Drug Addiction! Everything You Need To Know
Drug addiction or abuse refers to the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to negative physical and mental consequences. It is also known as substance use disorder SUD. SUD is a chronic yet manageable mental disorder that impacts an individual’s brain and actions, resulting in an inability to control their consumption of legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. This complex condition, drug addiction, is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetic, environmental, and personal factors. These multidimensional factors make it difficult for individuals to overcome their addiction. I already wrote about 7 important reasons why quitting drugs is difficult which everyone should understand. Addiction can happen to anyone who uses drugs, regardless of the type of drug or the method of use. Over time, repeated drug use can change the brain’s structure and function, leading to a powerful urge to use the drugs even in the face of negative consequences.
In this article, I am covering a range of important topics related to drug abuse.
- Drug Addiction (Already explained above)
- Symptoms of drug addiction
- Important terms related to drug addiction
- Types of Drugs and their effects
- Common types of drugs used by college students and teenagers
- Treatment for drug addiction
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Following are the symptoms of drug addiction, I tried to simplify them for better understanding.
- Continuing to use drugs even when it’s clear that they are causing harm to oneself or others.
- Giving up other activities in favor of drug use.
- Spending a lot of time and effort obtaining, using, and recovering from drug use.
- Continued drug use despite negative consequences, such as problems with relationships, work, or health.
- Withdrawal symptoms when drug use is stopped, such as nausea, shaking, and anxiety.
- Increased drug tolerance, meaning that a person needs more of the drug to achieve the same effect.
Common Terms Related To Drug Addiction
When referring to drug addiction or substance use disorder SUD, you have listened to several terms repeatedly. Some of the most important terms are drug tolerance, drug dependency, withdrawal, and relapse. I will explain each one of these below in a way simpler.
- Drug Tolerance
- Drug Dependency
- Withdrawal
- Relapse
Drugs Tolerance
Tolerance means that when someone uses a drug repeatedly, their body gets used to it, and they need to take higher amounts of the drug to feel the same effects they used to get with lower doses. In other words, the body becomes less responsive to the drug, so more of it is needed to have the desired effect. Simply, tolerance can lead to a situation where a person needs to use more drugs or take higher doses to achieve the desired effects. This also leads to drug dependency.
Drugs Dependency
Dependency refers to a situation where a person relies on a drug to function normally and may experience withdrawal symptoms if they try to stop using it. In simpler terms, it means that someone becomes dependent on a drug and needs it to feel okay, both physically and mentally. If they try to quit, they can experience uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms.
Withdrawal
Withdrawal refers to the physical and psychological symptoms that occur when a person abruptly stops or reduces their use of drugs after prolonged and heavy usage. These include nausea, anxiety, seizures, shaking, and vomiting. When a person uses drugs over a prolonged period, their body and brain adapt to the presence of those drugs. This adaptation involves changes in the brain’s chemistry and neurotransmitter activity. When drug use is abruptly stopped or significantly reduced, the body is no longer receiving the substance it has adapted to. As a result, the brain and body experience a period of imbalance and readjustment. This leads to the onset of withdrawal symptoms.
Relapse
A relapse occurs when problematic behaviors or symptoms resurface after a period of improvement or recovery, typically associated with addiction or a chronic illness. In terms of addiction, it occurs when addiction resurfaces after a period of treatment. Relapse can occur due to various factors such as triggers, cravings, stress, underlying mental health issues, lack of support, and inadequate treatment plans, leading to a return to substance use. This is why I mentioned earlier that Psychologists and Psychiatrists must consider all factors involved in an Individual’s drug addiction. These factors may vary for everyone. So they can make a multidimensional and specific treatment plan that covers all those factors.
Most Commonly Abused Drugs
It is important to note that there are different types of drugs available, with each having its effects. You can also read my article about the most common types of drugs used by addicts, and here I am also listing them in brief in simple terms.
- Stimulants
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Opioids
- Inhalants
- Stimulants: Drugs that increase alertness, energy, and attention, such as cocaine or amphetamines.
- Depressants: Drugs that slow down brain activity, resulting in relaxation and sedation, like alcohol or benzodiazepines.
- Hallucinogens: These are able to alter perception, causing hallucinations and changes in thoughts, emotions, and senses, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms.
- Opioids: Powerful pain relievers that produce euphoria, often leading to addiction, like heroin or prescription painkillers.
- Inhalants: Chemical substances that produce mind-altering effects when breathed in, found in common household products like paint thinners or glue.
Most Commonly Abused Drugs By College Students and Teenagers
College students and teens often choose specific types of drugs to abuse or use because each drug has its unique effects that attract them based on their desires or perceived advantages. The drugs preferred by college students can vary across different countries and cultures, as the drug choices of Western students may differ from those in other regions. Here are five of the most commonly abused drugs by college students:
- Marijuana / Cannabis
- Synthetic Drugs / Crystal Meth / Ice
- Synthetic Drugs / Ecstasy
- Prescription drugs
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
Marijuana / Cannabis
Marijuana is often perceived as harmless, it can lead to addiction and interfere with academic and personal responsibilities. With the legalization of marijuana in some US states, it has become more accessible to college students.
Synthetic Drugs / Crystal Meth / Ice
Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, crystal meth, or ice has become increasingly popular among teenagers in recent years. These drugs are often cheaper and easier to obtain than traditional drugs like heroin. Typically smoked, snorted, or injected due to their effects of euphoria, increased energy, and decreased appetite. These are highly addictive and can cause a range of negative physical and mental effects.
Synthetic Drugs / Ecstasy
Ecstasy, also known as MDMA methylenedioxymethamphetamine is another commonly used synthetic drug. It is typically taken in pill form and can cause feelings of euphoria, increased sociability, and heightened sensory experiences. However, it also leads to dehydration, overheating, and other serious health problems.
Prescription drugs
College students often abuse prescription drugs, some of them use drugs like Adderall and Ritalin to stay awake and alert during exams, while others use drugs like Xanax to experience and induce sleep, drowsiness, and a faint-like state. They are all highly addictive and have negative side effects.
Alcohol
Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among college students in Western countries. Binge drinking is a major problem on campuses across the country and can lead to a host of negative consequences including academic problems, injuries, and even death.
Cocaine
While cocaine use has declined in recent years, it is still a popular drug among college students. Students and teenagers prefer it because it is classified as a stimulant and increases alertness, and energy. Cocaine can also produce euphoria and heightened focus. It is highly addictive and leads to serious health problems.
Drug Addiction Treatment
Treatment for drug addiction can involve a range of approaches, including behavioral therapy, medications, and support groups. I also wrote in detail about common therapies used in addiction and selected the Top 5 important therapies to treat drug addiction. Individuals with addiction need to seek professional help, as addiction can be difficult to overcome on one’s own. It is also recommended for healthcare professionals, psychologists, and psychiatrists to always examine all the factors involved in an individual’s drug addiction. It will enable them to make a multidimensional treatment plan specific to their needs. Do not forget that drug addiction can be treated with the right approach and support. With proper help and guidance, complete recovery is possible.