Drugs & Substance

Abuse

Who is he ???

What are drugs and what do they do

?

"a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure,

prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise
enhance physical or mental well-being."

What is Drug abuse ?

according to the Medline's Medical Encyclopedia is "the use

of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-thecounter drugs for purposes other than those for which they
are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than
directed."

 Drug abuse is an intense desire to obtain increasing amounts of

a particular substance. Drug dependence is the body's physical
need, or addiction, to a specific agent. Over the long term, this
dependence results in physical harm and behavior problems
which causes tolerance and cross tolerance. Thus, it creates a
vicious cycle.

Illegal drugs such as marijuana,

cocaine and heroine are not the
only substances that can be
abused.
Alcohol,
prescription
drugs
and
over-the-counter
medications,
inhalant
and
solvents, sedatives, coffee and
cigarettes, can all be used to
harmful
excess.

CONSUMPTION OF VARIOUS DRUGS

 Legal
drugs
are
not
necessarily safer. A study in
2010
asked
drug-harm
experts to rank various
illegal and legal drugs.
Alcohol was found to be the
most dangerous.
It is believed that drug abuse
only harms the user but this
graph clearly depicts that it
not just harms the person
but destroys the whole
family ,his profession, and
life.

Some Reasons for Drug Use

Some individuals experiment with drugs,
Some try drugs out of curiosity, others to have a good time,
because friends are doing it.
Some in an effort to improve athletic performance or ease
stress, anxiety, or depression.
The Use of it doesnt automatically lead to abuse. drug use
moves from casual to problematic depending on the
individual.

Stages of Addiction
Experimentation
Regular Use
Substance Abuse/Risky Behavior
Addiction or Chemical Dependency

Risk Factors
Your genes, mental health, family and social environment
increases your vulnerability include.
Family history of addiction
Abuse, neglect, or other traumatic experiences in childhood
Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety
Early use of drugs

Effect on the Brain

Taking a recreational drug causes a surge in levels of
dopamine in your brain, which trigger feelings of pleasure.
Your brain remembers these feelings and wants them
repeated.
Changes in your brain interfere with your ability to think
clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and
feel normal without drugs.
Changes in your brain interfere with your ability to think
clearly, exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and
feel normal without drugs.

Common signs and

symptoms
of
drug abuse

 Youre neglecting your responsibilitiesat school, work, or

home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your
children) because of your drug use.
Youre using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking
risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty
needles, or having unprotected sex.
Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble,such as
arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence,
or stealing to support a drug habit.
Your
drug
use
is
causing
problems
in
your
relationships,such as fights with your partner or family
members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.

 Youve built up a drug tolerance. A greater quantity of the drug has to be used to get a
similar high.
You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. You cannot stay too long without
the drug, experiences withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia,
depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.
Youve lost control over your drug use.You cannot control your drug cravings, you feel
powerless to stop
using, you become dependent and feel that youre unable to
function without it.
Your life revolves around drug use.You are consume by thoughts of the drugs and how to
get it.
Youve abandoned activities you used to enjoy. You isolate yourself and avoid socializing in
order to use drugs.
You continue to use drugs, despite knowing its hurting you. You are experiencing serious
health and harmful problems but continues despite of them- infections, mood swings,
depression, paranoia.

Drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms.

look for the following warning signs:

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or
weight gain
Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming habits
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing
Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

Poor work or school attendance and decline in
performance.
Spike in spending and urgency for money or financial
problems.
Secretive, suspicious unusual behaviors
Sudden change in friends and associates.
Accident or trouble prone (fights, accidents, illegal
activities)

 Personality Change , (sudden mood swings, irritability, or

angry outbursts)
hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness
Lack of motivation
Unexplained Anxiety or paranoia

If you suspect that a friend or family member has

a drug problem, here are a few things you can do:
Speak up. Talk to the person about your concerns, and offer your help and
support, without being judgmental. The earlier addiction is treated, the
better. Dont wait for your loved one to hit bottom! Be prepared for excuses
and denial by listing specific examples of your loved ones behavior that has
you worried.
Take care of yourself. Dont get so caught up in someone elses drug problem
that you neglect your own needs. Make sure you have people you can talk to
and lean on for support. And stay safe. Dont put yourself in dangerous
situations.
Avoid self-blame. You can support a person with a substance abuse problem
and encourage treatment, but you cant force an addict to change. You cant
control your loved ones decisions. Let the person accept responsibility for his
or her actions, an essential step along the way to recovery for drug addiction.

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