Drug abuse is the general term used to describe the excessive and habitual use of an addictive substance, such as alcohol, marijuana, or cocaine. Usage of these drugs will often lead to the user experiencing impaired judgment, loss of physical and emotional control, and a general state of intoxication. However, if the addiction becomes too severe, the consequences can be life-threatening. Let's take a closer look at the different types of drug abuse.
Previously, the term drug abuse was generally used in reference to abusing drugs, which were illegal and hard to obtain. But over the years, legal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco have become the leading causes of drug abuse. According to a survey conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse in 2014:
The war on drugs has been an ongoing fight lasting for decades. In an attempt to provide "a legal foundation of the government's fight against the abuse of drugs, the United States passed the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act in 1970. The Act is a federal law in the United States, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of the pharmaceutical industry, explains and categorizes the different types of controlled substances, and sets laws on how drugs can be manufactured, distributed, and used.
The full version of the 1970 Act is available online for further information.
It is important to note that the term Drug Abuse should not be confused with the term Drug Addiction (Substance Abuse). They are often wrongly used interchangeably even though they are two separate and distinct conditions.
When someone is an addict, the dependence on the drug is both psychological and physical. It is an illness beyond the individual's control. However, when someone is abusing drugs, it's a habit they continue to indulge in even though their actions begin to negatively impact their lives and their ability to function normally. Drug addiction or dependency often begins with drug abuse. It is possible and likely that continued drug abuse eventually evolves and develops into an addiction, especially if the abuse begins at a young age.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
When someone is abusing drugs, oftentimes the first thing loved ones will notice are certain changes in the person's behavior. Over time, the abuser will begin to display quick changes in mood and temperament. They may display anger or irritation towards family and friends, be vague and secretive about their life, and display paranoia and a careless attitude towards things they previously cared about. Additional signs and symptoms can be spotted by asking yourself some of the questions below.
If the answer was yes to several of these questions, it might be time for family and friends to confront the individual with their concerns. Drug abuse is a serious medical condition, which can have devastating repercussions for the individual and their loved ones if left unaddressed.
Causes of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse can affect anyone at any time. If you're abusing drugs, or know someone who is, know that you're not alone in your struggle. Drug abuse does not discriminate in terms of class, race, age, or gender. Anyone can fall victim to drug abuse. However, according to research, 18-25 years old is an at-risk age for drug abuse, and men are more likely to be abusers than women. Genetics, psychology, and environment can by themselves or combined have a hand in causing someone to become an abuser of drugs.
Studies have shown that children who have drug-abusing parents are at a greater risk of becoming abusers themselves. However, this is not the only cause. Not all abusers come from an environment of drug abuse. There are other factors that have been shown to lead to drug abuse. For example, in an attempt to cope with a traumatic event, mental illness, or condition, such as depression, an individual may turn to drugs in order to numb their feelings or escape from the pain. Over time, this may turn into drug abuse.
The environment a child grows up in can play a significant role in how they turn out later in life. A child who does not grow up in a nurturing, loving environment and is continuously exposed to an environment of abuse, neglect, alcohol, or drugs may over time turn to drugs themselves, either as a way of getting noticed or as a coping mechanism. However, children from very stable and affluent families can also abuse drugs and alcohol. Additional external risk factors, which can influence or contribute to drug abuse, are:
It is generally believed that a combination of these factors together causes someone to become a drug abuser.
Types of Drug Abuse and Their Effects
Almost any kind of substance, both legal and illegal, can be abused when used recklessly. Some of these drugs include but are not limited to:
A number of disorders such as ADD, obesity, and sleep disorders are treated using amphetamines. As a result, they are easily available. Methamphetamine is a type of amphetamine that is illegally produced and distributed with no medicinal purpose. Abusing amphetamines can lead to physical and psychological side effects such as hypertension, mood swings, and deterioration of the nasal cavity and teeth. There is also a risk of overdose.
Treatments for Drug Abuse - How to Get Help?
The first step to getting help for any kind of problem is identifying and admitting to the problem. Recovery can be a long and difficult process, but it's not impossible. There needs to be a commitment from the individual, and support from loved ones is an immense positive. One of the most difficult steps is getting through the withdrawal phase. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, seizures, restlessness, etc. can last for several days to several months. The length and severity of the symptoms are based on the type of drug, how it was abused, how much was abused, as well as medical history. Some drugs are dangerous to detox from without medical supervision.
Most drug abuse treatments are done in a detox or rehabilitation facility with programs that are geared specifically for the individual depending on the kind of abuse. With the help of a doctor, you can determine whether you need outpatient, residential, or hospital treatment. Once you have made the decision to seek help, the best thing to do is speak to your family doctor or another health professional at a clinic or hospital. They will be able to connect you with the appropriate resources, and they will be able to prescribe medications, to curb your cravings and manage your drug withdrawal symptoms.
Abusers commonly believe they can kick their drug habit without any help or support. More often than not, this is a misguided belief. Individual determination, support from loved ones, and working closely with your doctor are all key to a successful recovery. When drugs are used for a long period of time, brain functionality is altered, and it craves drugs. Thus, relapse is a very common problem.
Doctors often strongly recommend behavioral therapy in addition to rehab, as this helps patients learn different methods of coping with cravings. Therapy can also help with any underlying mental issue that is at play. If going to a therapist seems difficult, consider looking at counseling and therapy online. Psychotherapy will help to repair any damaged relationships and help you pick up the pieces of your life again. Read below for some reviews of BetterHelp counselors, from people experiencing similar issues.
Counselor Reviews
"Julissa is my lifeline to sobriety. I always know that she is there to assist me. She's honest and to the point. She helps me to see other aspects of my behavior that I either could not see or refuse to see. Thank you, Julissa!"
"Devon is a compassionate person who balances that with a let's get to the issue straightforwardness that I've sorely needed. As a procrastinator, I need a little bit of a push now and again, and Devon does that well without any judgment or guilt. She's supported me to the point where I am now in the AA program and beginning to really grasp the benefits. This has allowed us to deal with the me that needs to grow up and deal with the day to day issues of life, which are very painful. She's a highly effective help to me, now more so, since I gave up drinking. I really need her guidance on the issues at hand, and I totally get the support I need. She's wonderful!"
Conclusion
If you think you need immediate assistance either from a drug overdose or from severe withdrawal symptoms such as chest pains, high fever, hallucinations, or seizures, call 911 right away or go to emergency.
No matter how long you've been abusing drugs, it is never too late to get help. Make a conscious decision that you will quit and take the first step. Reach out to someone and ask for help. Remember that millions of people around the world, including high profile celebrities, have been where you are, and many of them have not only managed to kick their habits but have gone on to lead immensely successful and happy lives. With the right tools, you can too. Take the first step today.