Substance Abuse 2021
What Is Substance Abuse?
Substance abuse isn't something you should take lightly. It occurs when you use alcohol, prescription medicine, and other legal and illegal substances too much or in the wrong way.
Substance abuse differs from addiction. Many people with substance abuse problems are able to quit or can change their unhealthy behaviour. Addiction, on the other hand, is a disease. It means you can’t stop using even when your condition causes you harm.
Mental Health Effects
Drugs that can cause mental health problems:
Cocaine
Inhalants
Ketamine
Kratom
LSD
Marijuana
MDMA
Methamphetamine
PCP
Wrongful use of prescription drugs
Steroids (appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs)
What are the effects of drug abuse?
Short-term effects
Drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. The exact effects vary among individuals and also depend on the drug, dosage, and delivery method.
Using any drug, even in moderation or according to a medical prescription, can have short-term effects.
For instance, consuming one or two servings of alcohol can lead to mild intoxication. A person may feel relaxed, uninhibited, or sleepy.
Nicotine from cigarettes and other tobacco products raises blood pressure and increases alertness.
Using a prescription opioid as a doctor has instructed helps relieve moderate-to-severe pain, but opioids can also cause drowsiness, shallow breathing, and constipation.
Abusing a drug, or misusing prescription medication, can produce other short-term effects, such as:
changes in appetite
sleeplessness or insomnia
increased heart rate
slurred speech
changes in cognitive ability
a temporary sense of euphoria
loss of co-ordination
Drug abuse can affect aspects of a person’s life beyond their physical health. People with a substance use disorder, for example, may experience:
an inability to cease using a drug
relationship problems
poor work or academic performance
difficulty maintaining personal hygiene
noticeable changes in appearance, such as extreme weight loss
increased impulsivity and risk-taking behaviours
loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
Long-term effects
Drug abuse, especially over an extended period, can have numerous long-term health effects.
Chronic drug use can alter a person’s brain structure and function, resulting in long-term psychological effects, such as:
depression
anxiety
panic disorders
increased aggression
paranoia
hallucinations
Long-term drug use can also affect a person’s memory, learning, and concentration. The long-term physical effects of drug use vary depending on the type of drug and the duration of use.
Overdose
Taking too much of a drug or taking multiple drugs together can result in an overdose / death.
How to get help
Finding the right treatment programme can be a daunting task. Here are a few things to think about when seeking treatment for drug abuse, misuse, or addiction:
consider whether in-patient (staying in a rehabilitation centre during treatment) or out-patient (attending a treatment programme while working/staying at home) would be the best fit
look for professional programmes that use evidence-based treatment strategies
Treatment
Anyone providing drug addiction treatment should tailor it to suit a person’s individual needs to ensure that it is effective.
Treatment may involve some of the following components:
Behavioural therapy, which helps people build positive coping strategies and develop problem-solving skills.
Group therapy, which gives people the chance to acknowledge, share, and work through the psychological aspects of recovery with a group of peers under professional guidance.
Medications to help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Additional medical care, which may include vocational training and other resources that address problems associated with chronic drug abuse, such as mental health conditions, unemployment, and medical conditions.
