Drugs an Drug Abuse (1)
Drug is any substance (with the exception of food and water) which, when taken into the body, alters the body's function either physically and/ or psychologically. Drugs may be legal (e.g. alcohol, caffeine and tobacco) or illegal (e.g.cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine and heroin). The vast majority of drugs are used to treat medical conditions, both physical and mental. Some however are used outside the medical setting for their effects on the mind.
The use of drugs have been abused in the society to some extent, people now take drugs to alter their mood, thinking, and behaviour such as Depressants ( alcohol, heroin, cannabis) Stimulants ( nicotine, caffeine, cocaine) and Hallucinogens (ecstasy and cannabis).
Drug Abuse is a serious public health problem that affects almost every community and family in some way. Each year drug abuse causes millions of serious illnesses or injuries among people in nations. Drug abuse also plays a role in many major social problems, such as drugged driving, violence, stress, and child abuse.
Drug abuse can lead to homelessness, crime, and missed work or problems with keeping a job. It harms unborn babies and destroys families. There are different types of treatment for drug abuse. From prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications to street drugs and alcohol, virtually and drug can be abused. While Illicit drugs like heroin and cocaine are abused anytime they are used, prescription drugs are abused whenever they are used in a manner other than as intended, or by someone other than to whom they were prescribed. Most drugs and other chemical substances are helpful when used properly. Unfortunately, the misuse if medications and drugs-both legal and illegal, as well as alcohol and tobacco-is a growing problem in the older population.
The terms "drug abuse" or "substance abuse" is defined as the use of chemical substances that lead to an increased risk of problems and an inability to control the use of the substance. Drug abuse occur when you are not able to control your use of prescribed drugs or are using an illegal substance to the point that it interferes with your ability to function.
Causes of Drug Abuse
1. Anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression or other mental illness. Mental illness is such a burden for some people they will try just about anything to relieve the pain. Drugs or alcohol can temporarily make the person feel 'normal' again, like they remember feeling in the past. Mental illness is scary for the individual experiencing it, so they are afraid to go to a doctor or family member for help and instead turn to drugs or alcohol to try and solve the problem on their own.
2. Boredom; Boredom is a big factor in drug abuse in teens and young adults. People in this age bracket generally do not have bills, jobs and all the stresses that go along with adulthood. So it is easier to become bored and want to try something new and exciting. Drug use is often thought of as a way to escape the mundane world and enter an altered reality.
3. Relieve of Stress; Our modern world is full of new strains and stresses that humans have never experienced in the past. Although many things in life are now easier than ever, the burdens are also very high. Simply having a family, maintaining a household, and holding a job are huge stress factors. Some drugs are viewed as a means of relaxation - a way to calm the storm in your mind. Although drugs can be very effective at doing that, there can be serious side effects.
4. Rationalization: People figure if a drug is prescribed by a doctor, it must be okay. It is easy for an individual to rationalize using a drug because it came from a doctor. The thinking goes like this "it was prescribed to someone I know for the same problem I am having, so it makes, it should work for me too". The dangerous part about this rationalization is that this can lead to mixing of drugs, overdose, unintended side effects and / or dependency.
5. To Keep Fit: When hanging out with friends, it is easy for people to want to fit in and seem like one of the crew. If others are drinking or doing drugs, it is very likely for someone to fall into that trap. Peer pressure can be a tremendous force causing someone to try things they would normally not try on their own.
