People abuse substances for a number of reasons. However, it is often difficult to find an effective treatment or prevent alcohol and drug abuse. Studies have found that the best way to do this is by educating the general population about substance abuse consequences.
Causes of Drug Addiction
Most addicts start using drugs or alcohol in their teen years. The factors that influence substance abuse include:
- Problems at home
- Lack of good parenting environment
- Absence of parental attachment
- Poor school performance and social coping skills
- Positive attitude towards drug use behavior
- Aggressive behavior
About Drug Addiction Signs and Symptoms
Early recognition of the symptoms is essential for saving the future of the addict. Addicts usually give up the activities and hobbies they are interested in once they become dependent on any substance. They may even get rid of their old friends in order to hang out with new peers. Substance abuse also affects the performance at school and the grades may decline rapidly. The psychological effect of the substance makes a person aggressive and irritable. They may also look depressed, hopeless, and even suicidal. Such people exhibits selfish behavior and do not care about others.
Addicts use room deodorizers and perfumes to hide the smell of alcohol. Certain objects like pipes, small empty bags, and rolling paper can be found hidden in the room. In severe cases, addicts will be drunk or on a high most of the time. Don’t expect them to be truthful about the amount of alcohol or drug they use. They will not be interested in social gatherings and always try to stay away from family and friends. They prefer to drink or use drugs alone or with people who support their behavior.
Apart from giving information about the signs, education about substance abuse should also focus on teaching the individual how the dependence develops. Substance users develop tolerance in course of time which may lead to addiction and dependence. Other symptoms of substance abuse include using more than one drug or combining alcohol with drugs to increase the effects, frequent hangovers, taking risks, pressuring others to drink or use drugs, talking about substance abuse, drink driving, and suspensions from work or school.
Seeking Medical Care
When you consult a doctor for substance abuse treatment, don’t forget to give all the details about the amount and frequency of drug or alcohol you use. If any of the following symptoms occur, see your doctor immediately:
- Tremors when the use of alcohol or drug is stopped or reduced
- Yellowish discoloration of skin and eyes
- Swelling in legs
- Regular coughing that doesn’t respond to medications
- Feelings of sadness or depression
- Fever
- Persistent pain at the site of injection
Immediate medical management may be necessary in some cases which should also be included in education about substance abuse:
- Suicidal feelings or thoughts of harming others
- Increase in heart rate, dizziness, chest pain, or difficulty in breathing
- Very severe stomach pain
- Dark colored urine
- Numbness, weakness, severe headache and loss of balance
- Severe tremors
- Seizures
- Persistent hallucinations
Drug Addiction Treatment
The ongoing cravings often make treatment really difficult. Also, it is better not to try self treatment as withdrawal symptoms may arise. All treatment methods ranging from pharmacological to behavioral therapy focus on prevention of relapse. During treatment, the patient is taught to cope with the drug cravings to avoid relapse. Medications will also be prescribed to reduce cravings and relieve the withdrawal symptoms which in turn make recovery an easy process.
Studies about substance abuse have made it clear that early education in school and community settings, and maintenance of proper communication between parents and their children can prevent the use of alcohol and drugs up to a great extent.
