WHAT IS DRUG ABUSE?
Though the term “drug abuse” has
a wide range of meanings, it is generally thought
of as taking a drug for non-medical reasons.
Some people abuse drugs because they want to
get high or escape painful circumstances. For
others, it may be a physical or psychological
dependence that fuels the abuse. Many drugs
stimulate pleasure centers in the brain, causing
it to crave more and more. Millions of people
abuse drugs, including alcohol, tobacco, marijuana,
amphetamines, performance enhancing drugs,
opiates, sedatives, stimulants and over-the-counter
remedies. Drug abuse can incorporate illegal
substances, prescription medications or over-the-counter
remedies. Even if it begins recreationally,
drug abuse can lead to dependence, addiction,
illness or death.
RISK FACTORS AND ABUSE
Some leading health organizations including
the American Psychiatric Association and World
Health Organization prefer the term “substance
abuse” over “drug abuse” because
of its broader range. Drug abuse affects the
central nervous system and causes changes in
perception, mood, awareness and sensation.
The neurochemical impact of drugs affects how
people feel and act. Some people take drugs
to experience euphoria, while others who have
developed a tolerance take drugs to feel normal.
Risk factors that can lead to use and abuse
include genetics, depression, chronic pain,
feelings of unworthiness, low self-esteem and
difficult life circumstances. Teens and young
people are especially vulnerable to drug use
because of peer pressure and the relative ease
of getting many illicit and prescription drugs.
CONSEQUENCES OF USE AND ABUSE
Drug abuse and the behaviors that result from
it carry stiff criminal and legal penalties
in many parts of the world. Drug abuse is responsible
for a great deal of property crimes, thefts
and burglaries. Many users resort to crime
in an effort to fund their habits. Government
policies aimed at controlling illegal drug
sales have been largely unsuccessful. Despite
costly public campaigns and programs, the war
on drugs is far from being won. The supply
will always be there because the issue of demand
is so great and drug trade is so lucrative
for so many people. Drug abuse can ruin lives,
derail careers, destroy families and isolate
users from peer and support groups. Socially,
the problem is taxing for communities, law
enforcement and government agencies that try
to get a grip on it.
USE, ABUSE AND FINDING HELP
There is a very thin line between drug abuse
and dependence. Many would argue that any level
of illicit drug use constitutes abuse. As for
addiction, many experts say it takes hold when
users no longer care about the negative consequences
their behavior might incur. Detox and rehabilitation
programs are available for people who use,
abuse or are addicted to substances. Depending
on the drug, the length of use and the degree
of dependency, users might benefit from services
that range from out-patient programs to intense,
in-patient therapy. Some researchers say users
have a better chance at achieving and maintaining
sobriety the earlier they seek help.
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