Drug abuse is the harmful or excessive use of illegal or legal substances, leading to negative, physical, and psychological consequences. It involves the misuse of drugs for non-medical, often resulting in addiction health issues and interference with daily life. Drug abuse is also known as substance use disorder, this is a health condition that involves compulsive substance use, which means that substance use interferes with the ability to function normally. Drug abuse starts from an experimental stage, the next stage is the regular stage where substances are used to fix negative feelings, after this stage comes the last stage which is the dependency stage, where a person is unable to do anything without using substances.
There are two forms of drug abuse, illegal and legal drugs. Illegal drug abuse has to do with the use of harmful substances like alcohol, heroin, stimulants, cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana, and steroids. Alcohol abuse occurs when the use of alcohol affects your daily life, and work, this can impair brain function and motor skills. Heroin, stimulants, cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana are harmful substances that are either injected into the vein, smoked or snorted, they produce a euphoric, energetic feeling and clouded thinking which leads to a drowsy state. Steroids on the other hand are used by some athletes to build strength and enhance performance, this is also misused by women to enhance muscle devilment and promote weight loss.
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The other form of drug abuse is legal drug abuse, which has to do with the misuse of medications prescribed by healthcare professionals, using medications without a prescription. Some of the drugs that can be misused are opioids for pain management, anxiety or sleep medications, stimulants, and depressants. This abuse occurs when they are taken in higher doses, in excessive amounts, and using of them in for non-medical purposes. According to studies, alcohol and nicotine products such as tobacco and cigarettes fall under this category. They are considered legal for adults, and legally available for purchase, however, abuse comes in when they are taken in excess, or in ways that pose health risks.
There are several causes of drug abuse, mental health issues like depression, anxiety or trauma can lead to drug abuse as individuals may turn to substances as a way to cope with emotional pain or distress. Influence from friends or social circles can play a significant role in drug abuse, this is common with adolescents and young adults. Poverty and lack of opportunities may drive some individuals toward drug abuse as a means of escape with coping with challenging circumstances. Symptoms of drug abuse vary from person to person, however, general symptoms include, the inability to stop the use of drugs, increased tolerance, lack of control, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms.
Drug abuse can affect a person’s physical health, it can lead to serious health issues such as liver damage, cardiovascular issues, stroke, seizures, infectious disease, and death. The use of harmful substances such as marijuana, heroin, and cocaine can lead to mental disorders or induce symptoms such as anxiety, depression, paranoia, or psychosis. Aside from the physical and mental implications of drug abuse, it can also affect a person’s finances, a drug habit requires significant resources, leading to financial instability, and debts to get drugs.
In conclusion, drug abuse can lead individuals to engage in illegal activities to support their habit, resulting in legal issues and potential jail terms.