In a world where stressors and challenges are part of daily life, the struggle against substance abuse remains a prevalent issue. Substance abuse can take a toll on physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. In this article, we delve into the complex concept of substance abuse, shedding light on its definition, factors, consequences, and the journey toward recovery.
1. What is substance abuse?
Drug abuse refers to the non-medical use of drugs (or substances) with dependence properties. The user becomes dependent on such drugs (addiction) and compulsively and endlessly pursues the special mental effects of the drug, resulting in serious personal consequences. Health and public health and social issues. It is completely different from the concept of “abuse” in drugs of abuse such as “abuse of antibiotics” and “abuse of hormones” that we usually say.
Medical Drugs:
Purpose: to treat diseases and relieve pain.
Result: cure the disease, alleviate the pain of the patient and make him live a healthy life.
Substance abuse:
Purpose: Seeking excitement, satisfying addiction and other needs.
Result: leading to various diseases and even death.
2. What is drug addiction?
Drug addiction (dependence) refers to a mental state, sometimes also a physical state, caused by the interaction between drugs and the body, which manifests a compulsive continuous or regular drug use behavior and other reactions. The purpose is to experience its mental effects, or to avoid the discomfort caused by drug discontinuation, drug resistance may or may not occur. The same person can become dependent on more than one drug. The World Health Organization divides drug addiction (dependence) into mental dependence and physical dependence.
Mental dependence
Mental dependence, but also psychological dependence. It refers to a pleasant, satisfying or euphoric feeling produced by the user, which drives the user to take drugs repeatedly in order to seek this feeling, showing a so-called craving state.
Physical dependence
Physical dependence, also known as physiological dependence. It is a pathological adaptation state caused by repeated drug use, mainly manifested as tolerance and withdrawal symptoms.
3. Drugs and psychoactive substances vulnerable to abuse
①Narcotics
Opioids
Heroin, methadone, morphine, opium, pethidine, dihydroatropine, codeine
Cannabis
Represented by marijuana
Cocaine
Represented by cocaine
②Psychiatric drugs of the first category
Amphetamines
Methamphetamine, methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methcathinone;
Hallucinogens
Ketamine
Sedative-hypnotics
Triazolam
③Second class psychotropic drugs
Barbiturates
barbital, phenobarbital
Benzodiazepines
Diazepam, estazolam, alprazolam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, nitrazepam
Preparation of opioids
Codeine-containing compound oral liquid preparations and tramadol single-prescription preparations.
④Other prescription and over-the-counter drugs
Antidiarrheal medicine
Compound diphenoxylate
Painkillers
Pain-relieving tablets, pain-relieving powder, paracetamol oxycodone (tylenine), paracetamol tramadol, compound tramadol
Cough medicine
Urgent Syrup, Powerful Loquat Dew, Codeine Platycodon Tablets
Cold medicine
Xincontac, Amikacin, Tylenol
4. What are the dangers caused by drug abuse?
After drug abuse, it can stimulate the “pleasure center” of the human brain, causing a strong “pleasure”. Repeated drug abuse will lead to addiction, and obvious withdrawal symptoms will appear after discontinuation of use. It will also create a strong desire for the abused drug, prompting the abuser to repeatedly The main hazards of use are:
① Health is damaged and serious complications occur, such as hypokalemia, epilepsy, severe osteoporosis, leukemia, and toxic mental illness, which can be life-threatening
② The occurrence of negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, and anger, manifested by psychological and behavioral abnormalities such as bad temper, low self-esteem, low self-esteem, self-abuse, and suicide. In severe cases, personality changes may occur
③ Social functions deteriorate, normal study and work are impossible, and family relationships are seriously damaged
④If it is not treated or treated improperly, it is easy to embark on illegal crimes such as drug abuse or even theft, which will eventually affect social stability
5. How to use medicine rationally?
When taking drugs with dependence characteristics, you must strictly follow the doctor’s instructions; take the drugs with accurate dosage, correct usage and course of treatment; use them according to the instructions, avoid self-abuse of drugs without medical guidance, and do not extend the use time of dependence characteristics drugs without authorization, or increase the dosage of drugs ; Drugs with dependence properties at home should be stored in a place out of reach of children; once family members develop drug dependence, they need to go to the hospital in time.
Conclusion:
Substance abuse is a complex challenge that affects individuals physically, emotionally, and socially. By understanding its underlying causes, recognizing its signs, and seeking timely help, individuals can break free from the grip of addiction and embark on a journey of recovery.
