Drug Abuse, Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.

Summary

Drug abuse, a pervasive illness affecting millions worldwide, is characterized by the uncontrollable use of substances, both legal and illegal, leading to severe health and behavioral consequences. The video discusses various drugs' impact, the alarming rise in drug use, especially among young adults, and the challenges of addiction due to brain changes. It outlines contributing factors, common symptoms, and emphasizes the importance of professional evaluation and tailored treatment programs for recovery, including behavioral therapy and support groups.

Takeaways

• 💊 Drug abuse is an illness characterized by destructive patterns of using substances, both legal and illegal, which can't be controlled and interfere with daily functioning.
• 🌐 Commonly abused substances include alcohol, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabis, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, inhalants, and club drugs.
• 📈 There are over 190 million drug users globally, with a concerning increase, especially among young adults under 30.
• 😷 Drug abuse can cause long-term damage to the body and increase the risk of HIV and hepatitis B and C infections, particularly for those using needles.
• 🤔 Reasons for starting drug use vary from curiosity, recreational use, peer influence, to exposure through prescribed medications.
• 🔄 Over time, drug use can lead to the need for higher doses and difficulty in abstaining, causing intense cravings and physical illness when attempting to stop.
• 💔 In 2015, substance use disorder resulted in 307,400 deaths, with the highest numbers from alcohol use disorders and opioids.
• 🧠 Repeated drug use can alter brain function, affecting the way the brain feels pleasure and impairing the ability to think and control behavior.
• 🤝 Drug abuse has no single cause; factors include genetics, environmental influences, psychological issues, and social pressures.
• 🚨 Symptoms of drug abuse include a daily urge to use, neglecting responsibilities, using in dangerous situations, and unsuccessful attempts to control use.
• 🛑 Diagnosis and treatment involve evaluation by a professional and may include detoxification, behavioral therapy, and support groups to help achieve abstinence and prevent relapse.

Q & A

What is drug abuse, and how does it affect a person's brain and behavior?

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, is a destructive pattern of using illegal or legal drugs or medication. It affects the brain and behavior by causing a person to lose control over drug use, which interferes with their ability to function normally.

Which substances are commonly associated with drug abuse?

Commonly abused substances include alcohol, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabis, barbiturates, amphetamines, hallucinogens, inhalants, club drugs, and other substances.

How widespread is the problem of drug abuse globally, particularly among young adults?

There are over 190 million drug users worldwide, with the problem increasing at an alarming rate, especially among young adults under the age of 30.

What are the health risks associated with drug abuse, especially for those who use needles?

Drug abuse can cause long-term damage to the body, and drug addicts who use needles are at a greater risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.

What are some common reasons why people start using drugs?

People start using drugs for various reasons, such as curiosity, seeking a good time, peer influence, or exposure to prescribed medications from friends or relatives, particularly opioids.

How does drug use escalate from initial use to addiction?

Over time, users may need larger doses of the drug to achieve the same high, and as drug use increases, it becomes extremely difficult to go without the drug. An attempt to stop can cause intense cravings and physical illness.

What were the statistics for substance use disorder-related deaths in 2015?

In 2015, substance use disorder resulted in 307,400 deaths. The highest numbers were from alcohol use disorders (137,500 deaths), followed by opioids (122,100 deaths), cocaine (11,100 deaths), and amphetamines (12,200 deaths).

How does repeated drug use affect the brain's function and pleasure mechanisms?

Repeated drug use can alter the brain's function, including the way it feels pleasure. Addictive drug use causes changes in the brain that interfere with the ability to think and control behavior, while also sending intense impulses to take drugs.

What are the main factors that contribute to the development of drug addiction?

The main factors contributing to drug addiction include genetics, environmental factors such as parental abuse or neglect, family beliefs, exposure to peer groups that encourage drug abuse, psychological problems like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and personality disorders.

What are some symptoms that may indicate a person is struggling with substance addiction?

Symptoms may include a regular urge to use drugs multiple times a day, recurrent use that prevents meeting daily responsibilities, withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop, unsuccessful attempts to control drug use, and engaging in risky behaviors to obtain drugs.

What are the primary goals of drug addiction treatment, and what are some treatment options?

The primary goals of treatment are abstinence, relapse prevention, and rehabilitation. Treatment options may include chemical dependence treatment programs, detoxification, behavioral therapy, support from friends and family, doctor support, support groups, or an organized treatment program.