DRUG EDUCATION

16 Sep 2015

Contributed by:  Jean Heramil

”Substance Abuse & Addiction Signs, Effects & Symptoms”

     



Some individuals can use alcohol and drugs without developing an addiction or negative effects. For many others, however, alcohol and substance abuse can lead to a multitude of problems. These include interpersonal challenges, difficulties fulfilling responsibilities at home, work or school, and may lead to harmful or dangerous activities. Chronic substance abuse may result in feelings of shame, guilt, helplessness and pessimism.
Substance abuse occurs when an individual continues using the substance despite the negative cognitive, behavioral, physical, social and frequently mood-related symptoms.  These may include difficulty with decision-making, impulsive control, a worsening physical condition, social withdrawal, or irritability and anger outbursts.
Long-term use of even legally prescribed medication can result in withdrawal symptoms, negative physical and psychological symptoms when stopped or reduced.  Withdrawal can range from mild anxiety and depression to seizures, delusions, hallucinations, coma, seizures and death.Individuals who have abused substances for a lengthy period of time may come to believe they can’t function normally without the drug. Others fear they will no longer be able to function at school or work, while others are concerned they will lose their self-confidence and ability to interact socially.
Statistics
Prevalence estimates indicates approximately 8.7% of the U.S. population over the age of 12 used an illegal substance in the previous month. Past month prevalence rates of nonmedical prescription drug use for this population were estimated at 2.4%.
More than half of those who use drugs begun doing so as teenagers. Of approximately 8,500 new users per day, approximately 53% were under the age of 18. The highest rate of drug abuse is found in those ages 18-20 with 23.8% having used illicit drugs in the past month.
Signs
While symptoms can differ based on the substance used, common symptoms include:
Psychological/Mood:

• Altered mood state
• Difficulty making decisions
• Poor judgment
• Changes in personality
• Sudden changes in mood, irritability
• Angry outbursts
• Feeling fearful, anxious or paranoid without reason
• Lack of motivation to pursue any goal-related activity

Behavioral:

• Neglecting responsibilities at home, work, or school
• Deterioration of physical appearance
• Hiding drugs in different places
• Hiding drug use from others
• Social withdrawal to avoid negative judgments or pressure to stop using the drug
• Lack of participation in previously frequented activities

Physical:

• Tolerance – the need to take more of the substance to produce desired effects
• Taking the drug to avoid withdrawal symptoms
• Negative effect on immune system resulting in frequent illnesses
• Change in appetite
• Change in sleep patterns

Effects of Drug Abuse

Some common effects of drug abuse include:

• Accidents and injuries
• Criminal activity
• Domestic violence, child abuse and neglect
• Physical and psychological illness
• Engaging in thief, violence and vandalism
• Drug-related death
• Infectious diseases
• Homelessness
• Inability to obtain employment
• Lack of control, impulsivity
• Disruptive and antisocial behavior

Withdrawal Symptoms

While withdrawal symptoms depend largely on the substance, common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Restlessness
• Social withdrawal or isolation
• Palpitations
•  Vomiting, or diarrhea
• Irregular heart beat or heart attacks
• Hallucinations
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Feelings of helplessness/ hopelessness
• Irritability
• Insomnia, hypersomnia
• Headaches
• Inability to concentrate
• Depression

 
A drug is any habit-forming substance that directly affects the central nervous system; it affects moods, perceptions, bodily functions or consciousness.Therefore we must avoid using drugs so that we are not like those people above, looking  like paranoid,terrible and depress.

• Reference:
  
  • Acadiana Addiction Center
  • Substance Abuse & Addiction Treatment