Addiction is defined as a long-term brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. Drugs change the brain's structure and function by interfering with how it works and fooling it with chemicals similar to its own. Overcoming addiction can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms as the body readjusts, including both emotional issues like anxiety and depression as well as physical symptoms like sweating and vomiting.

1. LEARNING ABOUT
ADDICTION
Our Objective is to:
 Define Addiction
 Describe how Drugs effect the brain
 Explain the effects of withdrawal on the body

2. WHAT IS ADDICTION?
Addiction is defined as a Long-term, brain disease that is characterized by
compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.† It is
considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain, they change its
structure and how it works. These brain changes can be long-lasting, and can
lead to the harmful behaviors seen in people who abuse drugs.

3. CHANGES IN THE BRAIN
Drugs interfere with the way our Brain functions. Some drugs such as Cannabis
and Heroin are similar to the chemicals in the brain. They fool the brain and
abnormal messages are sent. Cocaine causes the brain cells to release
Dopamine. Dopamine is a 'feel good' chemical that is usually release when we
are happy. Drug users can reach a point where they need to take the drug
again to try to repeat the feelings

4. OVERCOMING ADDICTION
Overcoming Addiction can be dangerous for some addicts, such as alcoholics or heroin
addicts, to stop taking their drug completely.
During withdrawal, physical and emotional symptoms may be experienced
Emotional withdrawal symptoms are experienced when coming off all drugs.
Examples: anxiety, headaches, depressions and poor concentration
Physical withdrawal symptoms are also experienced when coming off alcohol, heroin
and tranquilizers. Examples: sweating, muscle tension, difficulty breathing and
vomiting.