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Unravel 'what is drug abuse?' – from its psychological impacts to treatment options. Knowledge is power.
To comprehend "what is drug abuse?", it's crucial to first understand the terminology used by medical professionals. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) uses the term Substance Use Disorder (SUD) instead of "drug abuse."
According to DSM-5, Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is defined as a disorder involving the continued use of substances despite personal, professional, and health-related problems caused by the usage that negatively affects a person’s day-to-day life. This disorder can lead to serious health consequences, such as overdose and even death. Since 1999, more than 760,000 people have died from opioid overdoses, with two out of three overdoses in 2018 linked to opioid use. Chronic substance use can also lead to long-term health consequences, depending on factors like the substance, the amount, and its duration of use.
The prevalence of Substance Use Disorder varies across different demographics and ethnicities. Studies have found that SUD tends to be more common among Black people than Hispanics, Asians, and white individuals. However, it's important to note that this does not necessarily correlate with the likelihood of using illegal drugs. For example, in the United States, Black Americans are 6–10 times more likely to be incarcerated for drug offenses, despite not necessarily being more likely to use illegal drugs.
Additionally, SUD is more common in males across several ethnicities, including white, Black, African American, American Indian, Alaska Natives, and individuals identifying as two or more races. The effects of chronic substance use, such as changes in cognitive function and behavior, can exacerbate symptoms of other mental disorders and may be a risk factor for developing other mental illnesses.
Understanding the definition and prevalence of drug abuse is the first step towards demystifying this complex issue. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the psychological and physical effects of drug abuse, common substances of abuse, and how to deal with drug abuse.
Understanding the psychological effects of drug abuse is crucial to fully comprehend the far-reaching implications of this issue. Not only does substance abuse impact the physical health of an individual, but it also has profound effects on mental health and personal and professional life.
Drug abuse can lead to severe mental health issues, as excessive alcohol and drug use can send the nervous system into disarray, rewire the brain, and cause inflammation. This can eventually lead to the development of mental illnesses.
For instance, depression is strongly associated with addiction. Symptoms can include sadness, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. It's important to note the loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable, a shared symptom of both addiction and depression. This underscores the demotivating and destructive nature of these conditions.
Furthermore, substance use disorders often perpetuate continual negative self-talk, resulting in feelings of guilt and shame. These feelings can lead individuals into a negative feedback loop that fuels substance abuse further.
The psychological effects of drug abuse extend beyond mental health, impacting an individual's personal and professional life considerably. The chemical compounds in illicit drugs rewire brain chemistry, leading to a shift in priorities. The pursuit of achieving the same high becomes more important than relationships, work, and responsibilities, causing significant disruptions in an individual's life [2].
This shift can result in strained relationships with family and friends, decreased productivity at work, and neglect of personal responsibilities. In extreme cases, it can lead to job loss, financial instability, and legal issues.
The impact of drug abuse on mental health and personal and professional life highlights the importance of addressing this issue. Early detection, intervention, and access to resources for recovery are crucial in combating the destructive effects of drug abuse.
Understanding the physical consequences of drug abuse is crucial to fully comprehend the gravity of the issue. These consequences can be direct health risks associated with the behavior of using drugs, or more specific health effects related to the type of substance being used.
The act of abusing drugs carries significant direct health risks. One of the primary dangers is the increased risk of contracting infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, especially for individuals using needles [3].
Risk of infections can also increase due to sharing injection equipment or engaging in unsafe practices like condom-less sex. Injection drug use can even lead to infections of the heart, skin, and other health complications.
It's important to understand that the physical consequences are not limited to the individual abusing drugs. It can also cause severe health problems for others, such as through the transmission of bloodborne diseases.
Different substances can lead to various health issues. For instance, chronic substance use is linked to cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease. This underlines the fact that the physical health effects of drug abuse are not only immediate but also long-term, which can be detected through imaging scans, chest X-rays, and blood tests.
In addition to these physical health effects, substance abuse can lead to severe mental health conditions. Moreover, it can adversely affect a person’s relationships, home life, and work life.
In conclusion, the physical consequences of drug abuse are far-reaching and severe, affecting not only the health of the individual using drugs but also the people around them. It's essential to understand these risks to fully grasp the seriousness of this issue and to understand why prevention and treatment are so critical.
Understanding what constitutes drug abuse involves familiarizing oneself with the types of substances commonly misused. Contrary to popular belief, drug abuse isn't limited to illicit substances. Legal medications can also be abused, leading to serious health risks.
One of the most concerning aspects of drug abuse is the misuse of legal medicines. Over-the-counter and prescription medications, while beneficial when used correctly, can lead to addiction and dangerous health complications if misused [5].
Among the commonly abused legal drugs are barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, pentobarbital, and secobarbital. These substances are often prescribed to aid with anxiety, sleep problems, and seizures. However, high doses can lead to addiction and breathing difficulties. Withdrawal from barbiturates can also pose significant health risks.
Benzodiazepines, including alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepam, are another category of legal drugs prone to misuse. Primarily used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep disorders, benzodiazepines can lead to physical dependence and addiction, even when used as prescribed.
Globally, the most commonly abused substances are not limited to legal medicines. Cannabis, marijuana, and hashish top the list, with approximately 141 million people consuming cannabis worldwide. Stimulants like amphetamine and ecstasy are also prevalent, with nearly 30 million people using these substances. Cocaine use is significant as well, with approximately 13 million users, primarily in the United States.
Although less common than other substances, heroin and other opioids still impact an estimated 8 million individuals. These substances are predominantly used in specific regions, including South-East and South-West Asia and Europe.
Understanding the types of substances commonly abused is an essential step towards demystifying drug abuse. It underscores the need for comprehensive prevention, education, and treatment strategies to address this pervasive issue.
Addressing drug abuse, or substance use disorder (SUD), involves multiple facets, including proper diagnosis, effective treatment options, and comprehensive support resources. Understanding these aspects can aid those seeking help for drug addiction.
Diagnosing drug addiction requires a comprehensive evaluation often carried out by a psychiatrist, a psychologist, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor. Lab tests such as blood or urine tests may be employed to assess drug use, but they do not serve as a diagnostic tool for addiction. Instead, these tests are useful for monitoring treatment progress and recovery.
For diagnosing SUD, most mental health professionals rely on the criteria provided in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Although drug addiction is incurable, various treatment options can help individuals overcome an addiction and maintain a drug-free lifestyle. The treatment plan depends on the type of drug used and any associated medical or mental health disorders. Long-term follow-up is crucial to prevent relapse.
In cases of an opioid overdose, naloxone, a medicine that temporarily reverses the effects of opioid drugs, can be administered by emergency responders.
Medicines like buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone may also be recommended as part of the treatment for opioid addiction. These medicines can reduce cravings for opioids and may help prevent relapse [6].
Support and recovery resources play a crucial role in dealing with drug abuse. Institutions like the University of San Francisco (USF) provide drug prevention programming to students through various departments such as Health Promotion Services, Student Housing and Residential Education, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Public Safety.
Students are strongly encouraged to reach out to their institutions for information on community drug or alcohol counseling services, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs [7].
Universities and colleges often have policies on substance abuse and alcoholic beverages. For instance, the University of San Francisco's policies are outlined in section 6.2 of The Fogcutter. These policies are guided by the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989 to maintain a healthy and socially responsible campus environment regarding drug abuse.
Effective treatment for SUD should address all of a person's mental and physical health needs. Treatment may involve components such as behavioral therapy, group therapy, and medication.
Understanding 'what is drug abuse?' goes beyond recognizing the physical and psychological effects. It entails comprehensive knowledge of diagnosis and treatment options, as well as the availability and accessibility of support and recovery resources.
[1]: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-drug-abuse
[2]: https://www.racnj.com/5-devastating-psychological-effects-of-drug-addiction/
[3]: https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Drug-Abuse.aspx
[4]: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health
[5]: https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/ss/slideshow-commonly-abused-drugs
[6]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365113
[7]: https://myusf.usfca.edu/hps/alcohol-drugs/commonly-abused-drugs
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At Wellbrook Recovery we’re committed to helping you reclaim your life from drug and alcohol addiction with comfort and dignity. We dedicate all of our resources and expertise to help every individual in our care find peace and lasting recovery by providing them a tailored program with all levels of treatment. Our complete care encompasses all aspects of the addiction, rehabilitating their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Our individualized approach to treatment ensures that each person receives the care and support they need to achieve lasting recovery.
Let our expert staff help bring you to be your best self, with comfort, dignity, privacy and professionalism. We treat the person, not just the addiction. Wellbrook offers a recovery experience like no other in Wisconsin.
