Drug Abuse

Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Drug addiction isn’t about just heroin,cocaine, or other illegal drugs. You can get addicted to alcohol, nicotine,sleep and anti-anxiety medications, and other legal substances.

You can also get addicted to prescription or illegally obtained narcotic pain medications, or opioids. This problem is at epidemic levels in the United States. In 2018, opioids played a role in two-thirds of all drug overdose deaths.

Causes of drug use

Drugs of abuse are usually psychoactive drugs that are used by people for various different reasons which may include, Curiosity and peer pressure, especially among school children and young adults.The use of prescription drugs that were originally intended to target pain relief may have turned into recreational use and become addictive Chemicals may be used as part of religious practices or rituals.

Drug categories

Depressants: These cause depression of the brain’s faculties and examples include sleeping pills (barbiturates) and heroin.

Stimulants: These cause stimulation of thebrain, giving rise to alertness and increased bursts of activity. A rapid heartrate, dilated pupils, raised blood pressure, nausea or vomiting and behavioralchanges such as agitation, and impaired judgment may also result.

Hallucinogens:These cause hallucinations and an “out of this world” feeling of dissociation from oneself.

Can drug use and addiction be prevented?

Drug use and addiction are preventable. Prevention programs involving families, schools,communities, and the media may prevent or reduce drug use and treatment is also available. Treatments for drug addiction include counseling, medicines, or both.

‍

‍