Substance Abuse 2021

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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.

Contact us for professional confidential counselling and support

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Western Cape:                         021- 8 730 532                     procwc@procare.co.za

Read more

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/substance-abuse#1

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-drug-abuse#treatment

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