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The Effects of Drug Abuse and Addiction

Often, drug abusers and addicts are expected to seek the help they need to overcome their plight. When they fail to do so, their loved ones may become disappointed and wonder why the user cannot simply stop using drugs. It is not that simple because drug abuse and addiction are not due to weak willpower, but are connected with the changes the drugs have made to the user's mind and the body.

  1. Drug Abuse and Addiction

    • The frequent and excessive use of drugs to attain a specific effect is known as drug abuse. These drugs include street or illegal substances such as cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin. Some individuals abuse prescription drugs as well, using them for pleasure instead of for medical purposes. Most drugs when consumed overstimulate the brain's pleasure center (reward circuit). Continued drug use can change the brain's chemistry, resulting in painful withdrawal symptoms if the user stops using or reduces his dosage. This is called the addiction stage, where the body and/or mind are dependent on the drug.

    Causes

    • The nonprofit resource Helpguide.org states that an individual's genes and environment can put her at risk for drug addiction; specifically, if drug addiction has been present in her family, it is possible for her to develop the disease as well. In addition, if an individual has a mental illness, drug addiction can exacerbate the illness; an individual suffering from mental illness and drug addiction is classified as "dual diagnosis." Peer pressure can also result in drug abuse and addiction. Particularly for teenagers, it can be difficult not to engage in drug use when the individuals around them are partaking in it.

    Monetary Effects

    • According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), drug abuse and addiction cost the American society more than half a trillion dollars yearly. This amount includes $181 billion for illegal drugs, which encompasses the total drug abuse and addiction costs relating to health, crime and productivity losses.

    Other Effects

    • Individuals who inject drugs and share needles in the process face a greater health risk of contracting hepatitis or HIV. Drug abuse can also result in lung damage from smoking; damage or destruction of the nerve cells from using inhalants; severe heart problems and seizures from methamphetamine use; slow respiration from opiate use such as heroin, OxyContin and Vicodin; chronic acne, depression and liver issues from steroid use; and complications to the heart, respiratory and digestive systems from cocaine use. The practice of combining two or more drugs is especially dangerous. This practice often includes mixing alcohol with prescription drugs, or cocaine or heroin with the opiate fentanyl, which can be fatal.

    Support

    • The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a facility locator that drug abusers and addicts, or their loved ones, can use to locate a treatment center near them; many of these facilities are publicly funded. In addition, the free peer support groups Al-Anon for alcohol abuse, and Nar-Anon for drug abuse, offer support for families coping with substance abuse.

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