Drug Addiction

Drug addiction has become a worldwide problem, especially in teenagers. Many

young people become dependent on different types substances and stimulating
medicines that comes hand-in-hand with narcotic effect. The life of addicts
becomes spoiled in all aspects, as they lose contact with their family and live in a
different world. They spend lots of money on drugs, and then look for ways to
earn money illegally. If we compare the health problems, there are many
dangerous effects of drugs.

The most disturbing thing about drug addiction is that people in different
countries of the world are becoming addicted to all kinds of drugs. There are
different types of street drugs such as – cocaine, meth, marijuana, crack, heroin
etc. Heroin is one of the dangerous drugs that suppress your heart’s work and is
appropriate to achieve narcotic effect.

The alarming rate of drug consumption has always been a problem and has
detrimental effects on the society. Personal and family problems also lead to
drug abuse among youngsters who fail to deal with personal problems. The
physiological effects of drug addiction can be difficult to endure and this is why
the addict must be treated for their condition. The worst thing is that drugs are
that they affect youth in every country of the world.

The term drug not only means medicine, but fatal narcotics with different
specifications. These drugs have their evil effects on mind and body cells of the
addicts. The addict becomes dependent on the drug to a great extent that he/she
cannot stop using it. Despite of having full knowledge of its effects on health,
addicts use it on a regular basis.

Drug addiction is basically a brain disease that changes the functioning of brain.
There is an uncontrollable desire to consume drugs, as a result of which addicted
people engage in compulsive behavior to take drugs. The addicts find it
impossible to control the intake of drugs, as a result of which they fail to fulfill
day-to-day responsibilities in efficient manner. Drug addiction is also referred as
drug dependency, as the addict develops dependency for particular substance.
Signs of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction is a compulsive disorder that leads an individual to use substance
habitually to achieve desired outcome. Millions of people in the world are
suffering with drug addiction and the number is expected to increase in the
coming years. If the person is using drugs for a longer period, the outcome may
change. For example – early experimentation with drugs is rooted in curiosity.
However, as the frequency of substance becomes frequent – the body starts to
depend in it to function properly.

The most common signs and symptoms of drug addiction are – obsession with a
particular substance, loss of control over the usage of drugs, abandoning the
activities which you used to enjoy, etc. Drug addiction may have long term impact
on life and one may develop severe symptoms such as – fatigue, trembling,
depression, anxiety, headache, insomnia, chills and sweating, paranoia, behavior
changes, dilated pupils, poor coordination problems, nausea etc.

There are a number of reasons why youth and teenagers are addicted to drugs
or related substances. Lack of self-confidence is considered as one of the
primary causes of drug addiction. It can also be due to excessive stress, peer
pressure, lack of parental involvement in child’s activities etc. some people
consider drug addiction can be the cause of drug use and ignorance. The
ignorance of drug addiction along with physical pain of condition becomes a
primary cause of drug addiction. Here are some of the causes of drug addiction.

High Level Stress

Young people who have just started their college life or moved to a new city in
search of job often face problems with life change. They are more likely to
alleviate stress through the use of drugs and similar substances. Finding an easy
fix often seems easier than facing the real problem and dealing with it. Trying
illegal drugs can lead to addiction and becomes a long term habit.

Social Pressure
Today, we are living in a highly competitive world and it is difficult to grow in such
world. There is always a peer pressure in young and old people. However, it is
never visible. A lot of young people expect to experience the pressure to use
drugs, smoke and drink alcohol. Young people find it difficult to be the person
who doesn’t drink or smoke. As they feel isolated and like a social outcast, they
make a habit of taking drugs.

Mental Health Conditions

Another primary reason for trying drugs is mental health condition. People who
are emotionally weaker tend to feel depressed about the facts of the world. They
look for ways to feel free and live life in a normal way as they go through the
period of growing up. In such situation, they make a habit of taking drugs and can
lead to addiction.

Psychological Trauma
A history of psychological trauma appears to increase the risk of substance
abuse. More than 75% of people who suffered from psychological trauma use
drugs as a part of self-medicating strategy or provide an avenue towards self-
destructive behaviors. Women are more sensitive to drugs than men, and hence
need less exposure to similar effects. The availability of these drugs plays an
integral role in perpetuation of addictive behaviors within families.

Exposure to Drug Abuse

Exposure to drug abuse in which the young people are raised is another cause
why young people get addicted to drugs. If the individuals grow up in an area
where adults use drugs, then the person is likely to try the substance themselves.
Setting a good example is extremely important to keep them off drugs and
related substances. Providing genuine information about drugs is the best way to
prevent drug addiction.
Effects of Drug Addiction
There are many negative effects of drug addiction on physical and mental health.
As said, drug addiction refers to compulsive and repeated use of dangerous
substances. The effects of drug addiction are wide and profound. The
psychological effects of drug addiction comes form the reason that the user is
addicted to drugs as well as the changes that take place in brain. Many people
start using drugs to handle stress. However, the psychological effects of drug
addiction involves craving of the substance and using it to the exclusion of all
else.

Emotional Effects
The emotional effects of drug addiction include – mood swings, depression,
violence, anxiety, decrease in everyday activities, hallucinations, confusion,
psychological tolerance to drug effects etc. Besides these, there are many
physical effects of drug addiction that are seen in the systems of the body. The
primary effects of drug addiction take place in brain, which changes the brain
functions and impacts how the body perceives pleasure.

Physical Effects
Other effects of drug addiction include – heart attack, irregular heartbeat, and
contraction of HIV, respiratory problems, lung cancer, abdominal pain, kidney
damage, liver problem, brain damage, stroke, seizures, and changes in appetite.
The impact of drug addiction can be far-reaching and affects every organ of the
body. Excessive usage of drugs can weaken immune system and increase
susceptibility to infection.

Brain & Liver Damage

The effects of drug addiction are seen in people because the drug floods the
brain repeatedly with chemicals such as – serotonin and dopamine. The brain
becomes highly dependent on these drugs and cannot function without them.
The effects of drug addiction are also seen in babies of drug abusers and can be
affected throughout their life.

Drug addiction can cause the liver to work harder, causing significant liver failure
or damage. Regarding brain function, drugs can impact daily activities by causing
problems with memory, decision making, mental confusion and even permanent
brain damage.

Short Term Effects

Different drugs affect body in different ways. There are some short term effects
that occur in drug users depending on the amount of substance used, its purity
and potency. Drugs can affect the person’s thinking, mood and perception to a
great extent. Drugs can temporarily impair motor functioning and interfere with
decision making and even reduce inhibition. The most common substances of
drug addiction include – opiates, alcohol, barbiturates, inhalants etc.

A lot of people do not realize the damage caused by drug addiction because the
short term effects are not apparent at first. The individual may feel quite invincible
and unaware that drugs can actually affect almost every system in the body. The
long lasting effects of drug addiction may not be known to addict. If treatment is
not sought in time, the physical and emotional health will deteriorate.

Long Term Effects

The long term effects of drug addiction can have disastrous consequences on
physical and mental health. As the body adapts to the substance, it needs
increasing amount of it to experience the desired outcome. As the individual
continues to increase the dosage, he/she may develop physical dependence.
The individual may face deadly withdrawal symptoms, once he/she stops using
the substance.

Legal Consequences
Drug abuse not only causes negative effects on your physical and mental health,
but can have legal consequences. Individuals may have to deal with the legal
consequences for the rest of their life. A lot of companies require the employees
to take drug test before offering job. Driving under the influence of drugs can lead
to serious legal action and even heavy fines.

By understanding the physical impact of the substance, individuals can make

informed decision regarding their health. Remember that it is never late to seek
help, when it comes to treat drug addiction. There are many rehabilitation centers
that help you combat drug addiction in a supportive environment.
Prevention of Drug Addiction
As said, prevention is always better than cure. It is always best option to deter
people from drug abuse. Though it is practically impossible to prevent everyone
from using drugs, there are things we can do to avoid drug addiction. Here are
some effective tips to prevent drug addiction.

Deal with Peer Pressure

The biggest reason why people start using drugs is because of their friends or
colleagues who utilize per pressure. No one in this world likes to be left out,
especially teens and youngsters. If you are in such situation, you should find a
better group of friends who won’t pressure you into harmful things. You should
plan ahead of time or prepare a good excuse to stay away from tempting
situations.

Treat Emotional Illness

Individuals suffering with any mental condition such as – anxiety, depression,
post-traumatic stress etc. should seek help from a physiatrist. There is a strong
connection between mental illness and drug addiction. Those with weak
emotional status may easily turn to drugs.

Learn to Deal with Pressure

People of today’s generation are overworked and often feel like taking a good
break. However, they make the mistake of turning to drugs and end up making
life more stressful. Many of us fail to recognize this. The best way is to find other
ways to handle stress. Whether it is taking up exercising or reading a good book,
you should try positive things that help in relieving stress.

Understand the Risk Factors

If you are not aware of the risk factors of drug addiction, you should first know
about drug abuse. Individuals who are aware of the physical and emotional
effects of drug addiction are likely to overcome them. People take up drugs when
something in their life is not going well and they are unhappy about their life. One
should always look at the big picture and focus on priorities, instead of worrying
about short term goals.
Develop Healthy Habits
Eating a well-balanced diet and doing regular exercise is the best way to prevent
drug addiction. A healthy body makes it easier for people to deal with stress and
handle life effectively, which eventually reduces the temptation to use drugs.

The above tips are a just a few ideas that can help prevent drug addiction.
However, if the person has already developed drug addiction, he/she should
seek drug detox treatment at the earliest.
Treatment of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction can be managed effectively like other chronic diseases such as
diabetes, heart disease, asthma etc. Treatment of drug addiction is becoming
personalized. The comprehensive treatment options not only address addiction,
but treat the underlying issues resulting in addiction.

Though there are many options to treat drug addiction, it is not easy. Drug
addiction is a chronic disease and one can’t stop using drugs within a few days.
A lot of patients need long term or repeated care to stop using drugs completely.
Drug addiction treatment depends on the severity of drug abuse. The treatment
must stop the person from using drugs as well as keep him away from drugs.

Different treatment methodologies are employed in treating drug abuse. The

treatment plan will be devised as per the condition of the addict. It is essential
that the treatment is tailored to the unique individual as there is no single
treatment that works for all.

Inpatient drug abuse treatment is one of the options that allow the addict to focus
on his/her recovery. Attending this treatment facility can increase the chances of
completing the drug addiction rehabilitation program, especially if the addict does
not have good support system at home.

Outpatient drug abuse treatment is ideal for those addicts who have a supportive
environment at home. It is usually recommended for those who want to attend
short-term inpatient treatment program.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is another treatment option that is highly effective in

treating drug addiction issues. CBT helps in controlling negative thought patterns
that lead to drug abuse. Patients can identify the triggers that cause them to use
drugs and learn to respond without the need to turn to the substance.
Celebrity Who Are Victim Of Drugs.

Robert Downey Jr.

The actor says he used drugs before he was a teenager and spent most of his early
career under their influence. He had several high-profile arrests in the late 1990s
and early 2000s while misusing alcohol, cocaine, and heroin and spent time in a
California prison and a state-run rehab facility. In 2002, he announced that he was
recovered. Marvel’s 2008 movie Iron Man revived his stalled career.

The actor says he used drugs before he was a teenager and spent most of his early
career under their influence. He had several high-profile arrests in the late 1990s
and early 2000s while misusing alcohol, cocaine, and heroin and spent time in a
California prison and a state-run rehab facility. In 2002, he announced that he was
recovered. Marvel’s 2008 movie Iron Man revived his stalled career.

Demi Lovato
She was a 17-year-old actress on family-friendly TV when, she says, she first used
cocaine. As her singing career took off, so did her problems with drugs and alcohol.
In 2010, she first sought treatment for addiction, along with mental health issues
including bipolar and eating disorders. She has addressed her ongoing recovery in
interviews, on social media, and in her music.

Sanjay Dutt
Sanjay's past addiction to drugs is no secret, and the actor hardly shys away
from sharing his experiences. Addressing a large young crowd, Sanjay said that
he had realised he needed help when he saw himself bleeding from his nose and
mouth. He said that this happened after he slept for two days without even being
aware of it.

"It was one morning, I woke up and I was very hungry. My mother had already
passed away that time, and I asked my house help to give me food. He then told
me that I did not eat since last two days as I kept sleeping. When I saw myself in
bathroom, I was on the verge of dying. I was bleeding from my nose and mouth.
This made me scared, and went to my father seeking help," Sanjay said at the
event.

Sharing his experience of being in a rehab, the veteran actor said that he used to
feel tempted in the first year of his treatment, but he somehow managed to
control his urge. He also said that after he came back to India, a drug peddler
came to meet him with a new kind of drug, but he chose not to get into drugs
ever again.

Manisha Koirala
Another celebrity to have surrendered to alcohol and drug abuse during her
peak years was actress Manisha Koirala. Though she delivered hits after
hits, sadly she too succumbed to the pressure of the industry and was
constantly in the limelight for her smoking, drinking and drug abuse
problems which also led to her downfall. The actress was later diagnosed
with ovarian cancer. That's when she apparently turned a new leaf and gave
up the bad habits. The brave heart that she is, Manisha fought valiantly
against the disease and emerged successfully. She has recuperated well
since then and is now gearing up for her next film, the Dutt biopic, where
she's set to play the role of Sanjay Dutt's late mother and legendary actress
Nargis.