Preoccupation/Anticipation: The addict will display drug seeking behavior, they cannot focus on anything but obtaining the drug.
2. Binge/Intoxication: Once the drug is found it is taken until the affects are visible to the addict and intoxication is reached.
3. Withdrawal: When the drug begins to leave the addicts system this can cause a very negative affect resulting in illness and severe pain.

There are many things in our daily life that can be considered to be drug addictions, caffeine for instance or nicotine are legal and bought over the counter at any local store. These are common addictions and do not require rehab treatment, so what is drug addiction that needs special treatment?

• Amphetamine
• Methamphetamine
• Cocaine
• Alcohol
• Barbiturates
• Benzodiazepines
• Opiates
• Morphine
• Codeine
• Heroin
• Oxycodone
• Methadone

These drugs in some instances (except alcohol and cocaine) are prescribed by a doctor to the patient to relive pain from an injury or to treat depression. Some of these drugs are prescribed long term and as the patient builds up a tolerance more is needed. Many of these “medical” drugs are also abused as street drugs.
Street drugs such as heroin or cocaine can create an addiction with the first use as the person wants to attain that first initial euphoric feeling again and again. The drugs such as codeine require that the patient be exposed to them for a much longer time frame before addiction usually occurs. The slow progression of the pills becoming a staple in their life can lead to a very difficult time trying to overcome the addiction. In any type of drug addiction, a drug treatment clinic should be located and the addict admitted for a speedy recovery. If you were wondering “what is drug addiction” because a loved one or friend is in trouble, do not hesitate to take the initiative to get them help.