When You Can't Stop!
Is there something that you do and you just can't stop doing it? This could be known as addiction. Addiction is usually associated with drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and more. Someone who has no control over whether they want to use the drug or not, is called addiction. This person is dependent meaning, they feel like they need to have the drug or the thing that are addicted too. Another term similar to addiction is substance abuse. Substance abuse is when an illegal substance, like drugs, is being used in the wrong way. This can soon lead to addiction. Addiction can be a physical, psychological, or both. (1)
Physical Addiction
Physical addiction is when a person who is addicted body becomes dependent on something. After time, the body craves more and more of whatever that person is addicted too. When this person tries to give up on what they are addicted to, they can suffer withdrawal symptoms, which can last for a long time. Withdrawal symptoms mean having unpleasant physical and mental effects that result when you stop doing or taking something. A symptom this person may go through is feeling very very sick. (1)
 |
| Picture 1: A picture of someone who is addicted and wanting more . (2) |
Psychological addiction can happen when someone is craving the drug for the psychological or emotional effects. Meaning they desire the drug, really wanting the drug or substance. This can lead to them stealing or lying to get it. Once again they start to feel dependent on it. (1)
Signs of Addiction
Someone who is addicted may show some signs of losing interest in something they use to have interest in. When they use the drug they usually use it to get away from their problems and try and feel more relaxed. Addiction can even lead to them selling their stuff or even other people's stuff without the people knowing. They can show signs of moodiness or behaving in ways that are unlike them. Some other signs could be having problems with sleeping or the feeling of being very upset. There are many signs to this. (2)
What can you do to help?
 |
| Picture 2: Peer- pressure (2) |
Freedom
Some of this can start at a young age. Young people like to experiment with drugs. This could be because of peer- pressure, it is a significant factor. Everyone wants to fit in and be accepted. There is always certain groups in school, just be sure what group you get into. It is not always about being cool or fitting in. Another reason could be cause kids start to get more freedom when they start to get older, so they are more self- confidence and independent. Bullying also can lead to trying something and then lead to addiction. (2) You never know when someone can get addicted.
Vaping
Vaping is a new trend, which is an e-cigarette containing nicotine. Nicotine is an addicting product. Vaping can also be considered an addiction. You can experience withdrawals symptoms and cravings. Vaping can be a start to addiction to other drugs. It can impact your ability to focus. Starting at a young age can effect your brain because it is still developing, which can also make them more likely to habituate to using drugs and alcohol. (4) Vaping can lead to life-long affects.
"Drugs are bad
They make you sad
They can even make you mad.
They can make you glad
But not for very long.
Taking drugs is wrong.
So, if you want a happy life
Don't take drugs
And stay out of strife." (2)
References
(1) : https://bradfordhealth.com/middle-school-students-in-the-middle-of-addiction/
(2) : http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=289&id=2495
(3) : https://www.addictionisreal.org/blog/2017/8/17/talking-about-drugs-with-kids-in-middle-school-ages-11-14
(4) : https://childmind.org/article/teen-vaping-what-you-need-to-know/
(4) : https://childmind.org/article/teen-vaping-what-you-need-to-know/
No comments:
Post a Comment