In recent times, we have heard of many people, especially teenagers and young adults be victim to alcohol and/or drug addiction. Too much consumption of alcohol and drugs can lead to substance abuse.
What is an addiction?
An addiction is a relapsing, chronic brain disease which is defined by a psychological and physical dependence on drugs, alcohol, etc. People who happen to be addicted to substances will try to satisfy their toxic habits even if they are putting themselves or others at risk.
Drug addiction doesn’t just include substances such as cocaine, heroine, or any other such illegal products. A person can also get addicted to alcohol, sleep medication, anti-anxiety medication, and other prescribed medicines which are legal.
At first, one may choose to consume drugs because it makes them feel better, and they would think that they can control their intake. After some time, a person will develop a tolerance to a substance, if they do it again and again. This means that the affected person ends up consuming more alcohol and drugs which makes their addiction escalate. Substance abuse over a long period of time can end up turning into a cycle of addiction as they do not want to experience withdrawal. It takes too long for the people affected to realize that substance abuse has taken over their lives, and at that point they struggle to quit.
Reasons for addiction
No one ever actually plans to get addicted to substances. There are a multitude of reasons as to why a person would get addicted to drugs or alcohol. Some of these reasons are:
1) Peer pressure and curiosity.
2) Relieving stress
3) Being exposed from a young age.
Who is at risk?
The younger generation is usually the most vulnerable section of society, and it is more likely for them to develop an addiction. People who also suffer from mental disorders are more likely to turn to substances as an unhealthy coping mechanism when they feel helpless. A person has a high chance of getting addicted to substances, if they come under these categories:
Early drug use
Children are always growing, and consumption of substances may affect that negatively. If drugs and alcohol are consumed at an early age the child is more likely to get addicted when older.
Genetics
Genes play a big role in this. If a person has a family history of issues with addiction, it is likely that the person might become an addict as well.
Relationship problems
If you were surrounded by troubled family dynamics, it would increase your chances of developing an addiction.
Mental Disorders
The likelihood of developing an addiction will be higher, if the person has been diagnosed with any mental illnesses or disorders.
How does it affect the brain?
Substance abuse affects the body, but the most affected organ happens to be the brain. After the consumption of stimulating substances, the brain produces a chemical in large amounts called dopamine which triggers its reward system. After continuous substance abuse, the brain can no longer produce the normal amount of dopamine. This means people with addictions would struggle to find pleasure and enjoyment in usually activities that are supposed to be stimulating, for example going out with friends.
Difference between abuse and addiction
Alcohol or drug abuse is when a person consumes legal or illegal substances in ways which is not normal. An example of this is when you would take more medication than prescribed to you. In some cases, people are able to recognize their unsafe habits, and are able to put a stop to consumption of substances.
In the case of addiction people are unable to stop even when it is ruining their life. Even if they want to quit, it will be difficult for them to do so because the urge never goes away.
Commonly abused substances
Inhalants: These substances emit vapors which get inhaled. Intoxication from inhalants happens very fast, but usually the effect doesn’t last long. This type of intoxication is also called huffing. The effects of using these products are similar to drinking alcohol since the user starts feeling similar effects. Too much intake can cause brain damage, kidney failure etc.
Tobacco: The major addictive substance in tobacco is nicotine, but other than that, cigarettes also have many harmful chemicals in them. Too much smoking can cause lung cancer, heart disease, and passive smoking could also pass on these issues to the people around you.
Alcohol: Some people actually drink to socialize, but this substance actually affects the brain negatively. Alcohol makes you feel dizzy, clumsy, and may also reduce your ability to be able to coordinate your muscles among many other things. It can cause anxiety, hallucinations, and more commonly even liver failure.
Drugs: Various forms of drugs taken in the forms of pills, injections, and others usually cause many health risks. Higher consumption of drugs means that you are more likely to experience impairment in judgment, delirium, paranoia, and many more such issues. It will damage you physically and mentally.
Signs of addiction
Not taking care of yourself
Irritability and aggression
Lack of interest or motivation
Spending more time alone
Changing friends
Inconsistent sleep cycle
Inconsistent eating pattern
Have problems in personal and professional lives
Switching between emotions
Strongly exhibiting cravings for substances
Treatment
A lot of people who consume substances tend to believe that they could make themselves stop, if they wanted to, but this has been proven incorrect in many cases. There is one step which should be done before treatment, and that is detoxification. The detox is usually done in a medical facility, and would help the addict to cope with their withdrawal symptoms.
The most important step in recovery is to prevent relapse from ever occurring. A relapse is when a person falls back into their old habits. To treat substance abuse, it is usually required to seek a rehab program, and there is a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse advising, guiding, and providing the addict with strategies to prevent relapse.
Once the person has been examined. The doctor would prescribe appropriate medication if necessary to control the symptoms of withdrawals and drug cravings.
Conclusion
Addiction can spiral into a slippery slope, and requires a lot of effort to get out of it. If a person is addicted to substances and is abusing them, they must receive proper help and support instead of judgment.
References
webmd.com
emedicinehealth.com
verywellmind.com
mayoclinic.org
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