ASSIGNMENT

NAME :​ HUMAIRA FABIHA

STUDENT ID​ : 201932026
ASSIGNMENT NAME: ​DRUG ADDICTION

COURSE NAME : ​HUM-2113, PSYCHOLOGY AND

BEHAVIOUR

LEVEL-01, TERM- 02
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT.

1
DRUG ADDICTION

Drug addiction is a global phenomenon affecting every sphere of the

society. Because of high prevalence in Punjab, it is having grave
repercussions on the family and the individual. This book on Drug
Addiction contains articles contributed by those having clinical expertise
in dealing with cases of addiction admitted in urban and rural
De-addiction centres. The material selected in these publications will be
of interest and use to the public, social workers, counselors,
psychologists, medical students, family physicians and NGOs. Tobacco,
the 'gateway' drug and is a highly addictive substance, catches its
victims at a very young age and soon after these young adolescents end
up in poly addiction. No other affliction in the world is as fatal as is the
tobacco. The adolescence population needs to be aware of its
deleterious effects. Misconceptions about liquor tend to perpetuate the
use of alcohol. Ethanol is a toxic and addictive substance which is
associated with various adverse physical and neuropsychiatric disorders.
These persons are aversive to treatment and need tactful handling.
Recovered addicts can play a significant role in inspiring drug addicts
and alcoholics to seek treatment. Opioids are one of the commonest of
the addictive substances. India is a country sandwiched between the two
major opioid producing zones i.e. golden crescent on the west and
golden triangle on the east. Earlier our country was involved in the
trafficking of opium and synthetic derivatives as Heroin and smack. Now
it has become consumers of the illicit drugs notwithstanding the
deterrent narcotic drug and psychoactive substances act. iii Multiple
factors may be involved which attract the young adolescent to drugs,
such as desire for new experiments to seek joy and pleasure.
Decadence of moral and religious values, the craze to be ultramodern
coupled with boom in economy and unemployment are entrapping the
youth to drugs. Addiction and sociopathic personality frequently go hand
in hand with each other.
SIGNS OF DRUG ADDICTION

Drug addiction is a compulsive disorder that leads an individual to use

substance habitually to achieve desired outcome. Millions of people in
the world are suffering with drug addiction and the number is expected to
increase in the coming years. If the person is using drugs for a longer
period, the outcome may change. For example – early experimentation
with drugs is rooted in curiosity. However, as the frequency of substance
becomes frequent – the body starts to depend on it to function properly.

The most common signs and symptoms of drug addiction are –

obsession with a particular substance, loss of control over the usage of
drugs, abandoning the activities which you used to enjoy, etc. Drug
addiction may have a long term impact on life and one may develop
severe symptoms such as – fatigue, trembling, depression, anxiety,
headache, insomnia, chills and sweating, paranoia, behavior changes,
dilated pupils, poor coordination problems, nausea etc.

CAUSE OF DRUG ADDICTION

There are a number of reasons why youth and teenagers are addicted to
drugs or related substances. Lack of self-confidence is considered as
one of the primary causes of drug addiction. It can also be due to
excessive stress, peer pressure, lack of parental involvement in child’s
activities etc. Some people consider drug addiction can be the cause of
drug use and ignorance. The ignorance of drug addiction along with
physical pain of condition becomes a primary cause of drug addiction.
Here are some of the causes of drug addiction.

High Level Stress

Young people who have just started their college life or moved to a new
city in search of a job often face problems with life change. They are
more likely to alleviate stress through the use of drugs and similar
substances. Finding an easy fix often seems easier than facing the real
problem and dealing with it. Trying illegal drugs can lead to addiction and
becomes a long term habit.

Social Pressure

Today, we are living in a highly competitive world and it is difficult to

grow in such a world. There is always peer pressure in young and old
people. However, it is never visible. A lot of young people expect to
experience the pressure to use drugs, smoke and drink alcohol. Young
people find it difficult to be the person who doesn’t drink or smoke. As
they feel isolated and like a social outcast, they make a habit of taking
drugs.

Mental Health Conditions

Another primary reason for trying drugs is mental health. People who are
emotionally weaker tend to feel depressed about the facts of the world.
They look for ways to feel free and live life in a normal way as they go
through the period of growing up. In such situations, they make a habit of
taking drugs and can lead to addiction.

Psychological Trauma

A history of psychological trauma appears to increase the risk of

substance abuse. More than 75% of people who suffered from
psychological trauma use drugs as a part of a self-medicating strategy or
provide an avenue towards self-destructive behaviors. Women are more
sensitive to drugs than men, and hence need less exposure to similar
effects. The availability of these drugs plays an integral role in
perpetuation of addictive behaviors within families.

Exposure to Drug Abuse

Exposure to drug abuse in which the young people are raised is another
cause why young people get addicted to drugs. If the individuals grow up
in an area where adults use drugs, then the person is likely to try the
substance themselves. Setting a good example is extremely important to
keep them off drugs and related substances. Providing genuine
information about drugs is the best way to prevent drug addiction.

THE EFFECTS OF DRUG ADDICTION

There are many negative effects of drug addiction on physical and

mental health. As said, drug addiction refers to compulsive and repeated
use of dangerous substances. The effects of drug addiction are wide and
profound. The psychological effects of drug addiction comes form the
reason that the user is addicted to drugs as well as the changes that
take place in the brain. Many people start using drugs to handle stress.
However, the psychological effects of drug addiction involves craving of
the substance and using it to the exclusion of all else.

Emotional Effects

The emotional effects of drug addiction include – mood swings,

depression, violence, anxiety, decrease in everyday activities,
hallucinations, confusion, psychological tolerance to drug effects etc.
Besides these, there are many physical effects of drug addiction that are
seen in the systems of the body. The primary effects of drug addiction
take place in the brain, which changes the brain functions and impacts
how the body perceives pleasure.

Physical Effects

Other effects of drug addiction include – heart attack, irregular heartbeat,

and contraction of HIV, respiratory problems, lung cancer, abdominal
pain, kidney damage, liver problem, brain damage, stroke, seizures, and
changes in appetite. The impact of drug addiction can be far-reaching
and affects every organ of the body. Excessive usage of drugs can
weaken the immune system and increase susceptibility to infection.

Brain & Liver Damage

The effects of drug addiction are seen in people because the drug floods
the brain repeatedly with chemicals such as – serotonin and dopamine.
The brain becomes highly dependent on these drugs and cannot
function without them. The effects of drug addiction are also seen in
babies of drug abusers and can be affected throughout their life.

Drug addiction can cause the liver to work harder, causing significant
liver failure or damage. Regarding brain function, drugs can impact daily
activities by causing problems with memory, decision making, mental
confusion and even permanent brain damage.

Short Term Effects

Different drugs affect the body in different ways. There are some short
term effects that occur in drug users depending on the amount of
substance used, its purity and potency. Drugs can affect the person’s
thinking, mood and perception to a great extent. Drugs can temporarily
impair motor functioning and interfere with decision making and even
reduce inhibition. The most common substances of drug addiction
include – opiates, alcohol, barbiturates, inhalants etc.

A lot of people do not realize the damage caused by drug addiction

because the short term effects are not apparent at first. The individual
may feel quite invincible and unaware that drugs can actually affect
almost every system in the body. The long lasting effects of drug
addiction may not be known to addicts. If treatment is not sought in time,
the physical and emotional health will deteriorate.
Long Term Effects

The long term effects of drug addiction can have disastrous

consequences on physical and mental health. As the body adapts to the
substance, it needs an increasing amount of it to experience the desired
outcome. As the individual continues to increase the dosage, he/she
may develop physical dependence. The individual may face deadly
withdrawal symptoms, once he/she stops using the substance.

Legal Consequences

Drug abuse not only causes negative effects on your physical and
mental health, but can have legal consequences. Individuals may have
to deal with the legal consequences for the rest of their life. A lot of
companies require their employees to take drug tests before offering a
job. Driving under the influence of drugs can lead to serious legal action
and even heavy fines.

By understanding the physical impact of the substance, individuals can

make informed decisions regarding their health. Remember that it is
never late to seek help, when it comes to treating drug addiction. There
are many rehabilitation centers that help you combat drug addiction in a
supportive environment.

THE PREVENTION OF DRUG ADDICTION

As said, prevention is always better than cure. It is always the best

option to deter people from drug abuse. Though it is practically
impossible to prevent everyone from using drugs, there are things we
can do to avoid drug addiction. Here are some effective tips to prevent
drug addiction.

Deal with Peer Pressure

The biggest reason why people start using drugs is because of their
friends or colleagues who utilize peer pressure. No one in this world likes
to be left out, especially teens and youngsters. If you are in such a
situation, you should find a better group of friends who won’t pressure
you into harmful things. You should plan ahead of time or prepare a
good excuse to stay away from tempting situations.

Treat Emotional Illness

Individuals suffering with any mental condition such as – anxiety,

depression, post-traumatic stress etc. should seek help from a
physiatrist. There is a strong connection between mental illness and
drug addiction. Those with weak emotional status may easily turn to
drugs.

Learn to Deal with Pressure

People of today’s generation are overworked and often feel like taking a
good break. However, they make the mistake of turning to drugs and
end up making life more stressful. Many of us fail to recognize this. The
best way is to find other ways to handle stress. Whether it is taking up
exercising or reading a good book, you should try positive things that
help in relieving stress.
Understand the Risk Factors

If you are not aware of the risk factors of drug addiction, you should first
know about drug abuse. Individuals who are aware of the physical and
emotional effects of drug addiction are likely to overcome them. People
take up drugs when something in their life is not going well and they are
unhappy about their life. One should always look at the big picture and
focus on priorities, instead of worrying about short term goals.

Develop Healthy Habits

Eating a well-balanced diet and doing regular exercise is the best way to
prevent drug addiction. A healthy body makes it easier for people to deal
with stress and handle life effectively, which eventually reduces the
temptation to use drugs.The above tips are just a few ideas that can help
prevent drug addiction. However, if the person has already developed
drug addiction, he/she should seek drug detox treatment at the earliest.

THE TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTION

Drug addiction can be managed effectively like other chronic diseases

such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma etc. Treatment of drug
addiction is becoming personalized. The comprehensive treatment
options not only address addiction, but treat the underlying issues
resulting in addiction.
Though there are many options to treat drug addiction, it is not easy.
Drug addiction is a chronic disease and one can’t stop using drugs within
a few days. A lot of patients need long term or repeated care to stop
using drugs completely. Drug addiction treatment depends on the
severity of drug abuse. The treatment must stop the person from using
drugs as well as keep him away from drugs.

Different treatment methodologies are employed in treating drug abuse.

The treatment plan will be devised as per the condition of the addict. It is
essential that the treatment is tailored to the unique individual as there is
no single treatment that works for all.

Inpatient drug abuse treatment is one of the options that allow the addict
to focus on his/her recovery. Attending this treatment facility can
increase the chances of completing the drug addiction rehabilitation
program, especially if the addict does not have a good support system at
home.

Outpatient drug abuse treatment is ideal for those addicts who have a
supportive environment at home. It is usually recommended for those
who want to attend short-term inpatient treatment programs.Cognitive
behavioral therapy is another treatment option that is highly effective in
treating drug addiction issues. CBT helps in controlling negative thought
patterns that lead to drug abuse. Patients can identify the triggers that
cause them to use drugs and learn to respond without the need to turn to
the substance.
CONCLUSION

Drug addiction is a complex disease that results from a number of

factors such as genetic predisposition, history of violence at home and
stress. Researchers have been able to identify the factors that lead to
drug abuse. Understanding the root cause of drug addiction is one of the
best ways to improve treatment options and outcomes of drug addiction
in future.

A lot of people do not understand why people get addicted to drugs and
related substances. They mistakenly view drug abuse as a social
problem and characterize the addict as a weak person. Though there is
no scientific evidence on how exactly drugs work in the brain, it can be
successfully treated to help people stop abusing drugs. There are many
treatments that help people counteract the disruptive effects of drug
addiction and regain complete control over life.

Behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success in most of the drug
addicts. The treatment approaches are tailored to meet the drug abuse
pattern of patients. It is not uncommon for an individual to relapse and
start drug abuse again. In such cases, an alternate treatment is required
to regain control and recover completely.