Drug Addiction is a serious and worrisome situation. A situation whereby the individual involved does not have the willpower and ability to stop consuming the chemical substances.
The substances could be in the form of drugs, certain behavioral patterns, and activity. Even though his health is degenerating psychologically, physically, and mentally.
Drug addiction can also be defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use.
Despite harmful consequences to the drug addict and those around them. Drug addiction is a brain disease.
Due to the fact that drug abuse leads to changes in the structure and function of the brain.
Although it is true that for most people the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary.
Over time the changes in the brain caused by repeated drug abuse can affect a person’s self-control and ability to make sound decisions. And at the same time create an intense impulse to take drugs.
Many people underestimate the complexity of drug abuse that which is a disease that affects the brain.
As a result that stopping drug addiction or abuse is not simply a matter of willpower, personal or concerted efforts. But as a result of scientific advances in medical technology.
A lot of treatments can be administered depending on the type of drugs or substance used.
Habit-forming drugs include alcohol, morphine, heroin, steroids, cocaine, opium, and such synthetic drugs as Demerol.
Marijuana, cocaine and amphetamines are also widely used today. Thousands of people die every year because of poisoning as a result of incorrect drug use. Most of these being suicide attempts.
Drug Addiction, Reasons why people take drugs.
- To escape the harsh realities of life. A lot of people are faced with the harsh realities of life ranging from, jobs losses, economic and financial crises. And the inability to secure a well-paid job.
- Marital and failed relationship problems could put a toll on the emotional stability of a lot of individuals.
- Young people are also faced with peer pressure. Poor grades crises, low self-esteem.
- To Feel good and on top of the world. Drugs give this feeling of intense confidence and boldness. For example drugs such as cocaine. Actions that ordinarily cannot be taken under normal conditions. Drugs addicts will resolve to take drugs to derive some confidence in executing such actions and behavior.
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Friends and family may be among the first to recognize the signs of substance abuse. Early recognition increases the chances of successful treatment.
Early signs to watch for, includes the following:
- Giving up past activities such as sports homework or hanging out with friends.
- Poor grades in the case of a student.
- Aggressiveness and irritability.
- Forgetfulness loss of memory.
- Disappearing money or valuables, to meet up with the addiction i.e buying the drugs or substances.
- Feeling rundown hopeless, stressed, or even suicidal sounding selfish and not caring about others.
- Increased movements (i.e. hyperactivity)
- Effusive enthusiasm
- Lack of concentration or changes in concentration.
- Suspension from school or work for an alcoholic or drug-related incident.
- Having to drink more to get the same high.
- Believing that in order to have fun you need to drink or use other drugs.
- Increased promiscuity, taking sexual risks. Demanding for drugs in exchange for free sex.
- Drunk driving.
Side Effects of Drug Addiction May Include
- memory loss.
- lack of coordination and deficits in thinking and motor skills.
- unpredictable behavior, aggressive or violent behavior.
- mood swings and disturbances.
- severe dental problems.
- Hallucinations are a situation whereby the individual tends to experience or perceive something that is not real or present. He seems to be communicating with some spiritual or unidentified persons, objects, exhibiting weird behavior.
- Organ damage because a lot of strain is put on the liver. Which could lead to liver damage.
- Reduction of blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Loss of appetite and undernourishment. This could lead to weight loss and rapid degeneration of one health
- Extreme chest pain, which could lead to lung diseases
- Increased risk for stroke and seizures, other neurological problems can occur.
Treatments for Drug Addiction
Proper treatment depends upon the type of drugs being used, the age of the patient. And how long he has been addicted to the substance.
Usually the younger the patient the better the results of treatment. But it is advisable to treat most stubborn complications in the hospital.
However, the following points can help the patients’ considerable to get out of drug addiction:
- Avoid using drugs indiscriminately, drugs must be taken under the supervision of health personnel.
- Stay drug-free, excluding old associates, friends that could influence your addiction.
- Engage yourself in some form of productive activities. Such as social and community work. Be in the company of good friends and family members.
- Detoxification. This involves the Medical treatment of an alcoholic or drug addict. Involving abstention from drink or drugs or anything that could induce addiction again, until the bloodstream is free of toxins.
- Behavioral counseling. Don’t miss a date with your behavioral counselor to help you out of your drug addiction. With his/her years of experience and the use of different therapies. They can help you change certain behaviors.
- Medication (especially for tobacco, or alcohol addiction). Should be taken religiously.
- Evaluation and treatment for co-occurring mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
- Avail yourself for long-term follow-up to prevent relapse.
You can also Read Depression Ten Natural Ways you can Treat it.
Developing a Positive Outlook
In all these different forms of mental illness, it is most important to develop a happy outlook towards life. Many patients act like spoilt children.
They feel deeply hurt when they cannot get their own way all the time. This tendency breeds anxiety and depression with drug addiction as the resultant effect.
Mature people never act like spoilt or pampered children. They resolved to face life issues and realities, backed with optimism and action.
Knowing fully well that nothing good comes easily. It takes time, effort, and patience. “Time Heals”.
In spite of our different points of view, it’s so easy to make mistakes that raise tensions within us, leaving the mind troubled and distressed.
Laughter and tears are the best antidotes for failure. These are nature’s ways of releasing our inner tensions and bringing us back to a more normal way of life.
Don’t pretend to be a superman, allow nature to take its course, share your deepest trouble with a trusted friend. Knowing fully well that everyone has his own share of life troubles.
“You can’t defeat the darkness by
keeping it caged inside of you.”
– Seth Adam Smith
Try and be strong and face life’s difficulties and challenges headlong don’t shy away from the truth. Respond to life issues accordingly.
Rather than with fear, self-pity, inferiority complex, or low self-esteem.
While life can be very challenging, an important step in becoming more resilient is to develop the habit of positive affirmation. And to remind yourself that you are strong and you can grow stronger and wiser as you handle life’s challenges.
READ: 25 Proven ways you to be Happy
Rather than depending on drugs and other performance-enhancing substances. Drugs can only give you temporal relief but comes with a lasting and damaging effect.