Drug Abuse
What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse refers to the phenomenon of consumption or use of psychoactive or performance enhancing drug for achieving an effect that is non therapeutic or non medical. The most common drugs included in this subject include alcohol, cocaine, amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, methaqualone, and opium alkaloids. Nowadays, the term substance abuse is more popular than drug abuse since it takes into account various other objects, along with drugs, that can be used or consumed for non medical purposes.
Drug abuse affects the central nervous system and is a leading factor for mood changes and levels of awareness and/or perceptions and sensation. Usually, the psychological and social problems are also taken into consideration while illustrating the term drug abuse. It has been found that overindulgence in drugs leads to various physical and mental problems which require medical intervention for treatment and well being of the user.
There’s much debate between the terms dependence and abuse in the context of their actual implications. However, the term abuse is increasingly used for those who take or consume drugs for physical or mental satisfaction, which may lead to addiction, rather than for medical or therapeutic purposes.
Symptoms of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse has its adverse affects on the body and mind of an individual. Drug abuse has been found to imply its profound effects on heart rate, blood pressure and various other metabolic and mental processes. While, in the beginning, it provides extraordinary calm or interesting feelings with gradual increase of use, it becomes an unavoidable routine without which an individual may feel severe discomfort and uneasy phases in life.
The physical signs of drug abuse include episodes of increased energy, restlessness and inability to sleep; sudden weight gain or loss; cycles of excessive sleep and unexpected changes in clothing etc. It may also include suspected drug paraphernalia, such as pipes and syringes etc.; chronic sinusitis or nosebleeds (for snorted drugs); a consistent coughing or bronchitis (for smoked drugs) and severe dental problems, especially with methamphetamine etc.
The mental and emotional signs of drug abuse includes episodes of being unusually or over active (being talkative, up and cheerful); temporary psychosis or hallucinations, increased irritability, anxiety or anger; unusual calmness or unresponsiveness etc. Sometimes, drug abuse may also cause apathy and depression and paranoia or delusions. A lowered threshold for violence is also a symptom of severe drug abuse.
Diagnosis of Drug Abuse
Various medical examinations may be undertaken to detect the signs of substance abuse, such as test of weight, pulse, temperature, heart beat rate and blood pressure. Sometimes, the systemic examinations are also undertaken which includes the examinations of respiratory, cardiovascular, abdominal and nervous systems.
The diagnosis of drug abuse is usually made by testing the blood and urine. It is possible to detect drugs in blood or urine of a person who is into drug abuse. Moreover, liver and kidney function tests are also performed. Some of the abnormalities are usually caused by a particular substance and these are known as biological markers which help in identifying heavy use.
Causes of Drug Abuse
Although the exact reasons for a person getting into drug abuse is unknown, it is believed that there are a host of factors contributing to it. A prime reason for a person getting into drug abuse may be inability to self soothe or get rid of a mental and physical problems. Loneliness and depression may also lead to drug abuse. Untreated mental or physical problems are also found to be a contributing factor.
A family history of addiction is also sometimes believed to be a reason for getting into drug abuse. Although, it has not been proved, it is believed that a family history of drug addiction increases the risk of getting into drugs.
Untreated physical pain is also a major cause for an individual getting into drug abuse. It has been found that without proper medical supervision, pain killers and other medications can become addictive in a very short span of time.
A history of mental illness is also found to be a contributing factor for drug abuse. The exact reasons are not known but it seems that continuing mental problems trigger the aspirations to get into drug abuse.
Peer pressure is one of the most influential factors for drug abuse, especially among the teenagers. It is tough to avert drugs for a long time if most of the members of peer group is involved in drug abuse.
Treatment of Drug Abuse
The treatment of drug abuse includes behavioral therapies in combination with medication and support services. The overall therapeutic process starts with detoxification followed by treatment and prevention of relapse. It is important to ease the withdrawal symptoms in the beginning and preventing relapse is necessary for a permanent solution. Sometimes, it is necessary to go back to prior treatment components in case of a relapse. It is, however, noticed that a successful treatment includes a customized approach that includes all aspects of an individual’s life, including medical and mental health services and follow up options.
Medication is essential for suppression of withdrawal symptoms during detoxification. However, it is not a treatment but is the first step of treatment. It has been observed that patients require further treatments to show considerable progress, and without further treatment chances of relapse are higher than normal.
Medications are also useful in establishing normal brain functions, diminish cravings and preventing relapse. Methadone and buprenorphine, are used for the treatment of opiate addiction. These medications act on the same targets in the brain as heroin and morphine. These are found to suppress withdrawal symptoms. These are also quite helpful in relieve craving for the drug. Disengaging from drug-seeking and related criminal behavior and making them more receptive to behavioral treatments are the major aims of application of these drugs.
Behavioral therapies are also considerably important for overall treatment and well being of the patients. The cognitive behavioral therapy helps the patients cope in the situations where, usually, they tend to drug abuse. The multidimensional family therapy looks into the broader aspects of the disease and is designed for the patient and their family members. The motivational interviewing procedures help by making the patients ready to enter treatment. Motivational incentives use positive reinforcement to encourage abstinence from drugs.
Apart from these various rehabilitation and residential treatments are offered for the patients with more severe problems. These programs last for about 6 months to a year, and are quite effective in diminishing the craving and requirement of drugs for the drug abusers.
Living with Drug Abuse
Recovery from drug abuse is an ongoing process and continuous support of family members is required in the process. Moreover, it is essential to make the patients aware of the problems and consequences of drug abuse so that they may become self interested. It is also essential to understand that most of the patients go through depression and mood changes as they recover from the disease. Understanding the details of disease and treatments would not only initiate a healthy process but will also make the treatments easier and readily acceptable.
The patients should also be aware of the affects to their families and restrain from drug abuse. It is essential to keep track of the medications and take them regularly to avert any further deterioration of the situation. Violence in any manner should be immediately brought into the inspection of the doctors. It is to be understood that a little coping with the physicians and family may result in long lasting happiness and a healthier lifestyle.
Prevention of Drug Abuse
Preventing drug abuse requires an understanding of the disease, symptoms, treatments and measures that may be taken to reduce the disease. Since, the children and adolescents are the most vulnerable, it is essential for their guardians to keep an eye over the matter. Moreover, awareness programs may also provide an insight to the people prone to fall in the racquet. Knowing the pros and cons of drug abuse would naturally cause abstinence. Moreover, a conducive family atmosphere free from stress and pressures is also essential for preventing drug abuse. Patients suffering from mental and physical problems should be adequately supported to keep them away from drug abuse. Taking up drug abuse as a social problem also helps in diminishing the grasp of disease and saves many individuals from the disease.
