"Depending on the drug to which the substance abuser is addicted, rapid detox typically occurs in a hospital or detox facility where the addict is anesthetized for 4 to 6 or even up to 48 hours--enough time to eliminate most of the drugs from the addict's system."

"Those who are drug dependent feel a need to abuse drugs consistently in order to feel "normal," or to avoid uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Drug dependence can be physical, psychological, or both."

"Substance abuse research shows that the body and/or brain develop physical tolerance to the activity or substance that requires increasing amounts of the substance or activity to get the same or similar effects."

"According to the research literature, with continuous drug abuse, the addict begins to crave the feelings of well-being or euphoria that taking the drugs has elicited. Since this pleasant feeling is so overwhelming, the addict is motivated to continue taking drugs."

"According to substance abuse research statistics, in 1997, U.S. illicit drug users were more likely than others to have missed 2 or more days of work in the past month and to have worked for three or more employers in the past year."

"U.S. workplace drug testing was implemented in an effort to deter substance abuse and its effects on safety, health, and productivity in the Nation's workforce."

"In a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a moderate dose of marijuana alone was shown to impair driving performance. The effects of even a low dose of marijuana combined with alcohol, however, were markedly greater than those of either drug alone."

"Vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 20. Combining the lack of driving experience among teens with the use of marijuana and/or other substances that impair cognitive and motor abilities can be a deadly combination."

"Apparently not enough people realize that alcohol is a drug and that alcoholism is a form of drug addiction. The point: virtually all of the essential information about drug addiction applies to alcoholism."

"Substance abuse studies have shown that for men, having a goal of completely giving up drugs or alcohol also increased their likelihood of remaining in treatment. In other words, those whose goals were "moderation" or who were not committed to lifelong abstinence were much less likely to remain in the program a full year."

"Methamphetamine is an increasingly popular drug at raves (all night dancing parties), and as part of a number of drugs used by college-aged students. Marijuana and alcohol are commonly listed as additional drugs of abuse among methamphetamine treatment admissions."

"There is no typical alcoholic or drug dependent person. You may be old or young; male or female; single, married, divorced, or living with someone; practice any religious observance or none; live in the country, city, or suburb; earn a lot or a little; come from any ethnic or racial background; and live any type of lifestyle."

"The cost of untreated drug and alcohol abuse in the U.S. in a year is estimated at $276 Billion in lost productivity, law enforcement costs, health care and welfare programs. Savings from treatment programs is incalculable!"

"Drug use can also be dangerous for people who are taking anti-HIV medications. Drug users are less likely to take all of their medications, and street drugs may have dangerous interactions with HIV medications."

"Drug testing is a way to evaluate the type and possibly the amount of legal or illegal drugs taken by a person. Drug testing can be performed from small samples taken of your fingernails, saliva, or more commonly, your blood, urine, or hair."

"Research shows that drug treatment during and after imprisonment not only increases the number of people who are drug-free, but also increases the number of people who are arrest-free."

"The 2004 State of Maryland Adolescent Survey indicates that 13.5 percent of the State's licensed adolescent drivers reported driving under the influence of marijuana on three or more occasions."

"According to U.S. research, drug treatment during and after imprisonment not only increases the number of people who are drug-free, but also increases the number of people who are arrest-free."

"Research shows that drug testing is extremely reliable and accurate when all the relevant aspects of the testing process are done properly."

"Addiction research statistics reveal that every American adult pays nearly $1,000 per year for the damages caused by addiction."

"Drug abuse includes the use of illegal drugs, such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or other 'street drugs'; and the abuse of legal prescription and nonprescription drugs. Some people turn to drugs as a way to get a 'high' or to relieve stress and emotional problems."

"Research shows that when appropriate treatment is given, and when drug addicts follow their prescribed program, drug addiction treatment can work."

"According to alcoholism statistics, each year, about four million people in the United States seek some kind of treatment for a problem related to the use of alcohol and drugs, but that leaves around 20 million people who need substance abuse treatment but do not receive it."

"Message to drug addicts. Don't just sit there and think things are going to get better. Addiction doesn't get better. It gets worse until somebody dies. You need to take appropriate action by getting professional treatment and you need to take action now!"

"According to research, drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, can cause the nerve cells to release abnormally large amounts of natural neurotransmitters, or prevent the normal recycling of these brain chemicals, which is needed to shut off the signal between neurons. This disruption produces a greatly amplified message that ultimately disrupts normal communication patterns."

"Through scientific advances we now know much more about how exactly drugs work in the brain, and we also know that drug addiction can be successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs and resume their productive lives."

"Research into the effects of long-term addiction has shown that substantial changes in the way the brain functions are present long after the addict has stopped using drugs."

"Research shows that cocaine affects your body. People who use cocaine often don't eat or sleep regularly. They can experience increased heart rate, muscle spasms, and convulsions. If they snort cocaine, they can also permanently damage their nasal tissue."

"Addiction always brings about changes in the addicts brain and mind. Some of these transformations include anatomical changes, physiological changes, behavioral changes, and chemical changes."

"Addiction treatment has many forms, but effective treatment will address physical, psychological, emotional and social problems and will involve family members. Make an appointment at a treatment center and attend meetings of local self-help groups to better understand what your loved one is going through. Recovery is much more effective with support from family members and friends."

"Research shows that appropriate parental monitoring can reduce future drug use, even among those adolescents who may be prone to marijuana use, such as those who are rebellious, cannot control their emotions, and experience internal distress."

"According to the research statistics, if an individual is compulsively seeking and using a drug despite negative consequences, such as loss of job, increased debt, drug-related physical problems, or relationship problems, then he or she is probably addicted."

"When combined with other drugs, legal or illegal, alcohol accounts for approximately 33% of all drug overdoses in the United States."

"Does drinking strong coffee or taking a cold shower have an effect on the person who is drunk? The answer is yes - the result being an alert, cold, and wet drunk. Time, and only time can sober a person up."

"Research suggests that the use of alcohol and drugs by other family members plays a strong role in whether children start using drugs. Parents, grandparents, and older brothers and sisters in the home are models for children to follow."

"In the U.S., hallucinations affect approximately 25% of the individuals undergoing major alcohol withdrawal.