According to the dictionary addiction means:-
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1. Being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit forming (especially alcohol and narcotic drugs).
2. An abnormally strong craving.
3. (Roman Law) a formal award by a court sentence of a thing or person to another (as of a debtor to his creditor), a surrender to a master; "under Roman law, addiction was the justification for slavery".
The Chinese have a saying about heroin 'You begin chasing the dragon but then it jumps on your back and begins chasing you'. Jackie Pullinger, the British woman who set up a ministry in Hong Kong t, wrote a book about her experiences there in 'Chasing the Dragon'.
This expression relates to smoking heroin, but it could be applied for all mood altering drugs, alcohol, painkillers, tranquillisers, speed, solvents, LSD, cocaine, heroin, crack, ecstasy, barbiturates, and cannabis. It can apply to adrenalin based addictions like gambling, sex, shopping, people (co-dependency) and eating disorders.
Addiction doesn't just happen. There is a progression towards chemical dependency, or any other addiction. It passes through four main stages.
1. Experimental Stage of Addiction
The Experimental Stage could happen out of curiosity or peer pressure. The user may say "I'll just try it I don't have to use it again" The user may experience pleasure or mood swings. The outcome may be intoxication or being stoned, or a 'rush' of some sort. Many who experiment with drugs do not progress to the next stage of addiction.
This may start in early teens (sometimes younger) with trying alcohol, cigarettes or cannabis. It is easy to get high because of the body's low tolerance. Often done with their peers away from a parent or guardian. It may be seen as acting grown up, or a simple act of rebellion.
2. The Recreational Stage of Addiction
During the recreational stage the user may use at the weekends with friends, just to unwind from a stressful week. Looking for relief. Tolerance increases and more substances may be used, amphetamines (speed), larger quantities of alcohol. Symptoms may include stopping out late, suffering hangovers.
The user is by now starting to plan for use. Waiting for the weekend to be with friends, but also risk taking may increase by smoking on the way to school. Starting to lie about how much, and what is being used. Parents may react at this stage by grounding their child.
3. The Early Dependency Stage
During this stage, the regular user becomes an abuser. Now maintaining an addictive lifestyle that starts to affect others. The young user may be missing school and stealing money to feed the habit. Older users may be struggling to keep their job and running up debts. There is a daily preoccupation to source drugs and this often leads to meeting dealers.
4. The Full Dependency Stage
During this stage of addiction, there is a self destructive and compulsive desire to escape to oblivion, or escape from reality. Sobriety is too difficult to face. If left untreated, the addict may now face despair and risks premature death through overdose, suicide, accidents or side effects. Many end up with legal problems, imprisonment and family breakdown.
Addiction causes two main problems, a chemical (or an adrenalin) dependency problem, and a lifestyle problem. These are explored within the framework of other articles. Has addiction faced you or your family?
Throughout the United States using, selling or possessing illegal drugs is a criminal offense. So what are the different drug laws that must be adhered to, and what are the possible punishments for each offense?
Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing Laws
These laws make it illegal to grow any illegal substances. This applies to many common drugs such as marijuana or psilocybin mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms, shrooms, or psychedelic mushrooms). They also make it illegal to possess certain plants or other natural elements that are used in the production of illegal drugs. Furthermore, drug manufacturing laws make it illegal to produce or create illegal substances such as cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, or LSD. These produced substances require certain laboratory equipment and chemicals.
An example of this is the following: the police enter into Lydia's apartment. Lydia has the lab equipment and chemicals necessary to develop ecstasy. From this she will be arrested and face trial for violating drug cultivation and manufacturing laws.
Furthermore, if you are cultivating a large number of plants you can be charged with cultivation with the intent to distribute. For example, if you live in Florida and are caught with more than 25 lsd kaufen marijuana plants in your home you can be charged with the intent to distribute and sell, which is a second degree felony in the state of Florida.
Drug Possession Laws
Drug possession laws make it illegal to intentionally possess illegal substances such as marijuana, heroin, LSD, and more. Possession laws can also make it illegal to own the chemicals necessary to manufacturing illegal controlled substances. The punishment for these laws varies according to drug type, amount and geographic area. They usually have a fine component and depending on the severity will require the incarceration of the individual found guilty of possessing drugs. However, when a person is found in possession of a large quantity of an illegal substance they can be charges with "possession with intent to distribute".
Drug Distribution and Trafficking Laws
Drug distribution and trafficking laws prohibit the selling, transportation and illegal import of illegal substances. The punishment for these offenses varies depending on a number of factors, such as: drug type, amount, geographic area and whether or not minors were targeted in the drug sales. These laws can be applied to individuals or groups of involved persons. These are some of the most severely punished drug laws, usually requiring large fines and extensive jail time.