SHOULD DRUG ADDICTS BE SENT TO HOSPITALS OR PRISON?

ADDICTION

• Characterized by compulsive and uncontrollable drug seeking/use
• Compulsive drug seeking effects brain functioning and behavior
• Chronic drug seeking can lead to relapses after long periods of abstinence
• Interferes with normal functioning in the family, workplace and the broader community

SYMPTOMS OF ADDICTION

• Withdrawl/increased tolerance
• Giving up important goals/using drugs in the face of personal problems
• Loss of control/inability to decrease use
• Spending too much time consuming drugs or recovering from use
• Continuing to use the substance despite the experience of damaging effects

TREATMENT

• The type of treatment received depends on the drug that was used
• Detoxification- clearing the body of the substance
• Detoxification helps manage the physical and psychic symptoms of withdrawl
• Rehabilitation- changes the behavior of the drug user
• Rehab usually includes individual counseling, support groups and close supervision