Drug Abuse

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Apr 4, 2022, 11:04

Drug Abuse can be described as a regressive practice of substance use that can lead to fatal health conditions, causing life-threatening diseases. Drugs are chemical compounds that have strong impacts on the body and brain mechanisms.

Overuse of drugs facilitates dopamine production in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that allows us to experience pleasure. So, whenever people start to overuse drugs, the overflow of dopamine in the brain lets them have a "high" feeling. Eventually, people become addicted to drugs, and Drug Abuse makes them crave more obsessive drug usage.

Effect of Drug Abuse

As the mode of drug consumption plays an important role in determining its effects, it is vital to specify whether one should take the drug by ingestion, injection, or inhalation. If someone takes a drug by injection, the drug immediately runs into their bloodstream, leaving a long term effect.

On the other hand, drugs taken by ingestion take more time to digest. Studies and research suggest that despite taking drugs in minimal dosages as prescribed in the prescription, people might experience short term Drug Abuse effects including fatigue and sleeplessness, a faster heartbeat, loss of appetite, impaired cognitive function, and brain and body coordination issues.

when Drug Abuse occurs over a longer period of time, it can lead to several long-term effects. The long-term effects not only interfere with the physiological conditions but also largely affect the psychological aspects. Depression, stress, paranoia, delusions, and panic disorders are very common among long-term drug addicts. Battling them along with immensely perilous physiological conditions can become emotionally and physically challenging.

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Long Term Drug Abuse Side Effects

  • Cardiovascular disease: Maintaining cardiovascular health is essential because it helps control the bloodstream throughout the body. Chemical components like cocaine and methamphetamines can have a serious impact on cardiovascular health if not consumed in limited doses. If the Drug Abuse continues for an extended period of time, a person can suffer from heart and artery related health issues. If cardiovascular health deteriorates over time with no treatment, a heart attack can take place.
  • Liver disease: The liver is a significant organ in our body that directly contributes to food digestion and drug metabolization. It also plays a major role in keeping the body free from toxins. Persistent Drug Abuse can damage the liver cells, impairing all its vital functions. Inflammation and scarring of the liver can even lead to liver failure.
  • Kidney disease: The kidney is one of those important organs that takes an active part in different types of physiological processes. Be it the removal of body toxins or excess water, the kidney directly assists the body in achieving its desired state. The kidney also participates in producing vital hormones and vitamins to keep the body healthy. Misuse of drugs can lead to kidney impairment, causing the shutting down of different crucial biological functions. An overdose of heroin, ketamine, and synthetic cannabinoids can even lead to kidney failure.

It can be concluded that If someone is suffering from Drug Abuse, going for behavioural therapy can help a lot, as it helps construct positive approaches. Group therapy is also beneficial because it implies sharing the drug addiction journey with a group of peers who belong to the same state under professional supervision.

It may help an individual to accept their conditions and also help them to rejuvenate their energy to grasp a better future. Special treatment should be given, concentrating on the psychological aspects to help them get back to normal and social life.

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FAQs on Drug Abuse

Q.1. What is the most dangerous type of Drug Abuse?

There are different types of Drug Abuse, and each of them has a negative impact on our bodies. Some of them might be life-threatening, but all of them can disrupt our mental and physical well-being. So, one should ask how Drug Abuse affects the lives of people instead of asking about the worst kind.

Q.2. What are the characteristics of Drug Abuse?

The characteristics of Drug Abuse are Brain damage, anxiety, hallucinations, impaired problem-solving skills, short attention span, slurred speech and lung diseases.

Q.3. What can be a crucial factor in Drug Abuse?

Family history can be one of the major factors in Drug Abuse that may specify whether a person can become addicted to drugs or not after attempting them.

Q.4. What primary measures can be taken to stop Drug Abuse?

Professional guidance along with supervision can help at-risk individuals prevent developing habits of Drug Abuse.