Drug abuse

Drug abuse involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. These substances may be “street” or “illicit” drugs, illegal due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. They also may be drugs obtained with a prescription, used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons.

Different drugs have different effects. Some, may produce an intense “rush” and initial feelings of boundless energy. Others, may produce excessive feelings of relaxation and calm. With time, the brain’s chemistry is actually altered to the point where not having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful.

Causes

• Family history of addiction. if you have a family history of addiction, you are at higher risk for abusing drugs.
• History of mental illness. Drug abuse can worsen mental illness or even create new symptoms
• Untreated physical pain. Without medical supervision, pain medications or illegal drugs like heroin can rapidly become addictive.
• Peer pressure. If people around you are doing drugs, it can be difficult to resist the pressure to try them, especially if you are a teenager.

Physical signs of abuse and addiction

• Increasing blood pressure, metabolism and reducing the ability to sleep.
• Unexpected changes in clothing,  such as constantly wearing long sleeved shirts, to hide scarring at injection sites.
• Progressive severe dental problems.
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain

Effects

·        Those who abuse drugs have a greater risk for health problems, risk of infectious disease like hepatitis or HIV from sharing needles.

·        Heavy drug use directly affects lungs, joints, heart, brain and death from overdose.

·        Productivity at work often suffers.

·        It affects friends, family and the entire society. Child abuse and neglect is much more common when there is drug abuse in the family.

·        lack of impulse control can lead to increased physical and emotional abuse.

·        Drug abuse by a pregnant woman affects the developing baby’s health.

·        Domestic violence also happens more frequently

·        The shame of drug abuse in the family stops many family members from asking for help, instead pretending nothing is wrong.

Treatment options for drug abuse and addiction

If you are abusing drugs, even admitting that you may have a problem is a huge step. It takes tremendous strength and courage to admit that you are having trouble. Much as you may want to, don’t try to quit alone. Recovery is possible with the right medical help and social support.