DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

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DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

Drug abuse is when you use legal or illegal substances in ways you shouldn’t. You might take more than the regular dose of pills or use someone else’s prescription. You may abuse drugs to feel good, ease stress, or avoid reality. But usually, you’re able to change your unhealthy habits or stop using altogether.

Addiction is when you can’t stop. Not when it puts your health in danger. Not when it causes financial, emotional, and other problems for you or your loved ones. That urge to get and use drugs can fill up every minute of the day, even if you want to quit.

Addiction also is different from physical dependence or tolerance. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms happen when you suddenly stop a substance. Tolerance happens when a dose of a substance becomes less effective over time.

When you use opioids for pain for a long time, for example, you may develop tolerance and even physical dependence. This doesn’t mean you’re addicted. In general, when narcotics are used under proper medical supervision, addiction happens in only a small percentage of people.

EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION

Drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. The exact effects vary among individuals and also depend on the drug, dosage, and delivery method.

Abusing a drug, or misusing a prescription medication, can produce some effects, such as:

  • changes in appetite
  • sleeplessness or insomnia
  • increased heart rate
  • slurred speech
  • changes in cognitive ability
  • a temporary sense of euphoria
  • an inability to cease using a drug
  • relationship problems
  • poor work or academic performance
  • loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities.
Consequences of Drug Abuse | Victory Addiction Recovery Center
SOLUTION TO DRUG ABUSE


Treatment of drug abuse is often an extended process involving multiple components including:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy to work on thought patterns and behavior

  • Family therapy to help the family understand the problem and to avoid enabling drug use

  • Identification and treatment of coexisting conditions

  • Medications to decrease cravings, block withdrawal symptoms, counteract drug effects, or to cause unpleasant side effects if a drug is used

  • Motivational incentives to reinforce abstinence

  • Motivational interviewing to utilize a person’s readiness to change behaviors.


BY: OLATUNJI OLAMIDE

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