Some Behaviours of Drug Abuse and Ways of Preventing Drug Abuse (2)

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.

Drugs That Can be Abused

Alcohol, Amphetamines , Anabolic, steroids, Caffeine, Cannabis, Cocaine, Ecstasy, Hallucinogens, Inhalants, Nicotine,Opiates,Phencyclidine,Sedative, Hypnotic, Or Antianxiety Drugs

Signs And Symptoms Of Drug Abuse

When someone is abusing drugs, there are often tell-tale signs and symptoms that are both physical and behavioural, including:

Sudden mood swings

Changes in normal behavior

Lack of hygiene and grooming

Withdrawal from friends and family

Loss of interest in normal social activities and hobbies

Changes in sleeping patterns

Bloodshot or glassy eyes

Constant sniffles or runny nose.

Behaviours Of Drug Abuse

1. Impulsive Behaviour: Impulsivity is said to be one of the most common traits among addicts. Often called 'black and white thinking', impulsive people tend to see every situation (or possible situation) as all-or-nothing. It can be seen in exercise, cleaning the house or even eating - they either ho all the way or do nothing at all. Impulsivity can also be related to instant gratification. Impulsive people seek to be happy in the moment instead of holding out for better things and making long-term goals.

2. Compulsive Behaviour: A compulsion is the irresistible urge to do something (taking drugs, drinking alcohol, binge eating) despite a conscious desire not to.

3. Nonconformity: A large number of addicts place a high value on nonconformity and pride themselves on being different to others. While it is great to be an individual, when taken to extreme it often causes social alienation and reclusiveness.

4. Low Self-esteem; Low self-esteem is something that affects far more people than you may realise. Feelings of inadequacy, depression, shyness in front of others or even full-blown social anxiety disorder will cause many people to use substances as a way of gaining courage and confidence (at least momentarily).

5. Inability To Deal With Stress; People who have a hard time dealing with stress are at a higher risk of addiction because many people will use drugs, alcohol or food as a way of coping. When the stress does not stop, they will seek more and more of the substance to alleviate the symptoms.

Ways of Preventing Drug Abuse

1. Effectively Deal With Peer Pressure: The biggest reason teens start using drugs is because their friends utilize peer pressure. No one like yo be left out, and teens ( and yes, some adults, too) find themselves doing things they normally would not do, just to fit in. In these cases, you need to either find a group of friends that will not pressure you into doing harmful things, or you need to find a good way to say no. Teens should prepare a good exercise or plan ahead of time, to keep from giving into tempting situations.

2. Deal With Life Pressure; People today are overworked and overwhelmed, and often feel like a good break or a reward is deserved. But in the end, drugs only make life more stressful - and many of us all too often fail to recognize this in the moment. To prevent using drugs as a reward, find other ways to handle stress and unwind. Take up exercising, read a good book, volunteer with the needy, and create something. Anything positive and relaxing helps take the mind oof using drugs to relieve stress.

3. Seek Help For Mental Illness: Mental Illness and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Those with a mental illness may turn drugs as a way to ease the pain. Those suffering from some form of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder should seek the help of a trained professional for treatment before it leads to substance abuse.

4. Examine The Risk Factors: If you are aware of the biological, environmental and physical risk factors you possess, you are more likely to overcome them. A history of substance abuse in the family, living in a social setting that glorifies drug abuse and/or family life that models drug abuse can be risk factors.

5. Keep A Well-balanced Life: People take up drugs when something in their life is not working, or when they are unhappy about their lives or where their lives are going. Look at life's big picture, and have priorities in order.