DRUG ABUSE/DRUG ADDICTION

Drugs are substances which when ingested, inhaled, injected or consumed produces a physiological effect in the body. It is a chemical that interacts with the proteins in the body. When drugs are used repetitively whether legal or illegal or taking more than the prescribed amount or using someone else’s prescription is drug abuse. One may abuse drugs to feel good, avoid stress and tensions of life. Addiction is when one cannot stop using drugs even if the person wants to quit it. It is a chronic, relapsing disorder. There is an urge to get and use drugs every minute no matter how much harm the drugs may cause. It's overuse change how the brain works and makes lose self-control affecting the behaviour of a person. A drug is not just about cocaine or heroin or any other illegal drugs, even painkillers, alcohol and other legal substance can cause drug addiction.

Drug abuse causes many social problems like violence, child abuse and stress and generally leads to crime, homelessness. It destroys families. Abused drugs include Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, Inhalants and prescribed drugs like Opioids. People take drugs to feel good, they get a feeling of being powerful, self-confidence, an increased energy, to get relief from stress, depression and anxiety. Also, curiosity and social pressure particularly in teen make them try and use drugs. The feeling of relaxation and satisfaction gives them an urge to take drugs again and again. Drugs target our brain system and this makes our brain release dopamine. This gives a feeling of intense pleasure. With overuse, the brain gets used to extra dopamine and hence one needs to take more amount of drug to get that good feeling. This makes one addicted to the drug. Other activities become less pleasurable and the person takes the drug just to feel normal.

In many criminal and other anti-social behaviour occurs when the person is under the influence of a drug. Criminal offences like child abuse, rapes, domestic violence and assaults are committed. It leads to social problems, injuries, vehicle accidents and even suicides and deaths. It is necessary to provide proper medication and care to make a person stop using drugs. There are Rehabilitation centres for such people. There are medications that mimic the effect of addictive drugs which relieves cravings and withdrawal symptoms. It is easily curable in the first stages. Treatment includes medications, therapies and counselling.