Topic: Drug Addiction

I. Introduction
Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder in which compulsive drug-seeking
and drug-taking behavior persists despite serious negative consequences (Cami and
Farri, 2003). It is an urge to do something that is hard to control or stop. According to an
English dictionary, drug is a substance used to treat an illness, relieve a symptom or
modify a chemical process in the body for a certain purpose. There are drugs that
cannot be bought in the pharmacy because of the high dosage it contains, which are not
appropriate for human consumption unless you have the prescription from your doctor
to certify that you can buy those drugs.
Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a
person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or
illegal drug or medication. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine also are
considered drugs. When you're addicted, you may continue using the drug despite the
harm it causes.
Nowadays people use plants that are used to synthesize an illegal drug for them
to puff. Drug addiction is the dependency on drugs, especially which are illegal or
improperly procured by a druggy, a person who controls a large network of persons in
an illegal drug trade is called a drug lord, they pay drug dealers for selling their products
on the economy. Drug Lord uses them to avoid showing themselves on public to escape
the life behind bars.
Around 1.67 million or two out of one hundred Filipinos aged 10 to 69 are current
users of drugs, according to the results of the 2019 National Household Survey on the
Patterns and Trends of Drug Abuse, released by the Dangerous Drugs Board.
The 2019 Drug Survey estimates the current user prevalence rate at 2.05
percent, significantly lower than the 2018 global estimates of 5.3 percent published in
the World Drug Report 2020. Cannabis or marijuana (57%) was found to be the most
commonly abused dangerous drug followed by methamphetamine hydrochloride or
shabu (35%). For lifetime users, the average age when most of them started trying
drugs is 22 years old. Of the current users, on the other hand, most belong to the age
group of 18-59 years old.
There are a variety of factors that influence illegal drug prevalence in the
Philippines, namely geographic factors that make patrolling and protecting the country
from smugglers of methamphetamine and planters of marijuana difficult; economic
factors such as poverty; social factors such as the phenomenon of the overseas
contract worker; media exposure and the decreasing moral fabric of the society; and
political factors such as policies, drug laws, and enforcement (Hembra,2004).
Breaking the cycle of drugs, marginalization and poor socioeconomic prospects
requires programmed that link “science-based drug use prevention and treatment” as
well as “policies that prevent individuals and communities in participating in drug
trafficking and production”, with “efforts to improve public health, increase economic
development and public security, and reduce socio-economic inequalities”.
Addressing drug abuse and illegal trafficking requires understanding the “big
picture” of the problem… where health, social, economic and security challenges play
their role… Someone said that “the big picture doesn't just come from distance; it also
comes from time”. Time where we reach consensus on solutions and we decide to work
together (Luther, Reichert et al.2011)

II. Summary of Points

a. Symptoms
b. Types of Drugs
c. Causes
d. Risk factors
e. Complications and other Life Changing Complications.
f. Prevention
III. Discussion
a. Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others are the following:
Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a
day, having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts, over time,
needing more of the drug to get the same effect, taking larger amounts of the drug over
a longer period of time than you intended, making certain that you maintain a supply of
the drug, spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it, not meeting
obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities
because of drug use, continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing
problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm.
Also, doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing,
driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug,
spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the
effects of the drug, failing in your attempts to stop using the drug, and experiencing
withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug
Here are the symptoms that someone is addicted. They change in personality
and behavior like a lack of motivation, irritability, and agitation, bloodshot eyes and
frequent bloody noses, shakes, tremors, or slurred speech, change in their daily
routines, lack of concern for personal hygiene, unusual need for money; financial
problems and changes in friends and activities.
b. Types of Drugs
In order for us to familiarize the different kinds of illegal drugs, below are the
examples. First is Marijuana, hashish and other cannabis-containing substances.
People use cannabis by smoking, eating or inhaling a vaporized form of the drug.
Cannabis often precedes or is used along with other substances, such as alcohol or
illegal drugs, and is often the first drug tried. Next is K2, Spice and bath salts. There are
two groups of synthetic drugs — synthetic cannabinoids and substituted or synthetic
cathinones — are illegal in most states. The effects of these drugs can be dangerous
and unpredictable, as there is no quality control and some ingredients may not be
known. Synthetic cannabinoids, also called K2 or Spice, are sprayed on dried herbs and
then smoked, but can be prepared as an herbal tea. Despite manufacturer claims, these
are chemical compounds rather than "natural" or harmless products. These drugs can
produce a "high" similar to marijuana and have become a popular but dangerous
alternative. Substituted cathinones, also called "bath salts," are mind-altering
(psychoactive) substances similar to amphetamines such as ecstasy (MDMA) and
cocaine. Packages are often labeled as other products to avoid detection. Despite the
name, these are not bath products such as Epsom salts. Substituted cathinones can be
eaten, snorted, inhaled or injected and are highly addictive. These drugs can cause
severe intoxication, which results in dangerous health effects or even death.
Third are the barbiturates, benzodiazepines and hypnotics. Barbiturates,
benzodiazepines and hypnotics are prescription central nervous system depressants.
They're often used and misused in search for a sense of relaxation or a desire to
"switch off" or forget stress-related thoughts or feelings. Barbiturates. Examples include
phenobarbital and secobarbital (Seconal). Benzodiazepines. Examples include
sedatives, such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan),
clonazepam (Klonopin) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium). Hypnotics. Examples include
prescription sleeping medications such as zolpidem (Ambien, Intermezzo, others) and
zaleplon (Sonata). Fourth, are the Meth, cocaine and other stimulants. Stimulants
include amphetamines, meth (methamphetamine), cocaine, methylphenidate (Ritalin,
Concerta, others) and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR,
others). They are often used and misused in search of a "high," or to boost energy, to
improve performance at work or school, or to lose weight or control appetite.
Fifth are the club drugs, commonly used at clubs, concerts and parties.
Examples include ecstasy or molly (MDMA), gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB),
flunitrazepam (Rohypnol ― a brand used outside the U.S. ― also called roofie) and
ketamine. These drugs are not all in the same category, but they share some similar
effects and dangers, including long-term harmful effects. Because GHB and
flunitrazepam can cause sedation, muscle relaxation, confusion and memory loss, the
potential for sexual misconduct or sexual assault is associated with the use of these
drugs. Sixth, are the Hallucinogens. Use of hallucinogens can produce different signs
and symptoms, depending on the drug. The most common hallucinogens are lysergic
acid diethylamide (LSD) and phencyclidine (PCP).
Then, the inhalants. signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary, depending on the
substance. Some commonly inhaled substances include glue, paint thinners, correction
fluid, felt tip marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluids and household aerosol products. Due
to the toxic nature of these substances, users may develop brain damage or sudden
death. And lastly, are the Opioid painkillers. Opioids are narcotic, painkilling drugs
produced from opium or made synthetically. This class of drugs includes, among others,
heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone and oxycodone. Sometimes called the "opioid
epidemic," addiction to opioid prescription pain medications has reached an alarming
rate across the United States. Some people who've been using opioids over a long
period of time may need physician-prescribed temporary or long-term drug substitution
during treatment.
c. Causes

Like many mental health disorders, several factors may contribute

to development of drug addiction. The main factors are: Environment.
Environmental factors, including your family's beliefs and attitudes and
exposure to a peer group that encourages drug use, seem to play a
role in initial drug use.

Genetics. Once you've started using a drug, the development into

addiction may be influenced by inherited (genetic) traits, which may
delay or speed up the disease progression.

d. Risk Factors
People of any age, sex or economic status can become addicted to a drug.
Certain factors can affect the likelihood and speed of developing an addiction: First may
be on “Family history of addiction”. Drug addiction is more common in some families
and likely involves genetic predisposition. If you have a blood relative, such as a parent
or sibling, with alcohol or drug addiction, you're at greater risk of developing a drug
addiction. Next is “Mental health disorder”. If you have a mental health disorder such as
depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or post-traumatic stress
disorder, you're more likely to become addicted to drugs. Using drugs can become a
way of coping with painful feelings, such as anxiety, depression and loneliness, and can
make these problems even worse.
Third is may be on “Peer pressure”. Peer pressure is a strong factor in starting to
use and misuse drugs, particularly for young people. Fourth is “Lack of family
involvement”. Difficult family situations or lack of a bond with your parents or siblings
may increase the risk of addiction, as can a lack of parental supervision.
Sixth is could be on “Early use”. Using drugs at an early age can cause changes
in the developing brain and increase the likelihood of progressing to drug addiction.
Lastly, it could be by “Taking a highly addictive drug”. Some drugs, such as stimulants,
cocaine or opioid painkillers, may result in faster development of addiction than other
drugs. Smoking or injecting drugs can increase the potential for addiction. Taking drugs
considered less addicting — so-called "light drugs" — can start you on a pathway of
drug use and addiction.
e. Complications and other Life Changing Complications.
Drug use can have significant and damaging short-term and long-term effects.
Taking some drugs can be particularly risky, especially if you take high doses or
combine them with other drugs or alcohol. Here are some examples.
 Methamphetamine, opiates and cocaine are highly addictive and cause multiple
short-term and long-term health consequences, including psychotic behavior, seizures
or death due to overdose. GHB and flunitrazepam may cause sedation, confusion and
memory loss. These so-called "date rape drugs" are known to impair the ability to resist
unwanted contact and recollection of the event. At high doses, they can cause seizures,
coma and death. The danger increases when these drugs are taken with alcohol.
Ecstasy or molly (MDMA) can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and
complications that can include seizures. Long-term, MDMA can damage the brain.
One particular danger of club drugs is that the liquid, pill or powder forms of
these drugs available on the street often contain unknown substances that can be
harmful, including other illegally manufactured or pharmaceutical drugs. Due to the toxic
nature of inhalants, users may develop brain damage of different levels of severity. For
other life-changing complications, dependence on drugs can create a number of
dangerous and damaging complications, including: Getting a communicable disease.
People who are addicted to a drug are more likely to get an infectious disease, such as
HIV, either through unsafe sex or by sharing needles. Other health problems. Drug
addiction can lead to a range of both short-term and long-term mental and physical
health problems. These depend on what drug is taken. Accidents. People who are
addicted to drugs are more likely to drive or do other dangerous activities while under
the influence. Suicide. People who are addicted to drugs die by suicide more often than
people who aren't addicted. Family problems. Behavioral changes may cause marital or
family conflict and custody issues. Work issues. Drug use can cause declining
performance at work, absenteeism and eventual loss of employment. Problems at
school. Drug use can negatively affect academic performance and motivation to excel in
school. Legal issues. Legal problems are common for drug users and can stem from
buying or possessing illegal drugs, stealing to support the drug addiction, driving while
under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or disputes over child custody. Financial
problems. Spending money to support drug use takes away money from other needs,
could lead to debt, and can lead to illegal or unethical behaviors.
g. Prevention
The best way to prevent an addiction to a drug is not to take the drug at all. If your
doctor prescribes a drug with the potential for addiction, use care when taking the drug
and follow the instructions provided by your doctor. Doctors should prescribe these
medications at safe doses and amounts and monitor their use so that you're not given
too great a dose or for too long a time. If you feel you need to take more than the
prescribed dose of a medication, talk to your doctor.
In preventing drug misuse in children and teenagers, take these steps to help
prevent drug misuse in your children and teenagers: Communicate. Talk to your
children about the risks of drug use and misuse. Listen. Be a good listener when your
children talk about peer pressure, and be supportive of their efforts to resist it. Set a
good example. Don't misuse alcohol or addictive drugs. Children of parents who misuse
drugs are at greater risk of drug addiction. Strengthen the bond. Work on your
relationship with your children. A strong, stable bond between you and your child will
reduce your child's risk of using or misusing drugs.

IV. Comparison and Contrast

Attempts to understand the nature of illicit drug abuse and addiction can be traced back
for centuries, however, the search has always been limited by the scientific theories and
social attitudes available or dominant at any one time (Musto, 1996).
Drug Addiction Relation Drug Addiction
(Before) (Modern World Today)
 Drugs are only used  Drug addiction  People use drugs
on religious use, keeps on rising for many reasons:
medicinal use and  Its unending world they want to feel
recreational use. problem good, stop feeling
Historically,  Drugs is always bad, or perform
psychoactive negative to health. better in school or at
 substances have There is no healthy work, or they are
been used by (i) illegal drug. curious because
priests in religious others are doing it
ceremonies (eg, and they want to fit
amanita muscaria); in. The last reason
(ii) healers for is very common
medicinal purposes among teens. Drugs
(eg, opium); or (iii) excite the parts of
the general the brain that make
population in a you feel good.
socially approved (Mayer, Paulus, et
way (eg, alcohol, al., 2017)
nicotine, and
caffeine) Crocq,
2022).

 Global drug use

rising; Around 269  UNODC World Drug
million people used Report 2020: Over
drugs worldwide in 35 million people
2018, which is 30 suffer from drug use
per cent more than disorders, according
in 2009 to the latest World
Drug Report,
released today by
 Term redolent of the the United Nations
19th century use of Office on Drugs and
“habit” but also Crime (UNODC).
deriving from the
1930s eugenic  Rising
discussions of “the unemployment and
problem family” and reduced
the “social problem opportunities
group”, which in turn caused by the
had echoes of the pandemic are also
late 19th century likely to
concept of the disproportionately
“residuum”. First affect the poorest,
used for alcohol and making them more
drug users in the vulnerable to drug
1970s in place of use and also to drug
“addict” or “drug trafficking and
dependent”, and in cultivation in order
more widespread to earn money
use in the 1980s
and after.
Symbolized decline
of disease specific
views of compulsive
drug taking and also
the involvement of a
wider range of
personnel in the
management of
drug issues
(Berridge and Mars,
2004).

V. Conclusion
 Drug addiction is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional
changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. It also involves
abnormal functions of the brain because of the so much dose.
Drug addiction has many symptoms but the main point are the changes in their
daily routines. Lack of concern for personal hygiene. Unusual need for money; financial
problems. Changes in friends and activities. Also, this study shows the different kinds of
drugs. They are; Marijuana, hashish, other cannabis-containing substances, K2, Spice
and bath salts, barbiturates, benzodiazepines and hypnotics, meth, cocaine and other
stimulants, club drugs, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioid painkillers.
The main causes of drug addiction are based on the environment itself or
through genetics. People of any age, sex or economic status can become addicted to
drugs. Certain factors can affect the likelihood and speed of developing an addiction. It
could be family history of addiction, mental health disorder, peer pressure, lack of family
involvement, early use, taking a highly addictive drug and etc. Drug use can have
significant and damaging short-term and long-term effects. Taking some drugs can be
particularly risky, especially if you take high doses or combine them with other drugs or
alcohol. Dependence on drugs can create a number of dangerous and damaging
complications, including getting a communicable disease, other health problems,
accidents, suicide, family problems, work issues, problems at school, legal issues,
financial problems and etc.
It can be hard to completely avoid and do prevention on drugs for those who are
addicted, but steps you can take include; avoiding places where you know drugs and
alcohol will be available, surrounding yourself with friends who don't use drugs, knowing
how to resist temptation and learning how to cope with stress and relax without drugs.
By all counts, the significance of the results serves as the foundation of
knowledge for the future generations to drug addiction, also by avoiding the
consequences of being addicted. It aids in creating personal strategies for avoiding both
negative peers and the inherent social pressures associated with substance use in
social scenarios. It educates them on the dangers of substance use, even isolated
incidents.

References

Berridge, V., & Mars, S. (2004). History of addictions. Journal of Epidemiology &
Community Health, 58(9), 747-750.
Cami, J., & Farré, M. (2003). Drug addiction. New England Journal of Medicine,
349(10), 975-986.
Drug Addiction (Substance Use Disorder). (2016, October 16) Drug
Addiction.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-
causes/syc-20365112

Hembra, M. (2004). Social, Political and Economic Context of Illegal Drug Abuse in the
Philippines. National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Luther, J. B., Reichert, E. S., Holloway, E. D., Roth, A. M., & Aalsma, M. C. (2011). An
exploration of community reentry needs and services for prisoners: a focus on care to
limit return to high-risk behavior. AIDS patient care and STDs, 25(8), 475-481.

Mayer, S., Paulus, A. T., Łaszewska, A., Simon, J., Drost, R. M., Ruwaard, D., & Evers,
S. M. (2017). Health-related resource-use measurement instruments for intersectoral
costs and benefits in the education and criminal justice sectors. Pharmacoeconomics,
35(9), 895-908.
Mollenido, R. M., Quingking, C. G., Pascual, J. C., Escartin, I., Inigo, M. T., & Nino, R.
S. (2010). Baseline survey of treatment outcomes utilizing therapeutic community in
government substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers: The Philippine
experience.