Drug Related Disorder

Dependence on a drug or medication, whether it is legal or not, is referred to as drug addiction or substance use disorder. Remember that although alcohol and nicotine are both considered legal substances, they are also illegal narcotics. When you have an addiction, you can't stop using drugs and may even keep using them despite the harm they bring. Drug addiction may result in a strong desire for the drug. Although most people discover they can't quit on their own, you might wish to. Drug abuse can have negative long-term effects on one's physical and mental health, relationships, employment, and legal status.

Causes

• Initial drug usage appears to be influenced by environmental factors, such as your family's values and attitudes and exposure to a peer group that supports drug use.
• After you begin using drugs, inherited (genetic) features may have an impact on how quickly your addiction develops, delaying or accelerating the disease's growth.

Problems of drug dependence

• Depression
• Frustration
• Anxiety
• Drug abuse relapse
• Overdose on drugs
• Thrombophilia, hepatitis, pulmonary embolism, bacterial endocarditis, cellulitis, and septicemia brought on by intravenous drug misuse.
• HIV infection brought on by sharing needles.
• Loss of inhibition brought on by drugs may result in risky sexual behavior, which could cause undesired pregnancies, STDs, HIV, or hepatitis.
• A rise in cancer rates across the board.
• Behavioral issues include lying, stealing, cheating, being absent from work frequently, making up good-looking excuses, etc.
• Use of hallucinogens, including marijuana, is associated with memory and concentration issues.
• Criminality is the law's primary flaw.

Sign and symptoms

• Feeling the need to use the medicine frequently, which could be everyday or even multiple times per day
• Experiencing strong cravings for the substance
• Over time, more medication is required to get the same effect.
• Ensuring you keep a supply of the medicine on hand
• Spending money on the drug despite not being able to afford it
• Due to drug use, one may neglect commitments and responsibilities at work or reduce social and recreational activities.
• Stealing or engaging in other risky behavior to obtain the drug that you ordinarily wouldn't, such as driving while impaired or engaging in other harmful behavior
• Putting an increasing amount of time and effort into obtaining and consuming the substance
• Failing to successfully cease utilizing the drug
• When you try to stop using the medicine, you experience withdrawal symptoms.
• Excitement and excessive self-assurance
• Heightened awareness
• More vigor and restlessness
• Hostility or a shift in behavior
• Fast-talking or rambling speech
• Dilated eyes
• Hallucinations and delusions
• Mood swings or irritability Alterations in heart rate and blood pressure
• Vomiting or nauseous with weight loss
• Faulty judgment
• Congestion in the nose and harm to the nasal mucous membrane (if snorting drugs)
• Insomnia
• Paranoia
• Depression following medication withdrawal

Diagnosis

• Taking a history and evaluating physical health
• To evaluate drug use, lab tests such as blood, urine, or others are used.
• Psychiatric, psychological, or licensed alcohol and drug counselor evaluation

Treatment

• Programs for the treatment of chemical dependency

Treatment programs usually offer:

• Sessions in individual, group, or family therapy
• Understanding the nature of addiction and preventing relapse are the main goals.
• varying care levels and environments, including as outpatient, residential, and inpatient programs, based on your needs
• Detoxification
  Detoxification, commonly known as "detox," or withdrawal therapy, aims to help you stop using the addictive substance as soon and safely as possible. It might be okay for certain persons to receive outpatient withdrawal therapy. Others could require admission to a medical facility or a residential therapy facility.
• Counselling
• Assist you in finding coping mechanisms for your drug urges
• Offer advice on how to stay away from drugs and prevent relapse
• Give advice on how to handle a relapse if it happens.
• Discuss your job, any legal issues, and your relationships with family and friends.
• Include family members to foster improved communication among them and to show them support.
• Self-help ambiance

The message of self-help support groups is that addiction is a chronic illness with a risk of relapse. Self-help support groups can lessen the feelings of isolation and shame that may trigger relapse.

Prevention

Parents:

• Create a safe, stable home environment for the youngster.
• Keep the child busy and give them opportunities for hobbies and sports.
• Talk to your kids about the dangers of drug use and misuse as well as how to avoid being around those who might influence them.
• Be an attentive listener when your kids talk to you about peer pressure, and encourage them in their efforts to fend it off.
• Set a positive example by abstaining from alcohol and addictive substances.
• good communication between parents and children.
• Family members who may be causing the drug misuse should be treated.

Community

• Smoking is not permitted in public spaces, including schools.
• Advertisement for cigarettes is forbidden in some situations.
• Target groups and the broader public are educated about the issue using TV, radio, and posters.
• Through the curriculum and media, health education is provided to schoolchildren, college students, and young people on the risks of drug abuse.
• Teachers in schools should set aside a specific time each week to speak with pupils about the risks of drug addiction.
• Family members who may be causing the drug misuse should be treated.
• It is best to refrain from drinking addicting beverages at festivals.

Government

• Adopting specific legislative guidelines for limiting the import and export of illegal pharmaceuticals.
• Regulating medication distribution and production.
• Establishing sanctions for the sale or possession of harmful substances illegally.
• The delivery of services that include
• Treatment
• Rehabilitation
• Study and instruction

Others

• Decrease in doctors' overprescription.
• Untegrating the issue of substance abuse with the system of general health.
• Reduce, limit, or do away with drug availability.

Prevention of substance abuse

• Don't Be Afraid to Say No: Sometimes, we hesitate to act in accordance with our moral convictions because we are afraid of receiving a negative response from our friends or strangers. It can appear like "everyone is doing it," but that couldn't be further from the truth. Don't allow another person to decide for you. You have the freedom to refuse, to withhold a justification, and to simply walk away if someone is forcing you to do something that is not appropriate for you.
• Making Friends Will Help You Avoid Negative Peer Pressure Pay attention to the people you spend time with. You might want to consider finding some new friends if the bulk of the youngsters in the group you are hanging out with are drinking beer or doing drugs to get high. If you continue to be around people who regularly consume alcohol, smoke marijuana, abuse prescription medications, or use illegal drugs, you may develop an alcohol and drug problem. It's not necessary to get along to get along.
• Establish Relationships With Your Parents or Other Adults: It's crucial to have adults you can trust and with whom you can discuss issues like your decisions regarding alcohol and drugs as well as life's obstacles as you get older. The chance to gain insight from another person's life experiences can be priceless and important for perspective-setting.
• Enjoy Life and Pursue Your Passions; Avoid Alcohol and Drug Use: Learn how to enjoy yourself and those around you without using alcohol or other drugs. Alcohol and other drugs can alter who you are, reduce your potential, and make your life more difficult. The excuse "I'm bored" is used far too frequently. Participate in extracurricular activities like music, sports, the arts, or a part-time job in your community and at school.
• Respect the family's prohibitions on alcohol and drugs: Having your parents' trust and respect is crucial as you get older and try to exert more control over your life. Keep drugs and alcohol out of your relationship with your parents. It can be very beneficial to discuss alcohol and drugs with your parents.
• Learn More About Drugs and Alcohol: You can't rely on the rumors and false information that are floating about among your peers and on the internet. Educating yourself will help you to make wise selections. Visit Learn About Drugs and Alcohol for more information. Additionally, as you study, tell your friends and family about what you are learning.
• Set a good example and serve as a role model. Keep in mind that actions speak louder than words. Where are you going? You are laying the foundation and setting the course for your life.
• Plan ahead: You should make plans in advance for the party or a night out with pals. You must safeguard yourself and exercise judgment. Avoid being a victim of someone else's drug or alcohol abuse. Make sure there is always someone you can contact in case of emergency, day or night. Do the same for your friends as well.
• Speak Up, Speak Out, and Take Charge: Take charge of your safety, health, and quality of life. Speak out about the harm that drugs and alcohol are causing to your friends and the community, and inspire others to follow suit.
• Get aid! Get assistance if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drugs. Stop waiting. You don't need to be by yourself.