Drug Abuse Tampa FL—Long term drug abuse has terrible consequences.

Drug abuse is a prevalent and dangerous social problem. Drug abuse is defined as the habitual consumption and misuse of illegal and prescription drugs. There are several drugs that are highly abused including: cannabinoids, opiates, stimulants, club drugs, hallucinogens and other psychoactive substances. Prescription medications for mental disorders, known as benzodiazepines, are also subject to abuse.

Different drugs interact with various receptors in the brain, and therefore, they do not all share the same effects and side effects. However, one thing that most drugs do have in common is their propensity for addiction. Drug abuse leads to dependence and dependence leads to addiction.

Alcohol is a drug

The National Institute on Drug Abuse classifies alcohol as a drug. Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol can be more severe than the withdrawal symptoms of many illicit and prescription substances that are commonly abused. The effects of excessive drinking can include: depression, high blood pressure, liver and heart diseases, neurologic diseases and respiratory malfunction. A fatal overdose is possible with alcohol, especially when combined with other drugs. Because alcohol is so heavily marketed and alcoholic beverages are sold almost everywhere, the public eye is not focused on those who struggle with alcohol addiction. Alcohol is one of the most heavily abused drugs due to its legal status and availability. The side effects of alcohol abuse and binge drinking can be detrimental to a person's physical, psychological and emotional well-being. If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol addiction, call Drug Abuse Centers Tampa today at 813-262-0168.

Drugs of Abuse

The following is a list of some of the other common drugs of abuse:

Cannabinoids include marijuana, hashish and several synthetic marijuana compounds.
Opiates mainly include Heroin and opioid pain relievers like OxyContin.
Stimulants include Cocaine and Methamphetamine.
Dissociative drugs include Ketamine, Phencyclidine and Dextromethorphan.
Hallucinogens include Mescaline, LSD and Psilocybin.
Prescription medications can also be abused and include a range of CNS depressants, stimulants, benzodiazepines and opioid pain relievers.

Some drugs can fall into multiple categories. Most of these drugs cause great damage to the body and their effects can be fatal in case of overdose. For example, health risks for cocaine and heroin include cardiovascular complications, stroke and seizures. One of the most prevalent and detrimental consequences of drug abuse is a decline in mental health.

Seeking Help

Treatment centers provide assistance for the withdrawal from all these substances. An individualized treatment program is based on your present physical, mental and emotional health. No two cases are the same; therefore, specialists make sure you are receiving the most adequate treatment for your individual needs. Traditional and alternative therapies are employed to ensure the best outcome possible. The main goal is for each patient to obtain long-lasting sobriety. Admitting you have a problem can be the most difficult step. If you are ready to stop your drug or alcohol abuse, call today at 813-262-0168. Get your life back on track.