Drug Misuse and Addiction

Drug Misuse and Addiction

What is drug addiction?

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences. † Addiction is considered a brain disorder because it involves changes in the functioning of brain circuits that govern reward, stress, and self-control. These changes can persist long after drug use has ceased. 

Addiction is similar to other diseases, such as: B. Heart disease, which is very similar. Both interfere with the normal, healthy functioning of organs in the body and have serious negative effects, but both are often preventable and treatable. If left untreated, they can last a lifetime and can be fatal.

Note: These PET scans compare the brains of people with a history of cocaine use disorder (center and right) to those who have never used cocaine (left). People with cocaine use disorder have lower levels of D2 dopamine receptors (shown in red) in the striatum than non-users one month (center) and four months (right) after ceasing cocaine use. Cocaine users have higher levels of dopamine receptors in their brains after four months (right), but have not yet reached the levels of non-users (left).

Why do people take drugs?

Generally, people take drugs for a number of reasons:

To feel good. Drugs can produce an intense feeling of happiness. This initial euphoria is followed by other effects that vary depending on the type of drug taken. For example, stimulants like cocaine can make you feel stronger, more confident, and more energy after you get high. In contrast, the euphoria caused by opioids such as heroin is followed by a feeling of relaxation and satisfaction.

To feel better. Some people who suffer from social anxiety, stress, and depression start using drugs to reduce their anxiety. Stress not only plays a major role in the initiation and continuation of drug use, but it can also cause relapse (resumption of drug use) in patients recovering from addiction.

To feel better. Some people feel pressured to concentrate better at school or work, or to improve their athletic performance. This may lead them to try or continue to use drugs such as prescription stimulants or cocaine.

Curiosity and social pressure. In this regard, teenagers are particularly at risk because peer pressure is so strong. Adolescence is a developmental period in which risk factors such as: B. Drug-using peers may lead to drug use.

Symptoms

Symptoms and behaviors of drug addiction include, but are not limited to, the following:

Feeling the need to take drugs on a regular basis - daily or even several times a day

An intense craving for drugs that blocks out all other thoughts

Over time, needing more and more of the drug to get the same effect

Taking larger amounts of the drug for longer periods of time than intended

Making sure you have a steady supply of drugs

Not wanting to spend money on drugs even though you need to

Being unable to fulfill obligations or professional obligations, or limiting social or leisure activities, because of your drug use

Continuing to take drugs despite knowing that drugs are causing or have caused problems in your life physical or mental harm

Doing things you would not normally do to obtain drugs, such as: B. Stealing

Driving under the influence or engaging in other dangerous activities

Spending a significant amount of time obtaining drugs, using them, or recovering from their effects.

Attempts to stop using drugs fail.

You experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop taking drugs.

You are aware of unhealthy drug use among family members.

It can be difficult to distinguish between a teen's normal moodiness or anxiety and signs of drug use. Signs that your teen or other family members may be using drugs include:

Problems at school or work - frequent absences from school or work, sudden disinterest in school activities or work, or a drop in grades or work performance

Physical health problems - lack of nutritional energy and motivation, weight gain or loss, bloodshot eyes

Neglect of appearance - lack of interest in clothing, grooming, and appearance

Behavioral changes - family members make every effort to keep it a secret that they are friends from entering their teen's room or going out with them.

Money problems - sudden requests for money with no reasonable explanation. Or they notice that money has been lost or stolen, or items that may be sold to support drug use have disappeared from the home.

Recognizing the Signs of Drug Use or Addiction

The signs and symptoms of drug use or addiction vary depending on the type of drug. Some examples include:

Marijuana, Hashish, and Other Cannabis-Containing Substances

Cannabis is consumed by smoking, eating, or inhaling the vaporized drug. Cannabis is often used before or in combination with other substances such as alcohol or illicit drugs, and is often the first drug tried.

Signs and symptoms of recent use include:

Euphoria or feeling "high"

Increased vision, hearing, and taste

Increased blood pressure and heart rate

Bloodshot eyes

Dry mouth

Poor coordination

Difficulty concentrating or remembering

Slowed reaction time

Anxious or paranoid thinking

Marijuana smell on your clothes or yellowing of your fingertips

Craving certain foods at unusual times

Long-term use is often associated with the following symptoms:

Decreased mental stamina

Poor performance at school or work

Persistent cough and frequent lung infections

K2, Spice and Bath Salts

Two groups of synthetic drugs, synthetic cannabinoids and substituted or synthetic cathinones, are illegal in most states. Because there is no quality control and some ingredients may be unknown, the effects of these drugs can be dangerous and unpredictable.

Synthetic cannabinoids, also known as K2 or Spice, are sprayed on dried herbs and smoked, but can also be prepared as an herbal tea. The liquid form can be vaporized in e-cigarettes. Despite the claims of manufacturers, these are chemical compounds and not "natural" or harmless products. These drugs can produce a "high" similar to marijuana, making them a popular but dangerous alternative.

Signs and symptoms of recent use include:

Euphoria or feeling "high"

Improved mood

Changes in vision, hearing, and taste

Extreme fear or excitement

Paranoia

Hallucinations

Increased heart rate and blood pressure, or heart attack

Vomiting

Confusion

Violent behavior

Substituted cathinones, also known as "bath salts," are mind-altering (psychoactive) substances similar to amphetamines such as ecstasy (MDMA) and cocaine. To avoid detection, the packaging is often labeled as other products.

Despite the name, these are not bath salts like Epsom salts. Substitute cathinones can be eaten, smoked, inhaled or injected and are highly addictive. These drugs can cause severe addiction, which can lead to dangerous health problems or death.

Signs and symptoms of recent use include:

Elevated mood

Increased sociability

Increased energy and restlessness

Increased sex drive

Increased heart rate and blood pressure

Problems thinking clearly

Loss of muscle control

Paranoia

Panic attacks 44 44 Hallucinations

Delirium

Psychotic and violent behavior

Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines and Sleeping Pills

Barbiturates, benzodiazepines and sleeping pills are prescribed as central nervous system depressants. They are used and often abused to achieve a feeling of relaxation or a desire to "switch off" or forget thoughts and feelings related to stress.

Barbiturates. An example is phenobarbital.

Benzodiazepines. Examples include sedatives such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), lorazepam (Ativan), clonazepam (Klonopin), and chlordiazepoxide (Librium).

Hypnosis. Examples include prescription sleep medications such as zolpidem (Ambien) and zaleplon (Sonata). Signs and symptoms if recently taken include:

Drowsiness

Slurred speech

Poor coordination

Irritability or mood swings

Problems concentrating or thinking clearly

Memory problems

Involuntary eye movements

Lack of inhibitions

Slow breathing and low blood pressure

s

Dizziness

Stimulants, Cocaine, and Other Stimulants

Stimulants include amphetamines, stimulants (methamphetamine), cocaine, methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, others), and amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall XR, Mydace). They are commonly used and abused to achieve a "high," boost energy, improve performance at work or school, lose weight, and control appetite.

Signs and symptoms of recent use include:

Feeling joyful, excited, and overconfident

Increased alertness

Increased energy and restlessness

Behavioral changes or aggression

Rapid or incoherent speech

Eyes with larger than normal pupils and black rings in the center

Confusion, delusions, hallucinations

Irritability, anxiety, paranoia

Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature

Nausea or vomiting with weight loss

Impaired judgment

Nasal congestion and damage to the nasal mucosa (when smoking drugs)

Mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay from smoking ulcer drugs ("stimulants")

Insomnia

Depression when the effects of the drug wear off

Club drugs

Club drugs are often used at clubs, concerts, and parties. Examples include methylenedioxymethamphetamine, also known as MDMA, ecstasy or molly, and gamma-hydroxybutyrate, known as GHB. Other examples include ketamine and flunitrazepam, or Rohypnol, a brand used outside the United States also known as Roofie. Although these drugs are not all in the same category, they have some similar effects and risks, including long-term harmful effects.

Because GHB and flunitrazepam can cause sedation, muscle relaxation, confusion, and memory loss, taking these drugs puts people at risk for sexual misconduct or sexual assault.

Signs and symptoms of club drug use include:

Hallucinations

Paranoia

Larger pupils than normal

Chills and sweats

Involuntary shaking (tremors)

Changes in behavior

Muscle spasms and teeth grinding

Muscle relaxation, decreased coordination or movement problems

Decreased inhibitions

Increased or changed sense of sight, hearing or taste

Impaired judgment

Memory loss or loss

Decreased consciousness

Increased or decreased heart rate and blood pressure

Hallucinogens

Taking hallucinogens can cause different signs and symptoms depending on the drug. The most common hallucinogens are lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and phencyclidine (PCP).

Taking LSD can cause the following symptoms:

Hallucinations

A severe decrease in perception of reality. B. Interpreting stimuli from one sense as another. B. Hearing colors

Impulsive behavior

Rapid emotional fluctuations

Persistent mental changes in perception

Increased heart rate and high blood pressure

Tremors

Flashbacks, reliving hallucinations - even years later

Taking PCP can cause the following symptoms:

Sensation of detachment from one's own body and environment

Hallucinations

Impaired coordination and movement

Aggressive, possibly violent behavior

Involuntary eye movements

Lack of pain sensation

Increased blood pressure and heart rate

Impaired thinking and memory

Impaired speech

Impaired judgment

Intolerance to loud noises

Sometimes seizures and coma may occur

Inhalants

The signs and symptoms of inhalant use vary depending on the substance. Commonly inhaled substances include glue, paint thinner, correction fluid, marker fluid, gasoline, cleaning fluid, and household aerosol products. The toxicity of these substances can cause brain damage or sudden death in users.

Signs and symptoms of use include:

Possession of an inhalant without a reasonable explanation

A temporary feeling of euphoria

Drunk behavior

Decreased ability to control impulses

Aggressive behavior or combativeness

Dizziness

Nausea or vomiting

Involuntary eye movements 44 44 Occurs when the drug causes slurred speech, slow movements, or poor coordination

Irregular heartbeat

Tremors

A persistent odor of the inhalant

A rash around the nose and mouth

Opioid Painkillers

Opioids are narcotic painkillers made from opium or synthetically. Drugs in this class include heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl, and oxycodone, among others.

Addiction to prescription opioid painkillers, also known as the "opioid epidemic," has reached alarming levels in the United States. Some people who take opioids long-term may need a doctor-prescribed alternative medication temporarily or long-term during their treatment.

Signs and symptoms of drug use and addiction include:

Mood elevation

Decreased pain sensation

Restlessness, drowsiness, or sedation

Slurred speech

Attention and memory problems

Smaller than normal pupils

Lack of awareness or lack of attention to people and things in the environment

Coordination problems

Depression

Confusion

Constipation

Runny or sore nose (when snorting drugs)

Punctures (when injecting drugs)

When to see a doctor

If your drug use gets out of control or if drug use becomes a problem, seek help. The sooner you seek help, the better your chances of long-term recovery. Talk to your doctor or see a mental health professional, such as a physician who specializes in addiction medicine or addiction psychiatry, or a licensed alcohol and drug counselor.

Contact a doctor if:

You cannot stop using drugs

You continue to use drugs despite the harm they cause

Drug use causes risky behaviors, such as: B. Sharing needles and unprotected sex

You think you may experience withdrawal symptoms after you stop using drugs

If you are not yet ready to contact a doctor or psychologist, helplines and hotlines can be a great place to find out about treatment options. You can find these numbers on the Internet or in the phone book.

When do you need emergency help?

You or someone you know takes drugs and should seek emergency help if:

You may have an overdose

You have an altered consciousness

You have difficulty breathing

You have a seizure or convulsion

You have signs of a possible heart attack, such as pain or pressure in the chest

You have another stressful physical or psychological reaction to taking the medicine.