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 behaviour 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, and club drugs. 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 and drug addicts who use needles are at a greater risk of having HIV, hepatitis B and C infections, and infective endocarditis.
People start to use drugs for so many reasons. Some 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 live without the drug. An attempt to stop the drug may cause intense cravings as well as getting physically ill.
Causes of drug abuse
Each drug produces different physical effects on the brain. However, repeated use of the 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 more drugs. It is because of these changes in the brain that it is so challenging for an addicted person to stop taking drugs.
Like many mental disorders, drug abuse has no single cause. Many factors may contribute to the development of drug addiction. The main factors are:
- Genetics
- Parental abuse
- Parental neglect
- Family beliefs
- Peer pressure
Some of the factors that may affect the likelihood and speed of developing a substance addiction may include:
- Psychological illness such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorder.
- Early use of drugs.
- Unstable home environment.
- Poor relationship with parents.
- Inadequate supervision over adolescent activities.
- Poor performance in school.
Symptoms of drug abuse
They include:
- 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 home, work or school.
- Recurrent drug use in physically dangerous situations.
- Withdrawal symptoms at every attempt to stop the drug.
- 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 of recurring physical or psychological problems caused or worsened by drug use.
- A need to maintain the supply of the drug.
- Spending more money on the drug even though one can’t afford it.
- Doing things one would not do such as stealing to get the drug.
Diagnosis of drug abuse
A thorough evaluation that includes an assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist may be required for diagnosis. Blood, urine, or other laboratory tests are used in assessing drug use, but they do not serve as a diagnostic test for substance abuse.
Treatment of drug abuse
With the right treatment and support, it is possible to counteract the disruptive effects of drug use and regain control of one’s life. The primary goals of treatment are abstinence, relapse prevention, and rehabilitation. Treatment options may include detoxification, behavioural therapy, and chemical dependence treatment programs.
Supports from friends, family, doctor, support groups, or an organized treatment program may help to overcome one’s drug addiction and stay drug-free.
A word from HealthFacts to you
Drug abuse endangers both the user and other people around. Perhaps you have noticed any of the highlighted symptoms in you or your loved ones, ensure you seek professional help immediately.
Till next time, stay informed and stay healthy!
Suggested Reading: Why You Should Give Up Smoking
[…] Substance use disorder […]
Howdy! I’m at work surfing around your blog from my new iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Keep up the excellent work!
Hi! Do you know if they make any plugins to help with SEO? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Kudos!
I’ve been absent for a while, but now I remember why I used to love this site. Thanks , I’ll try and check back more often. How frequently you update your web site?
What i do not understood is actually how you are not really much more well-liked than you may be now. You are very intelligent. You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject, produced me personally consider it from so many varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it’s one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!
Hiya, I am really glad I have found this info. Today bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is really annoying. A good site with exciting content, that is what I need. Thanks for keeping this website, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.
I haven?¦t checked in here for some time as I thought it was getting boring, but the last several posts are good quality so I guess I?¦ll add you back to my everyday bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
I was looking through some of your posts on this website and I conceive this website is rattling informative! Keep on posting.
Lottery Defeater Software? Lottery Defeater is a software application created to help people win lotteries
Fitspresso stands out among the crowded health supplement market as an exceptional product.
Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Thank you
Lottery Defeater Software is a digital tool designed to assist individuals in improving their chances of winning in various lotteries.
Your home is valueble for me. Thanks!…
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you! However, how can we communicate?
You really make it seem so easy along with your presentation however I to find this matter to be actually one thing that I believe I’d never understand. It kind of feels too complex and very huge for me. I am looking forward to your subsequent submit, I will attempt to get the cling of it!
LeanBiome is a probiotic dietary supplement that’s packed with lean bacteria species that help support healthy weight loss.
I as well conceive hence, perfectly composed post! .
It is in point of fact a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m happy that you simply shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I genuinely enjoy reading through on this web site, it contains great content. “Don’t put too fine a point to your wit for fear it should get blunted.” by Miguel de Cervantes.
I am glad to be a visitor of this sodding web site! , thankyou for this rare information! .
The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.
Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you really understand what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Kindly also seek advice from my web site =). We could have a link trade contract between us!
What Is LeanBiome? LeanBiome, a new weight loss solution, includes beneficial strains of gut bacteria that work fast for weight loss.
What Is ErecPrime? ErecPrime is a male enhancement supplement that will help with improving one’s sexual experience.
Step into a world of endless possibilities!
very nice post, i certainly love this web site, carry on it
I dugg some of you post as I cogitated they were invaluable extremely helpful
Hmm is anyone else having problems with the pictures on this blog loading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
You are a very capable individual!
Currently it sounds like BlogEngine is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
I like this website so much, saved to fav. “Respect for the fragility and importance of an individual life is still the mark of an educated man.” by Norman Cousins.
Hi, just required you to know I he added your site to my Google bookmarks due to your layout. But seriously, I believe your internet site has 1 in the freshest theme I??ve came across. It extremely helps make reading your blog significantly easier.
There are some interesting time limits on this article but I don’t know if I see all of them heart to heart. There may be some validity however I will take maintain opinion until I look into it further. Good article , thanks and we would like more! Added to FeedBurner as nicely
You have brought up a very superb points, appreciate it for the post.
Thank you for another informative website. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? I have a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.
I do enjoy the manner in which you have framed this specific challenge and it really does offer me personally a lot of fodder for thought. Nevertheless, from everything that I have witnessed, I just hope as the comments pack on that people today keep on point and in no way get started upon a tirade associated with the news of the day. All the same, thank you for this superb point and though I do not really go along with the idea in totality, I respect the point of view.
I am curious to find out what blog system you happen to be working with? I’m having some minor security issues with my latest site and I’d like to find something more safeguarded. Do you have any solutions?
Lottery Defeater Software: What is it? Lottery Defeater Software is a completely automated plug-and-play lottery-winning software. The Lottery Defeater software was developed by Kenneth.
What Is Neotonics? Neotonics is a skin and gut supplement made of 500 million units of probiotics and 9 potent natural ingredients to support optimal gut function and provide healthy skin.
What is CogniCare Pro? CogniCare Pro is 100 natural and safe to take a cognitive support supplement that helps boost your memory power. This supplement works greatly for anyone of any age and without side effects
I visited a lot of website but I conceive this one has got something special in it in it
Howdy! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you could have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for extra soon.
I’ve been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or blog posts on this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I at last stumbled upon this website. Reading this information So i am happy to convey that I’ve an incredibly good uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not forget this website and give it a glance regularly.
I like the valuable information you supply to your articles. I’ll bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more right here frequently. I am fairly certain I’ll be told plenty of new stuff proper right here! Good luck for the next!
What Is LeanBiome? LeanBiome is a natural dietary supplement that promotes healthy weight loss.
Tonic Greens: An Overview Introducing Tonic Greens, an innovative immune support supplement meticulously crafted with potent antioxidants, essential minerals, and vital vitamins.
I like this weblog very much, Its a rattling nice spot to read and incur info . “If at first you don’t succeed, you’re running about average.” by M. H. Alderson.
Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.
Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful site.
Thank you, I have just been looking for info about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered till now. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?
I think you have noted some very interesting details, regards for the post.
I¦ve learn some just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much attempt you set to create this sort of excellent informative site.
Thank you a lot for providing individuals with such a breathtaking possiblity to read in detail from this blog. It is always so enjoyable and also full of amusement for me and my office co-workers to search your blog nearly thrice in a week to study the new tips you have got. And lastly, I am also at all times pleased for the mind-boggling opinions you give. Certain 1 areas in this posting are clearly the most efficient I have had.
Hello.This post was extremely interesting, especially since I was browsing for thoughts on this subject last Wednesday.
Currently it sounds like WordPress is the preferred blogging platform available right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you are using on your blog?
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have developed some nice methods and we are looking to trade techniques with other folks, why not shoot me an email if interested.
Thanks for the sensible critique. Me and my neighbor were just preparing to do some research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more clear from this post. I’m very glad to see such magnificent info being shared freely out there.
I think this is among the most significant info for me. And i am glad reading your article. But should remark on few general things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for!
I genuinely enjoy looking at on this internet site, it contains good blog posts. “Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master.” by Demosthenes.
Woh I enjoy your blog posts, saved to my bookmarks! .
Marvelous, what a webpage it is! This web site provides helpful
information to us, keep it up.
I like this website very much so much wonderful information.
Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share it with someone!
Appreciate it for this grand post, I am glad I discovered this internet site on yahoo.
I don’t unremarkably comment but I gotta say regards for the post on this special one : D.
obviously like your website however you need to check the spelling on several of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I find it very bothersome to inform the truth nevertheless I will certainly come again again.