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

Medical Centric

30 Apr 201905:44

Summary

TLDRDrug 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.

Outlines

00:00

💊 Understanding Drug Abuse

The first paragraph introduces drug abuse as a pervasive and destructive illness affecting the brain and behavior, leading to an inability to control drug use despite harmful consequences. It highlights the wide range of substances involved, including alcohol, cocaine, opioids, and more, and emphasizes the alarming global increase in drug use, particularly among young adults. The paragraph also delves into the reasons people start using drugs, the risks of addiction, and the physical and psychological impacts of drug abuse. It underscores the difficulty of overcoming addiction due to the brain's altered state, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Symptoms of drug abuse are outlined, including an intense urge to use drugs, recurrent use despite negative consequences, and unsuccessful attempts to cut back.

05:02

🛑 Treatment and Recovery from Drug Abuse

The second paragraph focuses on the treatment and recovery process for individuals struggling with drug abuse. It outlines the primary goals of treatment, which include achieving abstinence, preventing relapse, and facilitating rehabilitation. Various treatment options are mentioned, such as chemical dependence treatment programs, detoxification, behavioral therapy, and support from friends, family, and support groups. The paragraph concludes by encouraging viewers to engage with the video content and subscribe to the channel for updates on future videos, indicating a commitment to raising awareness and providing educational content on the topic of drug abuse.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Drug Abuse

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, is the destructive pattern of using illegal or legal drugs or medications. It is a central theme of the video, illustrating the inability of the person to control drug use, which interferes with their daily functioning. The script mentions that drug abuse affects the brain and behavior, leading to harmful consequences.

💡Substance Use Disorder

Substance use disorder is a formal diagnosis that encompasses drug abuse and addiction. The video discusses this term in the context of the serious health condition that results from the inability to stop using drugs, even when it negatively impacts one's life, as evidenced by the statistics provided for 2015.

💡Addiction

Addiction in the video is portrayed as a chronic condition characterized by intense cravings and the compulsion to continue drug use despite harmful consequences. It is a key concept as it explains the difficulty in overcoming drug abuse due to changes in the brain's reward system.

💡Harmful Use

Harmful use refers to the consumption of substances in ways that are detrimental to one's health or well-being. The script emphasizes that drug users may consume substances in amounts or methods that are harmful to themselves or others, indicating the severity of drug abuse.

💡Illicit Drugs

Illicit drugs are substances that are illegal to produce, distribute, or consume. The video lists several commonly used drugs, including cocaine and opioids, which are associated with high risks of addiction and health problems.

💡Prescription Medications

Prescription medications are drugs that are legally available only with a prescription from a healthcare provider. The script points out that drug abuse can begin with exposure to prescribed medications, particularly opioids, which can lead to dependence and addiction.

💡Genetics

Genetics plays a role in the development of drug addiction, as the video explains. It suggests that a person's genetic makeup may contribute to their susceptibility to addiction, making it a significant factor in understanding the causes of drug abuse.

💡Environmental Factors

Environmental factors are external conditions or influences that can affect a person's likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. The video mentions parental abuse, neglect, and exposure to peer groups as examples of environmental factors that may contribute to drug abuse.

💡Psychological Problems

Psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder are mentioned in the script as factors that may increase the risk of substance addiction. These conditions can co-occur with drug abuse, complicating treatment and recovery.

💡Treatment

Treatment in the context of the video refers to the process of addressing and overcoming drug addiction. It includes various methods such as detoxification, behavioral therapy, and support groups, aiming to help individuals achieve abstinence and prevent relapse.

💡Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the process of restoring an individual's ability to function in their daily life after overcoming drug addiction. The video highlights it as a primary goal of treatment, emphasizing the importance of regaining control over one's life.

Highlights

Drug abuse is an illness characterized by destructive patterned use of substances, impacting brain and behavior.

Drug users consume substances in harmful amounts or methods, affecting their ability to function.

Commonly used drugs include alcohol, cocaine, opioids, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and more.

Over 190 million drug users worldwide, with increasing rates among young adults under 30.

Drug abuse can cause long-term damage to the body and increase risk of HIV and hepatitis infections.

People start using drugs for various reasons, including curiosity, social influence, and exposure to prescribed medications.

As drug use increases, users may need larger doses and find it difficult to stop, experiencing intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

In 2015, substance use disorder resulted in 307,400 deaths, with alcohol use disorders being the highest.

Repeated drug use alters brain function, affecting pleasure sensation and impulse control.

Drug addiction is challenging to overcome due to changes in the brain caused by addictive substance use.

There is no single cause for drug abuse; factors include genetics, environment, psychological issues, and peer pressure.

Symptoms of drug abuse include daily urges to use, inability to meet responsibilities, and physical or psychological problems.

Diagnosis of substance abuse may require evaluation by a professional and lab tests to assess drug use.

Treatment goals for drug abuse include abstinence, relapse prevention, and rehabilitation.

Treatment options may involve chemical dependence programs, detoxification, behavioral therapy, and support groups.

With the right treatment and support, it is possible to regain control of life and overcome drug addiction.