Drug Abuse Essay

In relation to drug abuse, relapse is resuming the use of a chemical substance or drug after a period of abstinence. The term can be said to be a landmark feature of a combination of substance abuse and substance independence. The propensity for dependency, repeated use, and tendencies that take the form of the substance being used, are some of the issues that drug users’ experience. Substances that enhance most severe tendencies in users and pose high pharmacological efficacy, are those that are cleared quickly from the body, in addition to those that bring out the highest tolerance. There can be increased substance tolerance with the increasing dependency in relation to drug in question,

The definition of addiction is the continuing, compulsive use of a substance despite negative physical, mental or societal consequences of the substance. (Drug addiction and drug abuse, 1) To be psychologically dependent upon a substance is to feel the need to have the substance to maintain the feeling of well being. (Drug addiction and drug abuse, 1) Physical need is determined by tolerance levels for the substance. There would be a need for increase in dosage to achieve the same feeling. (Drug addiction and drug abuse, 1)

Teenage drug abuse is an issue that can result from a wide variety of social influences, stressful events, and mental disorders. Drug abuse among adolescents is a troubling issue because it decreases focus, increases the chance of consistency in behavior during adulthood, increases the chances of developing emotional issues, permanently damages the brain, and damages tissues in every system that can lead to death. Previous scientific research has identified that social factors, including the media and peers, play an important role in psychological development and impact the adolescent's decision to start experimenting with substances (Botvin 888). Appropriate solutions for the teenage drug abuse issue already exist, but the only remaining

They must first look to see whether they are using it the way it was prescribed. If they are using it in any way other than that, it is abuse at a minimum. Furthermore, if it is taking more of the substance to achieve the intended effect, tolerance has been increased. Finally, if upon ceasing use of the substance they begin to experience bodily withdrawal, this would be an indication of physical dependence.

The indicators that might signal a person has crossed the line between two concepts are that they are wanted to use the drug every so often and they do not know how to control themselves. For instance, if the person uses the drug not only once a day, but rather three times a day then obviously this shows that they have crossed the line. This is an extreme signal that shows that the person is engaging in severe drug consumption and should see help immediately. Another indicator is that they are asking others for more drugs because they ran out. This shows that they are out of control and they may not be able to maintain their behavior as well. They would need to seek rehabilitation because they may use anger towards others without a reason. People that use too much drug or even are a drug addict can have mood swings. For instance, one day they can be happy and this is probably because they already used the drug and then in a couple of hours they can suddenly become mean to others. This shows that their behavior is not consistent and rather not welcoming to others as well. The best way to help these types of people would be to take them to a consultant or an expertise person that can help change them. Of course, this is not going to take a couple days to fix, but rather months. The person may not want to go to rehabilitation, because they feel that there is nothing wrong with them. In addition, they may yell at you for wanting to take them there, but the best way to

It is paramount to attempt to understand why individuals become ‘addicts’/ drug dependent, as in doing so treatments and therapies may be adopted in line with the needs of the drug dependent individual. A greater understanding in the area of causality may produce more effective interventions at earlier stages of drug misuse.

Outward signs of substance abuse grow in intensity and number, leading to full-blown addiction. For example, an Opioid use disorder escalates very quickly and signs are readily apparent: A strong desire, or need for opioids, the inability to reduce consumption, continued use even though it interferes with personal and social obligations, the use of increasing amounts in closer intervals, the development of tolerance, a great deal of time and effort goes in to obtaining and using opioids, and symptoms of withdrawal that occur when attempting to stop, or limit, use.

The disease model of addiction rests on three primary assumptions predisposition to use a drug, loss of control over use, and progression (Krivanek, 1988, p.202). These physiological alterations cause an undeniable desire to take more drugs (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012). Addicts are viewed as individuals with an incurable disease with drug addiction as the symptom. The disease model argues users cannot be held accountable for their addictions (Kirvanek, 1988).

Clearly, it would be in the best interests of society to address the problem with substance use disorder. There are ten separate classes of drugs, which include alcohol, caffeine, cannabis, hallucinogens stimulants, and unknown substances (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). In order to diagnose someone with substance use disorder the DSM 5 (2013) lists eleven separate criteria. The individual may require higher amounts or longer periods than was originally planned. Obtaining, using and recovering from the effects of the drug may take the majority of their time. The daily routine revolves around the drug. When the

The longer an individual uses the drug, the more of a tolerance they build up to the drug, requiring them to take more.

While there is no cure for drug abuse or dependence, there are three main treatment

Addiction can become more important than the need to eat or sleep. The urge to get and use the drug can fill every moment of a person's life. The addiction replaces all the things the person used to enjoy.

Eventually that addiction leads to drug tolerance. Tolerance is when drug user takes more and more of their drug of choice in order to receive the same type of euphoria feeling they once felt with smaller quantities.

Alcohol abuse is a serious problem, driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs is an even bigger problem that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Abusing either one of these substances can lead to the death of you or the death of someone else or even cause a major change in their life like Jacqueline’s story, her whole life has been changed because of another person’s ignorance and carelessness. Therefore, you should know the facts about drug and alcohol abuse before you do something you may regret for the rest of your life.

A person’s body, in almost every aspect of its being, is addicted when one is a mild to chronic user and abuser. The nervous system, brain, and muscle tissue are all living in anticipation of the next high. So, for the addict, it is crucial that the cycle of behavior, is broken. The addict needs to pull up the anchor that keeps them from moving forward. This means changing environments, patterns and even sometimes friends and social associates.