The reasons for the development of nicotine addiction are quite complex, and at the moment there is no convincing explanation for them. As a rule, the habit of smoking is complex and in different people due to various reasons. It is impossible to reduce everything only to the pharmacological effects of nicotine, although they certainly are far from the last place in the formation of dependence. In addition, it is impossible to accurately determine the pharmacodynamic effects of nicotine in smokers - it is known that individuals who are aroused by it usually smoke less than those in whom it causes a tranquilizing (calming) effect. The pleasure that a smoker gets is the summed result of a complex interplay of both pharmacological and non-pharmacological factors. An important factor, which determines the dependence on smoking, is nicotine, but the role of nicotine remains not fully understood, since its intravenous administration, for example, cannot completely replace smoking.

It should be noted that the mental and physical dependence of the body on nicotine are different concepts. Initially, a mental dependence is formed, which over time is supplemented by the emergence of another physical dependence on nicotine. As already noted, in the process of smoking, toxic substances are released that enter the bloodstream and are carried to all organs and systems of the body. It is from the intake of all these substances that the formation of a different degree of mental and physical dependence depends. The main role in the development of mental and physical dependence on smoking belongs to nicotine. Nicotine is a strong chemical agent that stimulates the body of a smoker to release various substances that change mood and cause euphoria - a special state of lightness, elation of mood is akin to a narcotic high. For the first time, the feeling of euphoria subconsciously makes a person turn to cigarettes again - this is how mental dependence is formed. And after psychological dependence, physiological addiction to nicotine also develops very quickly. In the case of physical dependence, attempts to stop smoking cause an extremely unpleasant and even difficult to tolerate withdrawal syndrome, which forces a person to continue smoking.

Psychological addiction to tobacco is the most pronounced and more difficult to treat - in order to successfully quit cigarettes, the smoker will need to convince himself, first of all, that the cigarette does not give him any benefits in the social sphere. In addition, addiction to nicotine develops and, to some extent, physical dependence, characterized by the development of a withdrawal syndrome with a long absence of cigarettes. Symptoms of withdrawal syndrome are fixed by changes in the electroencephalogram (this is a curve for recording the bioelectric activity of the brain), manifested by sleep disturbances and a decrease in the quality of certain psychomotor tests, mood disorders, and increased appetite. There are also changes in activity of cardio-vascular system and gastrointestinal tract.

The components of tobacco smoke, after entering the blood, penetrate into the brain cells. Already 2-3 minutes after the start of smoking, nicotine has its effect on the cells of the cerebral cortex, briefly increasing their activity, as well as briefly expanding the vessels of the brain. In parallel with this, another component of tobacco smoke, ammonia, acts. The reflex effect of ammonia on the nerve endings of the respiratory tract and the effects of nicotine are subjectively perceived by the smoker as a refreshing influx of strength or a kind of sense of calm. There is still no exact explanation why smoking is associated for some people as a way to increase activity, while others are used as a kind of sedative. One way or another, but nicotine has on nervous system different people have two types of influence - inhibitory (calming) or activating (invigorating).

After 5-10 minutes after the end of smoking, the feeling of a surge of energy and elation disappears, which is associated with the onset of vasoconstriction of the brain and a decrease in the activity of nerve cells. To return to a state of elation, the smoker after a while again reaches for a cigarette. The same happens with the inhibitory effects of nicotine - they are short-lived.

After its impact in the body, nicotine undergoes a number of changes, i.e., it breaks down into other compounds (approximately within 2 hours). It is for this reason that many long-term cigarette users lose control over the dose after this time, since they require a constant circulation of nicotine in the blood for the normal functioning of organs and systems. Ultimately, smoking becomes such a natural state that the mind cannot even imagine its existence outside of its influence.

And although addiction gradually develops to nicotine, it does not have the same effects, the smoker by that time had already established a sense of the connection between smoking and an increase in energy or calmness. A conditioned reflex is formed, which, like other conditioned reflexes, is extremely difficult to change. The smoker actually no longer gets any boost or calmness from smoking, but still smokes and is convinced that the cigarette invigorates (calms) him. A person convinces himself that without tobacco he cannot work normally, live, and soon he becomes psychologically dependent on smoking. Smoking turns into a habit, and it is very difficult for a smoking person to do without it due to established reflexes. The fixation of the reflex, in which smoking is associated with pleasant sensations, can also take place additionally. For example, many people smoke after dinner, the pleasant sensations of comfort and satiety after eating are attributed not to normal digestion, but to smoking. As a result, a person smokes not only after every meal, but sometimes instead of eating. Unfortunately, in such a situation, few smokers think about what they get even more difficult problem, which in many cases is much more difficult to deal with in the future.

The immediate onset of smoking is characterized by almost everyone with the same sensations, in particular, the first puff usually causes dizziness, and in some even vomiting. With the regular continuation of tobacco use, significant functional changes develop in the body, and the insidiousness of nicotine is associated with the development of addiction and the need for its further intake. Moreover, in a teenager, unlike an adult, physical dependence can develop faster than psychological, which complicates the ability to “tie up” with this addiction.

You ask: what will happen if you try not to smoke? Against this background, such an unpleasant and difficult condition arises as withdrawal, when there is a malfunction in the work of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, their normal work lacks those substances that are synthesized from the effects of nicotine. It is very difficult for a smoker to overcome such a condition on his own, often the help of doctors is required. At the same time, doctors are able to relieve only physically unpleasant sensations from a lack of nicotine, while psychological dependence is already more difficult to overcome.

Physical dependence is understood as a special state of the body, when for its relatively normal existence (that is, not causing subjective unpleasant sensations to a person), the introduction of some substance from the outside is constantly required. In the case of smoking, nicotine is such a substance necessary for the normal functioning of the body. The fact is that nerve cells that have nicotine-sensitive receptors get used to nicotine very quickly. And if suddenly nicotine does not reach them, they begin to "demand" its introduction, reminding the body of the need to replenish them. Such reminders are various unpleasant sensations (headache, nausea, palpitations, tinnitus, dizziness, decreased appetite, heart pain, general weakness etc.), as well as mood deterioration, sleep disturbances. This whole complex of symptoms is familiar to many smokers who are left without a cigarette for some reason, and it is this set of symptoms that is called the withdrawal syndrome (withdrawal syndrome). The duration of the withdrawal syndrome depends on the duration and intensity of smoking and on the individual characteristics of the body. It has been noticed that often such a reaction is accompanied by nervousness, hand trembling, slow or rapid pulse, blood pressure disorders and other changes in the state of the smoker's body.

And if you have ever experienced any discomfort without a cigarette, then we can say that you have a physical dependence on nicotine. It is not necessary to have all of the above symptoms, there may be other signs or only one of them - in all people, the withdrawal syndrome proceeds differently, with its own characteristics. One thing is important - if without cigarettes you are physically ill, then you have a physical addiction. As a rule, the physical dependence on nicotine is not as pronounced as on drugs. Nevertheless, the sensations experienced during the withdrawal syndrome are still quite unpleasant, and in some cases they can completely unsettle, deprive a person of working capacity and, in general, the ability to live normally without cigarettes. For such people, during the absence of cigarettes, all thoughts will be only about smoking. It is these sensations that heavy smokers who have a formed physical dependence are afraid of during the withdrawal syndrome. The withdrawal syndrome scares them away from trying to stop smoking, or they stop this attempt immediately after the first signs of withdrawal appear. However, as already mentioned, the physical dependence on nicotine is not as strong as with heroin addiction, for example. And if some people can get off drugs and experience much more pain during withdrawal, then why can't you get off drugs? The withdrawal syndrome in nicotine addiction is usually most pronounced in the first 48 hours without cigarettes, then its symptoms disappear and gradually disappear completely. In the future, it remains to deal with mental addiction (which is sometimes much more difficult). And for smokers who experience severe withdrawal symptoms or health risks, there is nicotine replacement therapy, which allows you to gradually reduce the dose of nicotine while quitting cigarettes.

In order to analyze this problem in more detail, it is possible to draw the attention of each specific smoker to the dependence he has and the severity of this dependence. In cases where nicotine addiction after all, there is and there is a feeling of lack of cigarette smoke, you need to determine for yourself what type of nicotine addict you are. At the same time, two types of dependence on smoking can be distinguished: dependence on the smoking process itself (habitual or household smoking) and the presence of a direct chemical dependence of the body on the components of tobacco smoke, in particular nicotine. In the case when there is dependence on the smoking process itself, a person, as a rule, smokes for the company, often under the influence of alcohol or a relaxing situation (outdoor recreation, a group of friends, etc.). As you know, for such people, it is not so much the sensations caused by nicotine in the body that are important, but the very procedure of smoking: characteristic movements, emotions, atmosphere. Most often household type young girls and women are fond of smoking: wanting to impress, they will not hastily drag on in a secluded corner, on the contrary, the whole process will be organized with maximum pomp, mannerisms and almost certainly in the company of girlfriends and friends. It should be noted that the household variant of dependence is more favorable, since it is possible to endure the refusal of cigarettes quite easily and quickly quit this addiction. In fact, in this case, only mental dependence is noted, and even then not too pronounced. The main solution in the described situation is the need to find a way of self-expression and attracting attention similar to smoking. A similar option may even be a public demonstration of intolerance to tobacco smoke.

In turn, in a situation with chemical drug dependence on nicotine (not on smoking or tobacco, but on nicotine), the process of refusing bad habit is much more complex and unpredictable. The reason for this is that smokers of this type often already have a certain kind of experience and depend not on the process of smoking, but on chemical- nicotine. By and large, in this case, the way nicotine enters the body, the environment during the smoking process, and the company are already unimportant. As a rule, smokers with such an addiction smoke at least a pack a day, and they do it anywhere and at any time, even waking up for a smoke break at night. It is important to note that each smoker has his own dose of nicotine, while the lethal dose is contained in 20-25 cigarettes. The death of smokers when smoking this amount does not occur only because the process of absorption of nicotine is extended in time.

If you have a drug, you own it
and if you have experienced his buzz - he is your master.
(Harun of Agatsar)

There is a lot of talk about drug addiction in our country. Films are made about its destructive power, they talk at lectures and in private conversations. Literally, each of us has a close or familiar person "addicted" to drugs, or even died from them. It would seem that such an abundance of information and examples of ruined destinies should sober up, make you think and forever discourage the desire to reach out for the first dose. However, every year more and more people fall into the network of drug dealers.

Why is this happening? Why do not only teenagers, but also well-to-do, smart and self-sufficient men line up in the pursuit of a “high”? How is addiction formed and how can it be dealt with? These few articles are another attempt at an honest and impartial conversation on such a difficult and topical topic. And if they can help at least one person, we will consider our mission accomplished.

Speaking of drugs, it is necessary to separate the medical and legal components of this concept.

The term itself comes from the Greek word - narkoticos (sleeping, leading to a stupor, stupor). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines drugs as chemical agents that cause insensitivity to pain or coma. But only a small proportion of modern narcotic drugs have such an effect, and the effect of stimulants and psychedelics used for high is just the opposite.

From a legal point of view, drugs are substances that are illegal in a given country by law. For example, alcohol, which according to all its medical criteria is a real drug, is not considered as such in Russia.

In a broader sense, drugs mean substances that can intoxicate and intoxicate a person, change his psycho-emotional background, cause euphoria (improved, joyful and specific mood) and subsequently addiction.

The modern classification of drugs includes three main groups:

1. Substances that have sedativesm effect(sedatives) - opium preparations, excluding codeine, sleeping pills, anesthetics, a group of tranquilizers.
2. Stimulants(stimulants) - cocaine preparations, substances derived from ephedrine, caffeine and the like.
3. Drugs with a psychodysleptic effect- cannabis (hashish, marijuana), LSD, "volatile" drugs, mescaline, psilocybin, etc. Psychedelics can cause a variety of psychotic symptoms. They are often called "hallucinogens", "sci-fi" and so on.

According to some classifications, psychedelics and hallucinogenic substances are placed in separate classes. Each of the above groups consists of a large number of drugs.

What modern drugs are considered the most dangerous? We invite you to watch the video of the channelBBC, which provides a ranking of the most dangerous of all widely used drugs:

The true number of drug addicts is hard to calculate. This fact is recognized by WHO. There are many reasons for this. The main one is the reluctance to seek help in the initial stages of the disease.

Here are just a few dry statistics:

• Today, young people are most often addicted - people aged 25-35 years.
• Over the past 2-3 decades, according to some authors, the number of drug-addicted adolescents (children aged 14-18) has increased 17-18 times - from 5 people per 100 thousand of the population to 85 people per 100 thousand.

• The team of the leading specialist E.A. Koshkina in 2001 noted an increase in medical examinations for drug addiction by 9 times.
• According to the Federal Drug Control Service of the Russian Federation, drugs kill 70,000 Russians every year.

• On average in Russia, the annual increase in drug addicts is 30% compared to the previous year.
• IN different countries In the world, between 40% and 90% of criminal offenses are committed either by hard-core drug addicts or people under the influence of drugs.

• In the Netherlands, for the discovery of 50 kg of drugs, a term of 8 years in prison with the possibility of early release is assigned, and in China, for 50 mg of heroin, the state sentences to death.
• According to Interpol estimates, the annual world drug turnover is 500-600 billion dollars, in Russia - 11 billion dollars.

Stages of drug addiction

Drug addiction is formed by successively passing through certain states. In narcology they are classified as syndromes. At the beginning of the disease, it is possible to independently get away from the drug without any problems and efforts. But each new dose aggravates the situation, leads to the development of new signs and deprives the person of control over the situation.

The main manifestations of the disease include:

• altered reactivity syndrome;
• mental dependence syndrome;
• syndrome of physical dependence.

These three components are a kind of marker

Altered Reactivity Syndrome

The complex of changes that occur in the body at the very beginning of drug use is called altered reactivity syndrome.

It consists of:

• changing patterns of drug use;
• the gradual disappearance of the protective reactions of the body with increasing doses;
• changes in tolerance (addiction) to an active drug substance;
• changes in the form of intoxication.

The first dose, the first reaction, the first feeling of euphoria and freedom - these feelings capture and inspire. Often they are so vivid that any memory of them leads to the desire to "continue the banquet." However, drug use, in addition to the main effects of euphoria, altered consciousness and a "bouquet" of other "pleasures", causes a disruption in the functioning of organs and systems. The first or initial doses can bring mild physical discomfort or lead to severe damage to the nervous system, heart, and breathing. Such violations are a consequence of poisoning.

At this stage, the newcomer either comes to his senses and stops taking “nonsense”, or tries to restrain himself and regulate the intake of drugs, or, inspired by imaginary well-being and a sense of “control of the situation”, goes all out. For those who have chosen the last two paths, a new phase begins - addiction and the transition from irregular to systematic intake.

For some, this period stretches for years. And someone goes to the systematic reception after only a few doses. It is as difficult to predict the effect of a drug on your or any other organism as it is difficult to predict when and what numbers will fall out in the game "Roulette".

The disappearance of protective reactions in the syndrome of altered reactivity

Trying to defend against the action harmful substances(especially on early stages), the body includes self-regulation systems.

In this case, you may observe:

• itching (opium derivatives).
• pronounced, profuse sweating;
• profuse salivation-lacrimation;
• nausea, vomiting, general nausea;
• dizziness.

These manifestations are a sign of trouble, a kind of “SOS” signals emitted by the body to its owner. But the more often and louder the drowning man screams, the less strength he has left for this cry. And the more regularly a person takes drugs, the weaker the manifestations of the body's defense reactions become.

The disappearance of the above complaints with the systematic use of the drug is the first indicator of a developed disease.

Changes in tolerance in the syndrome of altered reactivity

This is one of the main symptoms of drug addiction. At the first stages of the development of the disease, there is an increase in tolerance (the ability to tolerate the action of certain doses of the drug). So, as a result of regular use of morphine, the patient increases the dose by 3-4 times in a month, and when taking heroin, this level of dose increase occurs in 1-2 weeks.

After a while, it stabilizes at a certain high level. In morphine addicts, a "plateau" is observed at a dose of 0.1-0.15 g, in barbituric addicts - 1 g.

Note:at these doses, the majority of patients naturally die from depletion of the body's reserves.

The transition to systematic use forces the body to adapt to constant intoxication. As a result of such a restructuring of the work of organs and systems, a decrease in sensitivity to the drug and a decrease in its main effect occur. And once the addict understands that the usual use of the drug no longer brings the same sensations, and to get high, you need to increase the dose.

At the height of the disease, tolerance increases 10 times with the use of barbiturates, 12 times with sedatives and stimulants, and 100-200 times with opiates.

In morphinists, a single dose reaches 2-3 g, with abuse of sedatives - 2-2.5 g.

Note:a decrease in tolerance in the syndrome of altered reactivity causes a second wave of mortality. Even the “usual dose” already brings fatal poisoning.

The process of changing tolerance is very complex and ambiguous. This topic is still being research work whose main task is to help addicts.

Changes in forms of intoxication

This is the final chord of the altered reactivity syndrome. At the very beginning of taking the action of narcotic substances is classic, such as described in the instructions for the drug and in the literature, but over time:

• when using sedatives, the effect of calming disappears;
• stimulants do not cause an increase in heart rate;
• codeine ceases to suppress the cough center, euphoria occurs only when high doses of the drug are used.

If in the phase of increasing tolerance the drug produced a stimulating effect, then in the future it only tones up, brings the patient into a “normal” state, which allows him to live more or less habitually.

How is the syndrome of mental dependence formed?

Psychic attraction, otherwise it is called obsessive characterized by the fact that the patient leads all his desires, thoughts, inclinations to the desire for anesthesia. Moreover, he ceases to feel fit into life without taking drugs. They subjugate him, paralyze the will and do not allow other life motives to “work”, they become a necessity for existence, contact with other people.

An addicted person actively seeks and wants to get a state of euphoria and comfort from taking a drug substance. Obsessional attraction shapes the mood and emotions of the patient. Often drug addicts themselves do not realize that they have this problem. And the constant desire for drug addiction is explained by the desire to get away from some pseudo-reasons, to forget: “the wife is stuck”, “stress at work”, “parents got it”, etc.

Outwardly, the patient looks irritated, he lacks something. Revival comes when talking about the drug, about the state that follows after taking the "dope".

Note: this type of addiction changes the inner world of the addict, his interests.

Often obsessive attraction is undulating.

Note:It is possible to suppress psychic dependence if the addict develops a new and strong hobby, not caused by drugs, but causing him a powerful and lasting response.

This may be a sudden change of environment, getting into some groups with common interests, passion for some business (for example, driving), etc. Treatment in rehabilitation centers is based on this effect, and it is this approach that most of all helps to eliminate mental dependence.

Important:return to the old "environment", conversations, external factors related to the past can cause an exacerbation of obsession.

If the addict has only an obsessive syndrome, but there is still no withdrawal and compulsive craving, then it should be borne in mind that treating him during this period is most favorable for prognosis and recovery. But, mental dependence persists for a long period of time and can be repeated many times.

Note:mental addiction is main reason"breakdowns" of patients.

In the formation of physical dependence, a huge role is played by biological processes occurring in the human body. Drugs are built into biochemical reactions and over time disrupt the balance of mediators, change cell permeability, and begin to play the role of those substances that are usually produced by human cells themselves. Trying to save its resources and protect itself from the destructive effect of drugs, the body reconfigures its work, reduces or completely stops the internal production of active substances supplied from the outside.

The longer a person takes drugs, the more serious the reconfiguration of the body becomes, which eventually leads to the fact that the physiological removal of the drug from the body through urine, lungs, intestines begins to be perceived by the body as a tragedy. A person has a “natural” need to replenish these substances and a state of withdrawal.

Physical addiction has three main components:

• compulsive attraction;
• the need to return the state of physical comfort during drug intoxication;
• withdrawal syndrome.

Compulsive craving causes an addict to have an irresistible craving for the drug. The desire for drug addiction is so powerful that it can completely suppress the feeling of hunger and thirst, the need for sleep, the most important necessities of life.

Especially quickly this type of attraction is formed with heroin, opium, codeine and barbituric addictions.

The structure of this type of attraction includes a number of vegetative signs:

• marked dilation of the pupils;
• increased sweating;
• dry mouth;
• increased tendon reflexes;
• great trembling, especially in the hands.

A special type of danger is compulsive attraction during the period of remission, as it ends with a “breakdown”.

Physical dependence leads to a state in which there is no longer any talk of euphoria or drug intoxication. The drug becomes simply a means of being able to live somehow.

Euphoria can only be achieved with a constantly increasing dose, but the body has its limits, so drug addicts who follow this path quickly die from an overdose.

withdrawal syndrome- the most powerful provoking drug use factor. Prolonged deprivation of the drug addict's body of the usual dose, causing withdrawal, leads to a very difficult test for the patient on the physical and mental levels. Causes disruption of all systems and organs. The psyche suffers especially. severe pain in the body, aches, lack of appetite, failures in the heart and breathing, illusions and hallucinations of a terrifying nature, fear of death. Complaints in this state are extremely painful for the patient, and after leaving this state, they describe them as "hellish torments."

The syndrome of physical dependence appears last in the development of any kind of drug addiction.

note: in some cases, all three leading syndromes can develop very quickly, within1-3weeks and2-3 months.

Drug dependence occurs with prolonged use or repeated course of the same medications, after the withdrawal of which there is a deterioration in health. There is a relapse of the disease, immersion of a person in a depressive state. Another dose of the drug or an increase in its dosage will help to change poor health.

A person suffering from addiction cannot control himself and takes drugs without a doctor's prescription and an acute need for this.

A person's addiction to drugs occurs due to their unreasonably long use, or a decrease in sensitivity to the drug, requiring an additional dose. Such dependence is formed due to genetic, social, psychological factors. Thinking, perception of the world as a whole changes, pain and fear recede, an irresistible desire appears to receive a portion of an emotionally positive state.

Cancellation of the drug leads to physical and mental disorders. The syndrome provokes a person to resort to the same remedy more and more long time by gradually increasing the dose.

When visiting a doctor, there is a fear of canceling the medication, an uncontrollable tantrum may occur in an adult if it is necessary to abandon it.

Which drugs are more and more addictive?

Drug dependence is divided into two types - addiction to drugs that eliminate the symptoms of the underlying disease and drugs that affect metabolism and nervous regulation. Not all drugs are addictive.

The first type of substances includes painkillers, antidepressants, tranquilizers and others used for insomnia, panic attacks, autonomic disorders, cough relief. All these diseases require long-term treatment, and the elimination of symptoms is an integral part of therapy.

However, many patients, when the first signs of the disease are eliminated, stop taking the drugs, and the underlying disease returns. The patient again, as a rule, without consulting a doctor, uses the means known to him. As a result, the underlying disease is not cured, dependence on drugs develops.

The prognosis in this case is favorable, but it requires a clear implementation of all the recommendations of a specialist.

The second type of addiction is addiction to drugs that act on the central nervous system, psychotropic drugs, narcotic analgesics, large doses of tranquilizers, less often glucocorticosteroids.

Stopping these substances can lead to damage to the peripheral nervous system and brain.

Treatment in this case is not always favorable and depends on the degree of damage to nerve cells.

Types of drug addiction

Addiction to medicines is divided into physical, psychological dependence, as well as withdrawal syndrome. Each stage has its own symptoms.

Physical

At this stage, in order to avoid mental, neurological, vegetative-somatic disorders that occur when the drug is withdrawn, a person continues to take medications without doctor's recommendations. Which leads to abstinence - deviations at the physical and psychological levels.

mental

Taking pills becomes an obsession, a person is drawn to certain drugs that he has been using for a long time. Occurs with a break in use or the introduction of substances that reduce the effect of the drug. There is an increase in the dose of the drug.

withdrawal syndrome

With a sharp withdrawal of the drug, a hypertensive crisis, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, thromboembolism and other negative reactions of the body occur.

Symptoms

Many people daily use various medicines necessary for the normalization of the psyche or physical health. Dependence symptoms are:

• minor or severe pain;
• vegetative crises;
• increased nervous excitement;
• slow action;
• blood pressure disorders;
• lack of strength, lethargy, sleep disturbance;
• change in blood tests.

These symptoms appear when the regimen and the amount of the drug used are violated. You should immediately consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

Determining that a person has developed a drug addiction to relatives or the attending physician is quite simple. It is enough to observe a person, and if in doubt, make him take a blood test. Addiction can be diagnosed by:

• an overwhelming need to use certain drugs;
• increasing the dose of the agent used;
• anxiety, irritability before stopping the course of treatment;
• trembling in the hands, increased sweating;
• intolerance to loud sounds, bright light;
• personality change.

In this situation, it is necessary to determine the degree of dependence, and the patient's desire to fight addiction, because the scheme and the result of treatment depend on this.

How is drug addiction treated?

Therapy used to eliminate addiction to drugs is based on the degree of dependence and the type of drugs. The main factor here is the will and readiness of a person to recover. For strict adherence to the recommendations of a specialist, inpatient treatment is necessary, including a full range of psychotherapy, cleansing the body, prescribing drugs, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy.

In the course of treatment, there is a regular decrease in the daily dose of the dependent drug until it is completely abandoned or replaced with a less complex one. Then the underlying disease and internal organs affected by drug addiction are treated. First of all, it is the liver, kidneys, nervous system. Psychotherapy is aimed at getting rid of depression and the desire to start again taking medications that led to addiction.

Drug addiction is very difficult to treat. The sooner addiction to drugs is diagnosed, the more likely a complete cure, and the harm done to the body will be minimal.

The basis of rehabilitation is the participation of relatives, attending group or individual therapy classes. The cured person should be under the supervision of a psychotherapist. It is necessary to strictly follow all the recommendations of the doctor upon discharge, continue to engage in exercise therapy.

It is necessary to avoid increased nervousness, anxiety, depression. Then the desire to resort to medicines will not arise.

How to prevent the development of addiction?

In order to prevent addiction to drugs, you should not self-medicate. Pharmacists in pharmacies are also incompetent in diagnosing and even more so in prescribing therapy.

Drugs for the treatment of diseases and determining their dosage is the prerogative of a doctor of the appropriate profile. Those. a psychiatrist, not a therapist, should treat depression and give a prescription for psychotropic substances.

The Megapolis Medexpress rehabilitation center has been successfully operating in Zelenogorsk since 2000. Today it is a unique place where the idea of ​​out-of-town rehabilitation of drug addicts is fully realized.The rehabilitation center is located in a picturesque place on the Karelian Isthmus, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland in the city of Zelenogorsk. In this place, nature itself, which sets you in a quiet, peaceful mood, is an important healing factor.

Comfortable conditions of stay have been created for patients - cozy rooms, five meals a day, a therapeutic sauna, walks on fresh air.

The concept of rehabilitation of drug addicts in our Center is based on modern ideas about drug addiction as a disease that affects not only the body and psyche, but also the soul of a person.

Rehabilitation of drug addicts is based on , approved by the Department of Psychology of St. Petersburg State University. It is based on the Minnesota 12 Step model with Daytop elements.

There are three main goals in drug rehabilitation:

preo share the denial of the disease as the most important and severe symptom of drug addiction

corr presentation of the patient's ideas about the nature and course of the disease

the formation of a fundamentally new worldview, which is based on the spiritual development of the individual

Particular attention in is given to working with feelings and restoring communications. Using the method of art therapy, our patients convey their inner experience in fine art, which allows us to achieve several goals:

diagnostics of the psycho-emotional state in dynamics in the process of rehabilitation from drugs

activation of creative potentials to overcome fears

visualization of problems, conflicts, teaching them to comprehend and describe in words

A activation of mental development

In the process of rehabilitation, methods such as:

cognitive psychotherapy

art therapy

gestalt therapy

simulation therapy

positive psychotherapy

The center has excellent conditions for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, five meals a day, a therapeutic sauna, Gym, walks in the fresh air, polite and friendly attitude of the staff.

The duration of the inpatient drug rehabilitation program is six weeks. At the end - we offer an individual post-rehabilitation programfor a period of three to six months.

Reward system- This small plot intermediate brain. He is responsible for the occurrence feelings of pleasure after food, sex, social success and other forms of activity necessary for survival and procreation. The desire to get pleasure again makes the animal again resort to the same actions that caused pleasure last time (it makes it look for food, seek sex, etc.).

An experiment on rats is known: electrodes were implanted in the pleasure center, and a pedal was placed in the cage, when pressed, a weak current discharge was sent to the brain, and the pleasure center was excited. At first, the rat pressed the pedal accidentally, then purposefully, the frequency of pressing gradually increased, and some rats no longer left the pedal and brought themselves to complete exhaustion.

The mechanism of action of drugs

Narcotic substances work on the same principle as the rat pedal: they artificially stimulate the pleasure center. For example,

• alcohol And opiates sharply increase the release of dopamine - a mediator that excites pleasure centers;
• nicotine And cocaine slow down the process of utilization of dopamine after it has excited the cell (the same dopamine excites the cell not once, as it should, but three or four times).

"Hard" drugs stimulate the pleasure center with tremendous force. Such a sharp pleasure, like heroin, in real life impossible to achieve in any way (therefore, the mental dependence on heroin occurs after the first use).

Definitions

drugs- These are substances that have a specific (stimulating, calming, hallucinogenic, etc.) effect on the nervous system, as well as having the ability to form an addiction (painful dependence). Addiction is divided into mental and physical.

mental addiction lies in the fact that taking the drug is associated with a pleasant state (a conditioned reflex is formed). Mental dependence is much weaker than physical dependence, but, unlike physical dependence, it is never cured, it remains with a person until the end of life. It is the mental attraction to the drug that is the main cause of relapses of drug addiction (when the drug addict who has “tied up” starts taking the drug again).

physical addiction due to the fact that regular drug use changes the metabolism in the body in three ways:

• Substances that constantly enter the body are included in biochemical cycles, i.e. become "regular" participants in the metabolism, and a sharp cessation of their intake leads to disruption of the cells. Because of this, the need for the drug reaches the same strength as the need for food or water, and is capable of fill the entire content of consciousness.
• In the presence of constant artificial stimulation of the pleasure center, the body completely ceases to secrete its own pleasure hormones. If now you stop taking the drug, then there will be no one to excite the pleasure center (there are no stimulants of your own, the drug too). The complete absence of stimulation of the pleasure center is equivalent to severe depression.
• Pleasure hormones, which we stopped isolating in the previous paragraph, are always secreted in a healthy person in small concentrations and in this form are analgesic hormones. When they are not there at all, then the person feels pain from muscle contraction, from stretching the skin, from rubbing the ligaments against the bone, etc. – i.e. with a drug addict the whole body hurts constantly and severely.

The combination of depression with incessant pain and physiological disturbances is a withdrawal syndrome (withdrawal). Withdrawal symptoms appear most quickly with - within an hour, with alcoholism - after a few hours, most slowly with opiomania - after 20-24 hours.

Stages of development of drug addiction

STAGE 1: OCCURENCE OF ALTERED REACTIVITY SYNDROME AND MENTAL DEPENDENCE SYNDROME

Altered Reactivity Syndrome:

• Changing the form of consumption: the transition from episodic to regular drug use. For example, a novice alcoholic (we are only in the first stage, do you remember?) can quite calmly drink every day and enjoy life. In a healthy person, daily drinking causes intoxication (poisoning), which inevitably leads to a forced refusal from alcohol.
• Increasing resistance (tolerance) to the drug: to achieve the same effect, you need to increase the dose. For alcohol, an increase of 10 times is necessary compared to a healthy person (“a beginner” says to himself “I learned to drink a lot and not get drunk”), and for opiates - 100 times (for a normal person this is a lethal dose). At the same time, drug addicts have no protective reactions to such high doses, for example, the gag reflex disappears in alcoholics.
• Change in the form of intoxication: euphoric (joy!), analgesic (pain relief!), anti-stress (everything will be fine!) and other drug effects disappear; only stimulating effect.

The syndrome of mental dependence is associated with the formation of a conditioned reflex (the drug brings joy).

STAGE 2: ADDICTION SYNDROME

The syndrome of physical dependence is the discomfort in a sober state and the improvement of bodily functions when intoxicated. Improvement, imagine! That is, healthy man in a state of intoxication, he is clumsy and stupid, and a drug addict is normal! (“The stimulating effect” from the previous stage is preserved, but the mental and physical functions of the addict do not increase above the norm, as before, but only to the norm.)

At the stage of physical dependence, an abstinence syndrome develops, when the refusal to take the drug causes pronounced physiological and mental disorders, which are removed only by taking the next dose. (Withdrawal experiments are easiest to do on smokers. Keep them smoke-free for a couple of hours and you're done, withdrawal. Cigarette brings them back to normal.)

STEP 3: REDUCTION OF TOLERANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYMPTOM OF CONSEQUENCES

"Decrease in tolerance" means that intoxication now occurs at small doses. For example, alcoholics are quickly "delivered".

Syndrome of consequences of chronic intoxication:

• personality degradation, chronic depression (the brain is not made of iron);
• damage to the liver and kidneys; in addition, the organ through which the drug is taken is destroyed (for smokers, the lungs, for cocaine addicts, the nasopharynx, for heroin addicts, veins, etc.)

STAGE 4: DEATH

Most often, the death of a drug addict occurs from

• dirty drug poisoning (for example, burnt alcohol);
• overdose or complex intake (for example, alcohol + drugs), leading to depression of the respiratory center of the brain;
• renal failure or cirrhosis of the liver.