DRUG ABUSE

RAHUL SHARMA RAHUL JAISWAL PRACHI SINHA SANTOSH JAISWAL

INTRODUCTION

Most addictions develop without much forethought. Usually, we just slip into a pattern and before we know it, we are in over our heads.

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse, also called substance abuse or chemical abuse, is a disorder that is characterized by a destructive pattern of using a substance that leads to significant problems or distress. It affects more than 7% of people at some point in their lives. Teens are increasingly engaging in prescription drug abuse, particularly narcotics (which are prescribed to relieve severe pain), and stimulant medications, which treat conditions like attention deficit disorder.

What is addiction?

What is drug addiction?

Drug addiction, also called substance dependence or chemical dependency, is a disease that is characterized by a destructive pattern of drug abuse that leads to significant problems involving tolerance to or withdrawal from the substance, as well as other problems that use of the substance can cause for the sufferer, either socially or in terms of their work or school performance. More than 2.6% of people suffer from drug addiction at some time in their life.

What types of drugs are commonly abused?

Virtually any substance whose ingestion can result in a euphoric ("high") feeling can be abused.

What is a drug?

Alcohol: Although legal, alcohol is a toxic substance, particularly to a developing foetus when a mother consumes this drug during pregnancy. Amphetamines: This group of drugs comes in many forms, usually prescription medications. Overdose of any of these substances can result in seizure and death.

Contd

Phencyclidine: Commonly referred to as PCP, this drug can cause the user to feel extremely paranoid, become quite aggressive and to have an unusual amount of physical strength. This can make the individual quite dangerous to others. Sedative, hypnotic, or antianxiety drugs: They can cause death by respiratory arrest of the person who either uses these drugs in overdose or who mixes one or more of these drugs with another nervous system depressant drug (like alcohol or an opiate).

Contd

Anabolic steroids : A group of substances abused by bodybuilders and other athletes, this group of drugs can lead to terrible psychological effects like aggression and paranoia, as well as devastating long-term physical effects like infertility and organ failure.
Caffeine : While it is consumed by many, coffee, tea and soda drinkers, when consumed in excess this substance can produce palpitation, insomnia, tremors and significant anxiety.

Contd

Cannabis : More commonly called marijuana, the drug can produce infertility, paranoia, lack of motivation, etc.
Cocaine: A drug that tends to stimulate the nervous system, cocaine can be snorted in powder form, smoked when in the form of rocks , or injected when made into a liquid. Esctacy : This drug tends to create a sense of euphoria and an expansive love or desire to nurture others. In overdose, it can increase body temperature to the point of being fatal.

Contd

Hallucinogens : Examples include LSD and mescaline. For example, a person who is intoxicated with a hallucinogen may perceive danger where there is none and to think that situations that are truly dangerous are not. Inhalants : One of the most commonly abused group of substances due to its accessibility, inhalants are usually contained in household cleaners, like ammonia, bleach, and other substances that emit fumes.

Contd

Nicotine : The addictive substance found in cigarettes, nicotine is actually one of the most habit-forming substances that exists. In fact, nicotine addiction is often compared to the intense addictiveness associated with opiates like heroin. Opiates : This group is also called narcotics and includes drugs like heroine, codeine, Vicodin, Percocet, and Percodan. This group of substances sharply decrease the functioning of the nervous system. The lethality of opiates is in the fact that it often results in halting the person's breathing (respiratory arrest).

Major Causes

Taking a Drug for any reason other than a medical one

To get a feeling of euphoria (high) To enhance athletic ability (steroids)

Contd

Many first try drugs out of curiosity, to have a good time, because friends are doing it. Ease problems, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Due to emotional disbalance, such as relation problems.

What are symptoms and signs of drug abuse and addiction?

Recurrent drug use that results in a lack of meeting important obligations at work, school, or home Recurrent drug use in situations that can be dangerous Recurrent legal problems as a result of drug use Continued drug use despite continued or repeated social or relationship problems as a result of the drug's effects

Warning Signs of Commonly Abused Drugs

Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking, inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss. Depressants (including Xanax, Valium, GHB): Contracted pupils; drunk-like; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness. Stimulants (including amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth): Dilated pupils; hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and nose

Contd
Inhalants (glues, aerosols, vapors):
Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; lots of cans/aerosols in the trash. Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP): Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion. Heroin: Contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light; needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite.

Can drug abuse and addiction be prevented?

An unfortunate fact about the treatment of drug addiction is that it remains largely unutilized by most sufferers of this condition. A number of different prevention approaches have been found to be effective in decreasing the risk of drug abuse and addiction Simple lifestyle changes, like increased physical activity, are thought to help prevent drug abuse. More formal programs have also been found to be helpful. The prevalence of easier access to technology has led to the development of computer-based prevention programs. Parents, other family members, and friends of the addicted person should strictly refrain from supporting addictive behaviors (codependency) .

Where can people get help for drug abuse or addiction?

Al-Anon-Alateen: 888-4AL-ANON Alcoholics Anonymous World Services: 212-870-3400 American Council on Alcoholism treatment referral line: 800-527-5344 Kids Against Drugs: http://www.kidsagainstdrugs.com Mothers Against Drunk Driving: 800-GET-MADD Narconon: http://www.narconon.org/ Narcotics Anonymous: http://www.na.org National Clearinghouse for Alcoholism and Drug Information: 800-729-6686

Contd..

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: 800-NCA-CALL National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: 301-443-3860 National Institute on Drug Abuse: http://www.nida.nih.gov National Resource Center: 866-870-4979

5 Myths about Drug Abuse and Addiction

MYTH 1: Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You can stop using drugs if you really want to. Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will. MYTH 2: Addiction is a disease; theres nothing you can do about it. Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease, but that doesnt mean youre a helpless victim. The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments.

Contd

MYTH 3: Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better. Recovery can begin at any point in the addiction processand the earlier, the better. The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to treat. Dont wait to intervene until the addict has lost it all. MYTH 4: You cant force someone into treatment; they have to want help. Treatment doesnt have to be voluntary to be successful. People who are pressured into treatment by their family, employer, or the legal system are just as likely to benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own. As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly resistant addicts decide they want to change.

Contd

MYTH 5: Treatment didnt work before, so theres no point trying again. Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often involves setbacks. Relapse doesnt mean that treatment has failed or that youre a lost cause. Rather, its a signal to get back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting the treatment approach.

CONCLUSION
Use doesnt automatically lead to abuse, and there is no specific level at which drug use moves from casual to problematic. It varies by individual. Drug abuse and addiction is less about the amount of substance consumed or the frequency, and more to do with the consequences of drug use. No matter how often or how little youre consuming, if your drug use is causing problems in your lifeat work, school, home, or in your relationshipsyou likely have a drug abuse or addiction problem. Keep away from any form of drugs, be it very small. You'll never realise when the drug's controlling you.

REFERENCES

American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Treatment Revision. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Association, 2000. American Psychiatric Association. Treatment of Patients with Substance Use Disorders, Second Edition. Arlington, Virginia: American Psychiatric Association, 2006. Chermack, S.T., R.L. Murray, M.A. Walton, B.A. Booth, J. Wryobeck, and F.C. Blow. "Partner Aggression Among Men and Women in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Correlates of Psychological and Physical Aggression and Injury." Drug and Alcohol Dependence 98.1-2 Nov. 2008: 35-44.