Introduction
Drug abuse has a ripple effect that impacts not only the user but everyone around them. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the effects of drug abuse, how it can lead to health problems, as well as social and financial difficulties.
What Is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse is the use of drugs in a way that is not prescribed by a doctor. This could include taking more of a drug than prescribed, using it for reasons other than why it was prescribed, or selling or giving away drugs illegally.
It can also refer to using alcohol or other substances in combination with drugs, which can be extremely dangerous.
Types of Drugs That Can Be Abused
The most commonly abused drugs are alcohol, narcotics, amphetamines, and prescription drugs. But other commonly abused drugs include benzodiazepines, club drugs, cocaine, and crack.
Causes of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is a complex issue with many different causes. We’ve been able to narrow down its causes to these three main factors:
Biological factors which include:
- Genetics and family history
- Existent personality disorder
- Mental disorder
- Physical illness.
Psychological factors which include:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Curiosity
- As an experiment.
- Social disobedience.
- Control issues.
- Self-esteem issues (Anomie).
- Ineffective stress management.
- Childhood trauma or loss
Social factors which include:
- Peer influence (Among the most significant causes.)
- Role-Modeling
- Easy access to alcohol and other substances
- Poverty
- Conflicts (usually intrafamilial).
- Religious Beliefs
- Absence of family or social support.
- Social behavior.
- Accelerated urbanization
Addressing all of these factors is essential to preventing and treating drug abuse.
Effects of Drug Abuse on the Body
Drug abuse have a lot of serious effects in the health and behavior or an individual.
Some of these effects can include:
- Damaged immune system, which increases the risk of illness and infection
- Heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates to heart attacks and collapsed veins and blood vessel infections from injected drugs
- Addiction
- Impaired Judgement
- Impulsiveness
- Nausea and abdominal pain, which can also lead to changes in appetite and weight loss
- Liver damage or failure
- Seizures, stroke, mental confusion and brain damage
- Lung disease
- Increased risk of accidents or injuries
- Memory Loss
- Paranoia
- Aggressiveness
- Hallucinations
- Addiction
- Impaired Judgement
- Impulsiveness
- Loss of Self-Control
Prevention of Drug Abuse
There’s no one answer that fits everyone, but here are a few prevention tips.
- Say NO to Negative Peer Influence
- Abstinence
- Public Awareness on the dangers of drug abuse
- Live A Healthy Well Balanced Life: Eat balanced diet and exercise regularly
- Employ Mindfulness Activities like yoga and meditation
- Only Use Prescribed Medication
- Get Professional Help
- Parental and family care/support
Have any question or need more information on this topic or other health related issues? Speak to our line of professionals at PureLife Pharmacy.