Medical Centric

DRUG ABUSE

Mental Health, Psychological Disorders / By

DRUG ABUSE

Drug abuse, also called substance abuse is an illness that is characterized by a destructive patterned use of illegal or legal drug or medication.

  • The condition affects the person’s brain and behavior such that they are unable to control the use of the drug, to the point that it interferes with their ability to function.
  • The drug user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods that are harmful to themselves, or others.
  • some of the most commonly used drugs are alcohol, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabis, barbiturates, amphetamine, hallucinogens, inhalants, club drugs, and other substances.
  • There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem keeps increasing at an alarming rate especially among young adults under the age of 30.
  • Drug abuse can cause a long-term damage to the body, drug addicts who use needles are at a greater risk of having HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.
  • People start to use drugs for so many reasons. Some people start with the experimental use of recreational drug out of curiosity, to have a good time, or because friends are doing it. For others, drug abuse begins with exposure to prescribed medications from a friend or relative who has been prescribed the medications, particularly with opioids.
  • Over time, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high and as drug use increases, it may get extremely difficult to go without the drug.  An attempt to stop the drug use may cause intense cravings as well as getting physically ill.
  • In 2015, substance use disorder resulted in 307,400 deaths. Highest numbers are from alcohol use disorders around 137,500, opioids use disorder has 122,100 deaths, cocaine use disorders has 11,100 death and amphetamine use disorder has12,200 deaths.

CAUSES

Each drug produces different physical effects on the brain, however, repeated use of drug can alter the way in which the brain functions including the way the brain feels pleasure. The addicting drug use causes changes in your brain that interferes with the ability to think, control your behavior, and at the same time send intense impulses to take drugs. It is because of this changes in the brain that it is so challenging for an addicted person to stop taking drugs

Like many mental-disorder, drug abuse has no single cause.  Many factors may contribute to the development of drug addiction. The main factors are

  • Genetics
  • Environmental factor such as parental abuse or neglect, family beliefs, exposure to peer group that encourages drug abuse.

Other factors that may affect the likelihood and speed of developing a substance addiction may include:

  • Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder as well as personality disorders
  • Peer pressure
  • Early use of drugs
  • Unstable home environment
  • Poor relationship with parents
  • Inadequate supervision over adolescents activities
  • Poor achievement in school

SYMPTOMS

  • A regular urge to use drugs daily or even several times a day.
  • Recurrent substance use that prevents the user from meeting significant daily responsibilities at work, home, or school.
  • Recurrent drug use in physically dangerous situations
  • Withdrawal symptoms at every attempt to stop drug use
  • An unsuccessful trial of decreasing or controlling the use of the drug
  • Cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
  • Continual use of the drug even though the person is aware or recurring physical or psychological problems caused or worsened by drug use
  • A need to keep or maintain a supply of the drug
  • Spending more money on the drug even though one can’t afford it
  • Doing things you wouldn’t do such as going to the extent of stealing to get the drug

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

A thorough evaluation that includes an assessment by a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed alcohol and drug counselor may be required for diagnosis.

Blood, urine, or other lab tests are used in assessing drug use, but they do not serve as a diagnostic test for substance abuse.

TREATMENT

With the right treatment and support, it is possible to counteract the disruptive effect of drug use and regain control of your life.

The primary goals of treatment are abstinence, relapse prevention, and rehabilitation. Treatment option may include:

  • Chemical dependence treatment programs
  • Detoxification
  • Behavioral therapy

Supports from friends, family, doctor, support groups, or an organized treatment program may help to overcome your drug addiction and stay drug-free.