By: Malak Kalaz
1.0 Introduction
The term “drug-abuse” describes the harmful or excessive use of substances, such as prescription medicines, illicit drugs, or even legal substances like alcohol. Drug abuse can definitely have a number of detrimental effects on one’s physical and mental health. Long-term drug addiction alters the natural chemistry of the brain, which frequently results in behavioral, emotional, and cognitive abnormalities. Mental health conditions including paranoia, despair, and psychosis may emerge or worsen as a result of these changes over time. Chronic drug abuse may impair emotional control, making it harder for users to handle stress or day-to-day difficulties. (Mosel, 2019) Because of this, people who take drugs may go through a cycle of mental health deterioration, which further affects their general well-being. It is encouraged to cope with drug abuse with the help of specialists and rehabilitation centers, which have the main goal of helping addicts recover.
1.1 Statistics on Drug Abuse
About 46.3 million people who were 12 years of age or older reported using illegal substances in 2021 and 21.1 million of them fit in the criteria for a substance use disorder. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023) The brain’s reward system is the main cause of addiction; drugs modify the circuits in the brain that regulate pleasure, judgment, and impulsive control, which results in long-term behavioral changes. Permanent health effects, including irreparable harm to organs like the liver, lungs, and heart, as well as deficiencies in
cognitive and emotional control, may arise from these alterations. (Volkow, 2020) Substance use problems have an effect that goes way beyond the obvious, possibly leading to legal, social, and economic difficulties. Comprehensive public health approaches relating to prevention, treatment, and continued care for individuals impacted by addiction are necessary to address this epidemic. (Mosel, 2019)
1.2 Getting Hooked on to Drugs
a. Cocaine Addiction
Cocaine is highly addictive because it increases dopamine levels in the brain, creating intense euphoria and reinforcing compulsive drug-seeking behaviors. Physically, the effects of cocaine include accelerated heart rate, high blood pressure, and even heart attack and stroke. WIth long-term use, possible complications include nasal passage damages, respiratory complications, and drastic weight loss. (Mosel, 2019)
b. Opioid Addiction
Opioids can be addictive because they hook their users by binding brain receptors, which can create intense pain relief and a sensation of relaxation or euphoria. This ultimately leads to dependency. Respiratory depression, constipation, and slowed heart rate are some physical signs, even fatality in high doses. Liver damage, immune function weakening, and overdose are some long term effects following from such drugs. (Mosel, 2019)
c. Meth Addiction
Methamphetamine (meth) is addictive because of its very potent release of dopamine, which provides one with a long-lasting high and motivates users to seek repeated doses. Physically it
causes rapid aging, dental problems (meth mouth), and skin ulcers due to scratching. Chronic use can cause severe weight loss, cardiovascular damage, and neurological deficits. (Mosel, 2019)
1.4 Impact on Mental Health
The misuse of drugs can seriously affect the brain’s chemistry and how it works, leaving deep and lasting impacts on mental health. Over time, substance use messes with the neurotransmitter systems that control things like mood, judgment, and how the body handles stress. (Volkow, 2020) This kind of disruption can cause ongoing issues, such as anxiety, depression, or trouble thinking clearly. In some cases, it might even trigger conditions like psychosis or paranoia that can linger long after someone stops using drugs. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023) These changes often make existing mental health issues worse, creating a harmful cycle that’s hard to break. Therefore, it will only cause damage to both the mind and the body. (Mosel, 2019)
1.5 Coping Mechanisms
Treatment, professional help, and support groups will help to fight the psychological consequences of using drugs. Though therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy focus on negative thinking and encourage positive ways of coping with life, treatment helps in restoring the balance of the brain. (Volkow, 2020) Individual psychiatric care is needed to cope with after-effects such as anxiety or depression. A sound path to recovery is established through peer support groups and other holistic approaches, such as mindfulness, exercise, and family participation, which help rebuilding resiliencies and promote emotional well-being. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2023)
References:
● Volkow, N. (2020). Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction. National Institute on Drug Abuse.
● Mosel, S. (2019). The Permanent Effects of Drugs on the Body. American Addiction Centers.
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/health-complications-addiction/permanent-effects ● Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP23-07-01-006, NSDUH Series H-58). Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
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