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How can you tell if someone is addicted to drugs?

• Substance is often taken in larger amounts or over longer period than intended
• Persistent desire or one or more unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
• A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to get the substance (e.g., theft), taking the substance (e.g., chain smoking), or recovering from its effects
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of substance abuse
• Continued substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent social, psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by use of the substance
• Marked tolerance: need for markedly increased amounts of the substance in order to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount
• Characteristic withdrawal symptoms
• Substance often taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

For more information go to: http://store.health.org/catalog/facts.aspx?topic=37

What is Addiction?

Drug addiction is a complex illness. The path to drug addiction begins with the act of taking drugs. Over time, a person's ability to choose not to take drugs is compromised. This in large part is a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning, and thus on behavior. Addiction, therefore, is characterized by compulsive, drug craving, seeking, and use that persists even in the face of negative consequences.
For more information go to: http://store.health.org/catalog/facts.aspx?topic=37

Is Marijuana dangerous?

Through its effects on the brain and body, marijuana intoxication can cause accidents. Studies show that approximately 6 to 11 percent of fatal accident victims test positive for THC. In many of these cases, alcohol is detected as well.
For more information go to: http://www.nida.nih.gov/ResearchReports/Marijuana/Marijuana3.html#acute

Where to go for help?

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University
http://www.casacolumbia.org
This site offers resources, links and empirical studies regarding the latest
trends and issues surrounding substance abuse and alcoholism.
The following link outlines you what you need to know about tobacco, alcohol
and illegal drugs:
Drug Facts you Should Know

Still want more information?

Information on marijuana and related topics also can be obtained through NIDA's home page, www.drugabuse.gov, and from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) at 1-800-729-6686. NCADI's Web site is www.health.org.