DRUG ADDICTION

Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a disease that affects a
person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal
or illegal drug or medicine. Substances such as alcohol, marijuana and nicotine
also are considered drugs. When you're addicted, you may continue using the
drug despite the harm it causes.

INTRODUCTION

Drug addiction can start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social
situations, and, for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. For
others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins when they take
prescribed medicines or receive them from others who have prescriptions.

The risk of addiction and how fast you become addicted varies by drug. Some
drugs, such as opioid painkillers, have a higher risk and cause addiction more
quickly than others.

As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you
may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find
that it’s increasingly difficult to go without the drug. Attempts to stop drug use
may cause intense cravings and make you feel physically ill. These are called
withdrawal symptoms.

SYMPTOMS

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include, among others:

ü Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several
times a day

ü Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts

ü Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect

ü Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you
intended

ü Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug

ü Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it

1
Drug Addiction Lecture Note. Prep. By; Z Nicholas Emmanuel
 ü Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on
social or recreational activities because of drug use

ü Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems
in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm

ü Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as
stealing

ü Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of
the drug

ü Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or
recovering from the effects of the drug

ü Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug

ü Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the

drug.

RECOGNIZING UNHEALTHY DRUG USE IN FAMILY MEMBERS

Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish normal teenage moodiness or anxiety

from signs of drug use. Possible signs that your teenager or other family
member is using drugs include:

 Problems at school or work — frequently missing school or work, a

sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or
work performance

 Physical health issues — lack of energy and motivation, weight loss or

gain, or red eyes

 Neglected appearance — lack of interest in clothing, grooming or looks

 Changes in behavior — major efforts to bar family members from

entering the teenager's room or being secretive about going out with
friends; or drastic changes in behavior and in relationships with family
and friends

2
Drug Addiction Lecture Note. Prep. By; Z Nicholas Emmanuel
  Money issues — sudden requests for money without a reasonable
explanation; or your discovery that money is missing or has been stolen
or that items have disappeared from your home, indicating maybe they're
being sold to support drug use.

CAUSES

Like many mental health disorders, several factors may contribute to

development of drug addiction. The main factors are:

 Environment. Environmental factors, including your family's beliefs and

attitudes and exposure to a peer group that encourages drug use, seem to
play a role in initial drug use.

 Genetics. Once you've started using a drug, the development into

addiction may be influenced by inherited (genetic) traits, which may
delay or speed up the disease progression.

CHANGES IN THE BRAIN

Physical addiction appears to occur when repeated use of a drug changes the
way your brain feels pleasure. The addicting drug causes physical changes to
some nerve cells (neurons) in your brain. Neurons use chemicals called
neurotransmitters to communicate. These changes can remain long after you
stop using the drug.

RISK FACTORS

People of any age, sex or economic status can become addicted to a drug.
Certain factors can affect the likelihood and speed of developing an addiction:

 Family history of addiction. Drug addiction is more common in some

families and likely involves an increased risk based on genes. If you have
a blood relative, such as a parent or sibling, with alcohol or drug
addiction, you’re at greater risk of developing a drug addiction.

 Mental health disorder. If you have a mental health disorder such as

depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or post-
traumatic stress disorder, you’re more likely to become addicted to drugs.
Using drugs can become a way of coping with painful feelings, such as
anxiety, depression and loneliness, and can make these problems even
worse.
3
Drug Addiction Lecture Note. Prep. By; Z Nicholas Emmanuel
  Peer pressure. Peer pressure is a strong factor in starting to use and
misuse drugs, particularly for young people.

 Lack of family involvement. Difficult family situations or lack of a bond

with your parents or siblings may increase the risk of addiction, as can a
lack of parental supervision.

 Early use. Using drugs at an early age can cause changes in the
developing brain and increase the likelihood of progressing to drug
addiction.

 Taking a highly addictive drug. Some drugs, such as stimulants,

cocaine or opioid painkillers, may result in faster development of
addiction than other drugs. Smoking or injecting drugs can increase the
potential for addiction. Taking drugs considered less addicting — so-
called “light drugs” — can start you on a pathway of drug use and
addiction.

LIFE-CHANGING COMPLICATIONS

Dependence on drugs can create a number of dangerous and damaging

complications, including:

 Getting an infectious disease. People who are addicted to a drug are

more likely to get an infectious disease, such as HIV, either through
unsafe sex or by sharing needles with others.

 Other health problems. Drug addiction can lead to a range of both

short-term and long-term mental and physical health problems. These
depend on what drug is taken.

 Accidents. People who are addicted to drugs are more likely to drive or
do other dangerous activities while under the influence.

 Suicide. People who are addicted to drugs die by suicide more often than
people who aren't addicted.

 Family problems. Behavioral changes may cause relationship or family

conflict and custody issues.i

 Work issues. Drug use can cause declining performance at work,

absenteeism and eventual loss of employment.
4
Drug Addiction Lecture Note. Prep. By; Z Nicholas Emmanuel
  Problems at school. Drug use can negatively affect academic
performance and motivation to excel in school.

 Legal issues. Legal problems are common for drug users and can stem
from buying or possessing illegal drugs, stealing to support the drug
addiction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or
disputes over child custody.

 Financial problems. Spending money to support drug use takes away

money from other needs, could lead to debt, and can lead to illegal or
unethical behaviors.

PREVENTION

Preventing drug addiction involves education, early intervention, and support

systems. Promoting awareness about the risks, providing coping skills, and
fostering a supportive environment can help deter substance abuse.

 Education: Implement comprehensive drug education programs in

schools to raise awareness about the risks and consequences of substance
abuse.

 Early Intervention: Identify and address risk factors early on, such as
mental health issues or social challenges, to prevent the development of
addictive behaviors.

 Community Involvement: Engage communities in anti-drug initiatives,

support groups, and activities to create a united front against substance
abuse.

 Parental Guidance: Educate parents on how to communicate effectively

with their children about drugs, establish open communication, and
recognize warning signs.

 Mental Health Support: Enhance mental health services and

accessibility to provide support for individuals dealing with emotional or
psychological challenges that may contribute to addiction.

 Alternative Coping Mechanisms: Encourage the development of

healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, art, or mindfulness, to help
individuals manage stress without resorting to substance use.

5
Drug Addiction Lecture Note. Prep. By; Z Nicholas Emmanuel
  Strict Regulations: Enforce and strengthen regulations on the sale and
distribution of substances, limiting accessibility and availability.

 Peer Education: Foster peer-to-peer education programs to empower

young individuals to make informed decisions about drug use.

 Treatment Accessibility: Ensure accessible and affordable treatment

options for those struggling with addiction, promoting a supportive path
to recovery.

 Employment Opportunities: Enhance employment opportunities for at-

risk populations, as stable employment can contribute to a sense of
purpose and reduce the likelihood of substance abuse.

6
Drug Addiction Lecture Note. Prep. By; Z Nicholas Emmanuel
i