Addiction
Addictive Qualities Of Popular Drugs
By Jack E. Henningfield, PhD for
NIDA (The National Institute on Drug Abuse)
| Drug | Dependence | Withdrawal | Tolerance | Reinforcement | Intoxication |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Nicotine | 6 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Heroin | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Cocaine | 4 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Alcohol | 3 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 6 |
| Caffeine | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Marijuana | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
1 = lowest highest = 6
Dependence: How difficult it is for the user to quit, the relapse rate, the percentage of people who eventually become dependent, the rating users give their own need for the substance and the degree to which the substance will be used in the face of evidence that it causes harm.
Withdrawal: Presence and severity of characteristic withdrawal symptoms.
Tolerance: How much of the substance is needed to satisfy increasing cravings for it, and the level of stable need that is eventually reached.
Reinforcement: A measure of the substance's ability, in human and animal tests, to get users to take it again and again, and in preference to other substances.
Intoxication: Though not usually counted as a measure of addiction in itself, the level of intoxication is associated with addiction and increases the personal and social damage a substance may do.
Books Buzzed:
The Straight Facts About
the Most Used and Abused Drugs
from Alcohol to Ecstasy
An account of various drugs and their effects on the body, brain, and emotions. Also includes info about the addictive potential of the drugs discussed.
Includes alcohol, caffeine, ecstasy, hallucinogens, herbal drugs, inhalants, marijuana, nicotine, opiates, sedatives, steroids, stimulants, etc.
Buzzed From Chocolate to Morphine:
Everything You Need to Know
About Mind-Altering Drugs
A well written book about the history of drugs and drug use with black and white illustrations throughout. About 3/4 of the book deals with the drugs themselves, the rest is a look at the relationship between people and drugs.
In a way that neither condemns nor condones drug use, the authors describe the likely effects of each drug and discuss precautions and alternatives, allowing readers to make informed and intelligent choices.
Covers a wide range of substances like stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, marijuana, solvents, PCP, ketamine, smart drugs, medical drugs, and more.
From Chocolate to Morphine Illegal Drugs:
A Complete Guide to Their
History, Chemistry, Use and Abuse
Very good book about the history, sociology, legal and medical aspects of illegal (and some legal) drugs. Looks at all the popular illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc. Also investigates legal drugs like caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. And covers more obscure drugs like betel nuts and kava kava.
At about 500 (easy to understand) pages, the book contains a lot of text that might overwhelm the casual reader looking for basic info. This is more for someone with a serious interest in the subject or someone doing research.
Illegal Drugs
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