INDEX
1) Drug Addiction (Introduction and characteristics)
2) Types of Drugs
3) Causes of Drug Addiction
4) Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction
5) Drug Addiction among youth
6) Effects of Drug Addiction
7) Remedial Measures against Drug Addiction
8) Treatment for Drug Addiction
1. Drug Addiction: Introduction and Characteristics
Drug addiction is a chronic disease affecting the brain, and just about everyone is different.
Drugs affect different people in different ways. One person can take and abuse drugs, yet never
become addicted, while another merely has one experience and is immediately hooked.
Some of the related terms commonly used are:
Drug Abuse: Drug Abuse may be defined as the use of a substance in such a way that leads to
personal and / or social consequences such as impaired physical or mental health, impaired
maturation, loss of productivity and involvement in socially disruptive or illegal activities. It
implies the use of a drug by individuals to such an extent that it results in problematic behaviour
and is likely to cause harm to the user and to the society. It results in severe mental and physical
ill-health for the user.
Drug Tolerance: Drug Tolerance is the use of increasing amounts of a drug upon repeated
exposure, to experience its original effect. If a person has high drug tolerance, he will increase
his dose of the drug; which may prove to be costly, and harmful especially in the long-run
Drug Dependence: Drug Dependence are of two types:
1. Physical dependence refers to the body’s need for a drug. It exits when the use of a
drug is stopped and may result in withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, fever,
hypertension, etc
2. Psychological dependence refers to the mind’s need for a drug. It is a craving or a
strong psychological need for pleasurable mental effects produced by a drug.
Characteristics:
1. Strong desire to continue drug use.
2. Increasing tolerance requiring higher doses.
3. Physical and psychological dependence.
2. Types of Drugs
Ecstasy: Handmade tablets with harmful chemicals.
Cocaine: A powder inhaled, smoked, or injected.
Hallucinogens: Cause altered thoughts and perceptions.
Barbiturates: Sedatives inducing sleep or reducing anxiety.
Amphetamines: Stimulants enhancing wakefulness and focus.
Narcotics: Pain relievers like heroin, morphine, and codeine.
Tranquilizers: Reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
3. Causes of Drug Addiction
1. Availability of Drugs: Easy access encourages use.
2. Peer Pressure: Influence from social groups.
3. Personality Traits: Immaturity, anxiety, and coping issues.
4. Curiosity: Exploration of new sensations.
5. Psychological/Physical Dependence: Craving to maintain altered brain chemistry.
6. Hedonism: Pursuit of pleasure.
4. Signs and Symptoms
Behavioral changes: Mood swings, withdrawal, and loss of interest in hobbies.
Physical symptoms: Red eyes, needle marks, runny nose, and fatigue.
Other issues: Depression, legal problems, and financial needs.
5. Drug Addiction Among Youth
Warning signs: Decline in school performance, grooming, and interest in activities.
Privacy issues: Increased secrecy and distancing from family.
Financial behavior: Sudden need for money without explanation.
Alcohol misconception: Viewing alcohol as less harmful is dangerous.
6. Effects of Drug Addiction
1. On the Individual: Health problems (HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular diseases).
2. On the Family: Emotional and financial strain.
3. On Society: Increased crime, taxes, and drug trade issues.
4. On Health and Body: Lung disease, strokes, mental disorders.
7. Remedial Measures
1. Awareness and Education: Integrating anti-drug education in schools and media
campaigns.
2. Youth Centers: Addressing isolation and anxiety.
3. Strict Laws: Penalizing traffickers and abusers.
4. Counseling Centers: Early intervention and support.
5. International Help: Assistance for drug prevention and rehabilitation.
TREATMENT FOR DRUG ADDICTION
1) Hospitalisation: Drug addict must be hospitalised. Through bio-chemical tests, it can be
determined that which drugs the addict has been using. Accordingly, the treatment for the
withdrawal symptoms can be given.
2) Behavioural Therapies: Drug addicts often require a combination of behavioural therapies
and medications. It consists of counselling, support groups, family therapy.
3) Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy consists of occupying the drug addict with
some constructive work, while undergoing counselling.
4) Change in Addict’s Social Environment: A drug addict may become so, due to his social
environment, which may include stress, frustration, anxiety etc. Such social environment
needs to be modified for treating drugs. An environment that consist of patient listening,
caring, and understanding a drug addict is conducive for the treatment.
5) Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Narcotics Anonymous is a organisation that is similar to
Alcoholics Anonymous. Here, the drug addicts share their experiences with each other.
An ex-addict may narrate his experiences and points out the various disadvantages of and
remedies for drug addiction.
CONCLUSION
Drug abuse is a complex problem thought to result from a combination of hereditary,
psychological, and environmental factors. It affects people from the neonatal stage to old age.
Infants of abusers may suffer from neglect or the effects of parental drug use. As they grow into
childhood, they may demonstrate antisocial behaviour, and signs of malnutrition, poor self-
esteem, depression, or attention deficit disorder. This may lead an adolescent to use drugs, have
unwanted pregnancies, and drop out of school. Identification of drug abuse is a difficult first step
on the road to recovery because of the methods many abuses use to hide their addiction, the
inability of family members to recognize or accept the problem, and the relatives' enabling
behaviour.
PLEASE SAY NO TO DRUGS!!
BILBOGRAPHY
1) Foundation Course-1 [Link] by Michael Vaz
2) [Link]
3) [Link]
