The problem with drug abuse and addiction?
Almost any person may experience problems with drug abuse when using drugs. Whether it may be prescription or recreational use.
Notwithstanding their age, their race, their background, or the purpose they began using drugs in the first place. Often experimentation with recreational drugs is done out of peer pressure or curiosity. Often to have a good time, to be cool because friends in their social group are also experimenting, or (generally mistakenly) because of problems and to ease stress, anxiety, or combat depression.
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What are the Dangers of drug abuse?
Though, it’s not only the use of hardcore illegal drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, or crystal meth that has the potential to lead to drug abuse and addiction. Prescription medications from Doctors or other legal sources such as painkillers, sleeping pills, and tranquilizers have the potential to cause similar problems. The statistics show that prescription painkillers are the most abused drugs in South Africa, closely followed by dagga and nayope (which is generally a mix of marijuana and heroin )
More people overdose and die from these addictive mixes of opioid painkillers each day worldwide than from traffic accidents and gun deaths combined. Drug abuse and addiction to prescription opioid painkillers can be so prevailing it has become the major risk factor for drug abuse
Why do some people who abuse drugs not get addicted?
Naturally, not all drug use, whether it is either illegal use or prescribed by a doctor—doesn’t always automatically lead to a total spiral of drug abuse. A number of people may be able to use and abuse recreational or prescription drugs without undergoing negative physical and mental effects or becoming addicted to the drug used. In other instances, users find that substance use takes a serious toll on their health and welfare, sometimes over a short period.
Correspondingly, there is no exact point at which drug use moves from irregular and casual to problematic everyday drug abuse. Real drug abuse and addiction is not always about the particular drug or how much of the amount is consumed or even the regularity of the drug use. The consequences of that drug use and the chaos it can cause in your life and the lives of the ones you hold dearest is the biggest issue.
If drug abuse is causing complications and destroying your life
In your relationships or at work, school, and home.
You probably have a drug abuse addiction problem
and it’s best to treat it as such.
How do I get a handle and control on drug abuse?
If you’re concerned with your or a loved one’s drug abuse, understanding how drug abuse occurs and how addictions develop—and what the physical and mental ramifications are that can have such a powerful hold on addicts looks like —will give you a more complete consideration of how best to deal with the drug abuse problem and reclaim your life. Knowing that you have a problem with drug abuse is the first step to take if you want to be on the road to recovery.
This step is one that takes incredible strength and courage. Dealing with the problem of drug abuse and addiction without diminishing the issue or defending yourself can feel terrifying and devastating, but if your recovery is to be within reach. You need to be ready to seek help, and overcome your drug addiction and building a drug-free life for yourself or your loved one.
What are the Risk factors for drug abuse and addiction?
Most people develop problems using drugs, but susceptibility to substance abuse and addiction differs in people. Some people are not affected while some are immediately affected. The risk factors that intensify vulnerability are many but the main are:
- Mental sicknesses such as despair, depression, and anxiety.
- If your family has a history of addiction or drug abuse issues.
- The manner in which different drugs are administered has a direct effect on the addictive potential.
- Physical Abuse, personal neglect, and other distressing experiences.
- Early introduction and use of drugs in youth.
What are the warning signs of commonly abused drugs?
Marijuana:
Red glassy eyes; loud conversation, inappropriate hilarity followed by lethargy; loss of concentration, enthusiasm;
Stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth):
Hyperactivity; euphoria; dilated pupils; petulance; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or unwarranted sleeping at odd times; no eating or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth nose.
Inhalants (glues, aerosols): Impaired vision, memory and thought; watery eyes; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and sickness; the appearance of inebriation; lethargy; poor muscle control; changes in hungriness; anxiety.
Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP):
Bizarre and unreasonable behavior including paranoia, hostility, hallucinations; mood swings; dilated pupils; detachment from individuals; slurred speech; confusion.
Opioids: (Heroin, Codeine, Oxycodone):
No response of pupils to light or contracted; needle marks; sleeping at uncommon times; sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; shuddering; loss of hunger.