What is meant by withdrawal syndromes?
Withdrawal syndromes are reactions that occur when a drug or alcohol is taken away from a person who is accustomed to its regular use. It is as if the brain had a thermostat that was set higher because it was expecting to be slowed down by a drug. Once the brain has become adapted by regular use of drugs, a big rebound occurs when it is taken away. Without drugs, all the brain functions increase for a period of time until the thermostat readjusts. What are some steps that can be taken to help an alcoholic or drugging parent? The first and most important step is for the whole family to recognize that the parent is ill and has lost control. The second step is for the drug abuser to want to do something about the disease. The substance abuser is the only one who can conquer his addiction. There are hospitals, clinics, social and religious agencies, and groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, and Narcotics Anonymous to help those suffering from addiction. The substance ab
