The Multiple Faces Of Drug And Substance Abuse
Drug and substance abuse are considered a menace of society not only because of
the thousands (if not millions) of lives wasted and lost, but also because of
the financial loses that results from such addiction. Despite the amount spent
for drug abuse prevention and treatment the government still faces a tough time
ridding society of this malady.
The cost of drug rehab is so prohibitive that a family who has problems putting
food on their tables three times a day would rather close their eyes on the
reality that a family member is suffering from drug abuse. It’s easier
for them to do this than to face up to the cost of drug treatment.
A person starts the road to drug substance abuse by taking small doses for
fun until such time when he can no longer function without such substance. He
then experiences a persistent and compulsive craving for the drugs without fear
of the negative consequences. An addict loses hold of reason, and develops a
psychological and physical dependence on the drug or substance being abused.
So why does a person use drugs? Some do it initially for fun or for the thrill
of using something prohibited. Others give in to the pressure of friends or
a wrong crowd. Others use drugs because of curiosity or to escape a family or
personal problem. Research shows that almost half of drug and substance abusers
also have bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression or even schizophrenia.
Signs of drug and substance abuse:
- Alienation from friends and even family
- Constant and often unexplained need for money
- Changes (usually negative) in school, work or other activities
- Commission of a crime like theft
- Mood swings and outbursts
- Dirty physical appearance
- Depression and exhaustion
Both drug and substance abuse are used synonymously and interchangeably and
they both refer to the use of drugs or other addicting substances to the point
of dependency. Here are the drugs and substances that are commonly abused:
- Marijuana - this has been used as an herbal medicine to cure common ailments.
It can stimulate the appetite and heightens the senses, reduce vomiting and
can relieve aches and pains. Continued use of marijuana can result to impairment
of memory and learning, increase in heart rate, as well as lung problems.
- Uppers - also called stimulants because they stimulate the central nervous
system and boost confidence. The common uppers are methamphetamine as well
as prescriptions medicines like Adderall and Ritalin. Prolonged use can lead
to paranoia, hallucinations, aggression and sleeplessness. A person can overdose
on uppers which can lead to death.
- Downers - they are also known as depressants as they slow down the central
nervous system (as opposed to the effects of uppers). Among the drugs that
fall under this classification are Valium and date rape drugs that induce
a sense of relaxation. Prolonged use can lead to delusions, cramps and amnesia.
It can be lethal especially when mixed with alcohol.
- Inhalants - these substances (which include solvents, thinners, hair sprays
and butane lighters) intoxicate the sniffer and provide a temporary high and
confusion. Prolonged use can result to brain damage. An overdose can lead
to the sudden sniffing death syndrome.
- Hallucinogens - these are also known as psychedelics or drugs that alter
the mind. Common drugs are LSD and Ecstasy (which has already made the rounds
of clubs and even educational institutions). It can damage the liver and the
heart. Cause memory loss and paranoia.
- Narcotics - these are more popularly known as pain relievers that make
the body feel good. It can improve the mood of the user; among its side effects
are diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. The intravenous application of these
drugs can lead to HIV and other infections.
There are medications and substances that were manufactured to help promote
health. However, their ability to be abused by people has placed these genuinely
helpful drugs and substances in a questionable position.
Drug Rehab
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