Usage of a substance for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain is known as drug abuse. It leads to self-destruction and significant problems and distress. A person can become addicted to drugs. Addiction is a disease that affects your brain and behavior. When you’re addicted to drugs, you can’t resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause.

ABUSE VS. ADDICTION

Abuse is when you use legal or illegal drugs in ways you shouldn’t. Usually a person is able to quit it altogether.

Addiction is when a person cannot quit the use of the drug even if it causes harm to the health or harm emotionally, financially or to the loved ones. The person cannot quit even if he wishes to.

CAUSES OF DRUG USE

1. Curiosity
2. Peer pressure
3. Avoid reality
4. Recreational purposes
5. Fun
6. Means of obtaining creative inspiration

DRUG CATEGORIES

1. Depressants
2. Hallucinogens
3. Stimulants

Examples: alcohol, tobacco, opium, cocaine, nicotine, heroin, ecstasy, LSD etc.

PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF DRUG USE

1. Euphoria
2. Depression
3. Suicidal thoughts
4. Sleepiness
5. Slowed breathing
6. Rapid heart rate
7. Tremors
8. Seizures

WARNING SIGNS THAT A PERSON HAS DRUG USE DISORDER

1. Loss of memory
2. Sadness
3. Mood swings
4. Having blackouts
5. Indulging in repeated arguments
6. Spending less time on life

EFFECTS ON BRAIN

1. Functions of the brain are particularly impaired
2. Can lead to the substance abuser engaging in aggressive, sexual, criminal, dangerous, or other activities
3. The ability to perform executive functions diminishes
4. Judgment, decision making, ability to learn, memory gets hurt

MOST LIKELY TO GET EFFECTED

1. Family history
2. Early drug use
3. Mental disorders
4. Troubled relationships

SIGNS OF ADDICTION

1. Urge to use the drug everyday
2. You spend more time alone
3. You feel sick when you try to quit
4. You do dangerous things
5. You don’t care how you look

TREATMENT

1. First step: acknowledging that the use of the drug has become a problem in a person’s life. There is a need to abstain from the substance. Several treatment options are available.
2. Detoxification: it involves clearing a substance from the body and limiting withdrawal reactions.
3. Counseling and behavioral therapies: Therapy might occur on a one-to-one, group, or family basis depending on the needs of the individual. Different types of therapy include- cognitive-behavioral therapy, multi-dimensional family therapy, motivational interviewing and motivational incentives.

REHABILITATION PROGRAMS

Longer term treatment programs for drug abuse disorders can be highly effective on remaining drug free, they are rehabilitation programs.

Fully licensed residential facilities are available to structure a 24-hour care program, provide a safe housing environment, and supply any necessary medical interventions or assistance.

A few types of facilities are:

1. Short-term residential treatment
2. Therapeutic communities
3. Recovery housing

SELF HELP GROUPS

These may help the recovering individual meet others with the same addictive disorder which often boosts motivation and reduces feelings of isolation. They can also serve as a useful source of education, community, and information.

MEDICATIONS

A person might take medication on a continuous basis when recovering from a substance-related disorder and its related complications. Longer-term use of medications helps to reduce cravings and prevent relapse, or a return to using the substance after having recovered from addiction. People most commonly use medications during detoxification to manage withdrawal symptoms. The medication will vary depending on the substance that the person is addicted to.

Example- Alcohol

1. Naltrexone
2. Acamprosate, or Campral
3. Disulfiram, or Antabuse

DRUGS TAKE YOU TO HELL SO SAY NO TO THEM