Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is a dangerous trend that badly affects the health of humans. People suffering from drug addiction develop an uncontrollable compulsion of having drugs. Their craving becomes so intense that they do not even worry for consequences. Prolonged use of drugs on a compulsive basis affects functioning of brain and behavior. Many people tart taking drugs for amusement or for sake of trying. Some people try it to undermine stress, anxiety, or depression. Some use it as their friends are using it. Gradually it becomes a habit and ultimately an addiction.

There are many sign or symptoms by which it can be known whether a person has become drug addict. If a person has regular blood shot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual, alteration in appetite or sleep patterns, sudden weight loss or weight gain, weakening of physical appearance, lack of personal grooming habits, unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing, tremors slurred speech, or impaired coordination, it may be due to drug addiction.

Other warning signs of drug addiction is behavioral changes such as neglect of social life, avoiding work, unexplained need for money or financial problems, secretive or suspicious behaviors and behaving aggressive or violent frequently. Changes in personality, mood swings, irritability, agitation, hyperactivity, lethargy, change in attitude and other such psychological changes are also warning signs of drug addiction.

Addict neglect his or her responsibilities and has withdrawal symptoms such as unusual restlessness, irritation or anxiety. Other symptoms of drug addiction are confusion, continuous use of drugs even it is harming health, work, or family, episodes of violence, hostility when confronted about drug dependence, lack of control, missing work or school, or a decrease in performance and other unusual behaviors.

They go on with drugs even after knowing its harms. There are many factors, which could lead to drug addiction. Genetic factors, mental health and social environment also have an effect on addiction problem. A person with a family history of addiction, abused, neglect, or other traumatic childhood, mental disorders, depression or anxiety is more prone to addiction problems.

People who have depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and easy access to drugs are more likely to be addicts. People may start having drugs if they have low self-esteem, or problems with relationships, a stressful lifestyle or economic or emotional problem. Later it becomes habit and ultimately an addiction. People living in a culture where there is a high social acceptance of drugs are also more prone to drug addiction. Peer pressure can lead to drug use and consequently drug addiction.

Use of recreational drug causes a surge in levels of dopamine in brain triggering feelings of pleasure. This leads the brain craving for more such highs. Drug addiction affects brain and the addicts lack proper coordination and his ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, control behavior, and feel normal without drugs decrease. It makes addicts irrational and forces him more into it.

Drug use could gradually become addiction. People experimenting with it continue to use them because of the pleasure they get from it. If a person takes drugs to be relieved from anxiety, stress, depression or to feel energetic, start relying on it. As the frequent use of drugs becomes addiction the addict starts missing or being late for work, deteriorating in performance and start avoiding social life.

When drug addiction starts interference in social life, professional life, or health, then the patient should consult a doctor. An addict always denies his or her addiction thus it is up to family and friends to recognize the problem. Treatment for drug addiction starts with recognizing the problem. A drug addict should be treated with empathy and respect to encourage him or her to get out of this problem.

Treatment of drug addiction may involve stoppage of drug use at once or gradually. Then patient needs abstinence or being drug free. The treatment depends on the drug being used by the addict. The treatment involves self-control, detoxification and other medical aids. Detoxification is the withdrawal of drugs being used, in a controlled environment. Sometimes addicts are prescribed with a drug with a similar action to reduce the side effects. Gradually it leads to abstinence.

Suggested Readings:

•Drugs Classification
•Opiate Drugs, Combinations and Brand Names
•Points To Remember While Choosing Treatment For Drug Addiction
•Preventing Relapse During Treatment For Drug addiction
•Heroin Addiction
•Drug Addiction Risk Factors
•Effective Treatment Approach For Drug Addiction
•About Opioid Addiction
•Symptoms of Opioid Addiction
•Cocaine Abuse And Treatment
•Cocaine Addiction And Harmful Effects
•Drug Addiction Support Groups
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