Ms. Parkinson,

I'd be happy to answer any healing questions you have. Tell your friend that I appreciate their referral.

Addictions to potions can be dangerous and fatal. People who take potions are more likely to engage in high-risk behavior and experiment with other addictive substances, such as alcohol. Potions use may be an unconscious attempt at self-treatment for another problem, such as depression.

To begin with, you must find out if you actually have a problem with addiction. You most likely have a problem if your use of potions interferes with your health or daily living. You develop potion-addiction if you physically or emotionally depend on alcohol to get you through your day.

Long-term potions use damages the body, specifically the heart, brain and the nervous system. It can also cause high blood pressure, stomach problems, other potions interactions, and sexual problems. Continued potions abuse can also lead to violence, accidents, social isolation, and difficulties at work and home.

Symptoms of a potions problem include personality changes, blackouts, taking more and more for the same "high," and denial of the problem. A person with an abusive problem may gulp or sneak potions, and suffer from the shakes. He or she may also have family or work problems.

The use of alcohol with the potions may increase the effects of each.

Abuse patterns vary. Some people use potions every day to function; others drink large amounts of them at specific times, such as on the weekend. Others may be sober for long periods and then go on a drinking binge that lasts for weeks or months.

Someone with potions dependence may suffer serious withdrawal symptoms, such as trembling, delusions, hallucinations, and sweating, if he or she stops taking them suddenly. Once potions dependence develops, it becomes very difficult to stop taking them without outside help. Medical detoxification may be needed.

There are several different types of ways one would battle against potions dependency. There are potions that can be used to clean the system, but they can be very jarring. There are quite a few places and people in the area who are specialized in the treatment of potions abuse. I would suggest taking stock of the situation, determining if you have a problem, and then looking for help.

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to owl me. My clinic, Healing Hands, will be opening in Hogsmeade on the 25th.

-Ginevra Weasley

Pans,
OF COURSE I will meet you for lunch. See you tomorrow at 1.

D