Dear NU Classmates,

It was my pleasure to introduce myself  to you and share my best-loved topics with you. Although some of the contents are disturbing to some viewers, and the information appears harsh I had lots of fun creating this blog, for the first time in my life. The topics include Substance Abuse versus Substance Dependence. The main idea of this topic was to demonstrate the correlation between one time try, out of curiosity called “being stupid,” and facing the consequence of becoming dependent of the substance used, “needing it” to survive.

My second topic included a disturbing video showing real life overdose coma, “Coming Back from Death,” in which a legal drug was used to reverse the illegal drug, heroin, effects on a female who almost killed herself from over dose. The treatment is carefully used in outpatient and inpatient substance abuse facilities for recovery purpose.

"The Latest News, Celebrity Addiction" was my third topic for the week posted on my blog along with some of my favorite quotes from Inaba & Cohen (2000). Every person biologically functions the same. Drug use, then abuse, then addiction occurs. The inevitable consequence of substance abuse hits everyone regardless their socioeconomic status. The quotes provide real stories from people of all sorts and backgrounds who experienced the worse withdrawal symptoms, relapse events, and some recovery success.

And last, treatment as an option for those who are in critical situation was my last topic for the week. It wasn’t easy to stare at the final posted picture and assume that the person will be ok. But I know that it has been a great opportunity for me to observe and acknowledge the damages substance abuse may cause to an individual.

In conclusion, it has been a great opportunity for me to create the blog and share all of my thoughts and concerns with you all during this course regarding drug use and addiction. I have learned a lot from the textbook quotes from real people who have struggle with this for decades, and real life videos that showed how powerful drugs can be, snapping people out of death! I am also planning to continue sharing acquired information and exchange thoughts and ideas with my followers as I continue with my studies. 

Wish you well

Raluca