Drug Abuse and Addiction - Manmeet

If there is one thing on Earth that the majority  understands, it is addiction. Whether you have dealt with it in your life, viewed it first-hand, or seen it in movies, addiction comes in many shapes and sizes and is terrible when tackled head-on. In this blog, we'll be talking about drug addiction, its consequences and possible treatment. Drugs are basically substances that alter the normal functioning of the body or mind. It can be legal or illegal, prescribed or over the counter. Some drugs are used for medical purposes, treating or managing various conditions, while others are recreational drugs which are abused for their psychoactive effects. I have taken up this topic to expand your knowledge about different types of drugs, their effects, and potential risks. My primary focus would be recreational drugs because understanding and broadening your knowledge about them is crucial to promote responsible and informed choices.

"Drugs is suicide, paid in installments" - Titus Lenk 

WHY DO PEOPLE ABUSE DRUGS?

Some people abuse prescription drugs because they think they will help them have more fun, lose weight, fit in, and even study more effectively. Prescription drugs can be easier to get than street drugs: Family members or friends may have them. But prescription drugs are also sometimes sold on the street like other illegal drugs. Furthermore, peer pressure also plays an important role in getting oneself into this addiction. For example, a 2018 study found that among college students excessive drinking was common and typical among students whose peers were more likely to engage in heavy drinking sessions, regardless of how common this activity actually was. This finding suggests that a person’s perception of their environment acts as a form of peer pressure, even when peers do not directly exert any pressure.

"When you are saying "YES" to others make sure you aren't saying "NO" to yourself"

PEER PRESSURE COMES IN MANY FORMS:

• Environmental norms: A person may experience pressure to adhere to what is “normal” among their peer group. For example, if everyone smokes, a person may feel left out when all of their friends take a smoke break. As a result, they may join in, even if their friends never encourage them to smoke or even actively discourage it.

• Direct pressure: Direct pressure comes in the form of peers urging a person to do something, such as by threatening them, telling them how fun something will be, or suggesting a person do something they might not otherwise consider.

• Indirect pressure: Indirect pressure happens when peers indirectly influence a person’s behavior. For example, several studies have shown that teens are more likely to be friends with people who share their habits, such as smoking. 

WHICH DRUGS ARE ABUSED?

1.Opioids:oxycodone(OxyContin),hydrocodone(Vicodin),andmeperidine (Demerol) 

2. Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: phenobarbital (Luminal), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax)

3. Stimulants: methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall)

"Drug abuse not only affects you. It affects those around you as well"

WHY IS DRUG ABUSE A SERIOUS PROBLEM? 

Drug use can  increase the risk of contracting infections. HIV and hepatitis C (a serious liver disease) can occur from sharing injection equipment. Drug use and other mental illness often co-exist. In some cases, mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia may come before addiction. In other cases, drug use may trigger or worsen those mental health conditions, particularly in people with specific vulnerabilities. 

STATISTICS FOR DRUG ABUSE WORLDWIDE 

• Almost 21 million Americans have at least one addiction, yet only 10% of them receive treatment.
• In 2020, the federal budget approved for drug control was nearing $35 billion.
• About 9.5 million  Americans who have a substance use disorder also have a mental illness.
• More than 70% of people who tried an illegal drug before the age of 13 have an addiction to alcohol or drugs.
• Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 are most likely to use addictive drugs.

HOW TO RESIST PEER PRESSURE?

• Choosing peers who share their values and opinions: People will experience less negative peer pressure and more positive peer pressure when their friends do not use drugs or alcohol.
• Practicing saying no to peers: A person can use whatever explanation they feel comfortable with, whether that involves being honest or making up an excuse.
• Using a buddy system: Having at least one peer who does not engage in the behavior can make it easier to resist pressure in a group setting.
• Seeking help for certain issues: People who commonly experience difficult family situations, feelings of rejection and alienation, or rejection sensitivity may find that learning to manage these issues makes it easier to resist peer pressure.

"How we talk about things matter"

STIGMA MATTERS 

People who use drugs, especially those struggling with addiction face discrimination and barriers to getting help.

Stigma can:

• lead a person to avoid getting help because they are afraid of judgement or getting in trouble with work, their loved ones or even the law
• cause a person to hide their drug use or use drugs alone
• affect a person's ability to find housing and jobs, which affects their health and quality of life
• contribute to people who use drugs receiving a lower quality of care from the healthcare system when they access services

HELP END STIGMA

Take these important steps to help reduce stigma:

• do not define any person by their drug use
• be respectful, compassionate and caring to those who use drugs
• educate your friends and family - pass on facts and challenge stereotypes
• remember that addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a choice, and is deserving of care just like any other medical condition
• be aware of your attitudes and behaviours because they may be influenced by stereotypes, negative stories and images about people who use drugs

       "Addiction is not a choice, recovery is"

SEEKING HELP FOR ADDICTION 

If you have a loved one who is struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, it can be difficult to watch them. You may be wondering how to help them with their substance abuse issues. They might be ready to quit and wondering where to get help for substance abuse. There are a number of ways to help a drug addict. Encouraging your loved one that seeking some form of professional help for addiction is a positive step towards recovering from drug addiction. This can put them on the path towards a sober life. Whether you are seeking help for a problem with alcohol, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, or any other addiction, recovery is possible. However, at the end its one's inner drive that gets them through these circumstances. Let's come together and foster empathy, understanding and support as we strive to make this world a better place to live.

Citations 

https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/prescription-drug-abuse.html 

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts