Drug Addiction

What is drug addiction or substance use disorder?

Drug addiction, or substance use disorder, is a condition that impacts the brain and behaviour, resulting in an inability to regulate the consumption of legal or illegal drugs and medications. This includes substances such as alcohol, marijuana, and nicotine, all of which are classified as drugs. When someone is addicted, they may continue using the drug despite knowing the harm it causes.

The risk of addiction and how quickly it develops vary depending on the drug. For instance, opioid painkillers such as pethidine and tramadol pose a higher risk and can lead to addiction more rapidly than other substances.

Over time, individuals may require larger drug doses to achieve the desired effects. Eventually, they may use the drug not just to get high but to feel normal. As drug use escalates, it becomes increasingly challenging to stop without experiencing intense cravings and physical illness. These symptoms are known as withdrawal symptoms.

Who is at risk of getting a drug addiction?

Substance misuse and addiction can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder. Genetics play a significant role, accounting for 40 to 60 per cent of an individual’s vulnerability to addiction. Other risk factors include:

• Trauma and Abuse: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and exposure to trauma increase the likelihood of developing substance misuse.
• Family members or peers who use or misuse substances.
• Access to Substances
• Mental Health Disorders: Conditions such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and personality disorders often co-occur with substance use disorders
• Substance use at an early age.

Adolescents are likely to experiment with substances because they don’t have the same decision-making abilities as adults. They are at increased risk if they have parents or family who misuse drugs, childhood abuse, peer pressure or gang affiliation.

What are the kinds of substances that can cause addiction?

Depressants

Substances known as depressants, or central nervous system (CNS) depressants, decrease activity in the CNS. They induce relaxation and drowsiness. In small amounts, depressants can produce a stimulant effect and cause feelings of euphoria. In more significant amounts, they lead to cognitive impairment and loss of coordination. Examples of depressants include:

• Alcohol
• Heroin: Regular use leads to increased tolerance, meaning more of the substance is needed over time to achieve the desired effects. Abruptly stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms, so many continue using heroin to avoid feeling sick.

Stimulants

Stimulants enhance the central nervous system (CNS) activity, temporarily making individuals feel more alert, energised, or confident. However, misuse of stimulants can result in serious risks, including insomnia, cardiovascular problems, and seizures. Examples include:

• Cocaine (crack, snow, blow)
• Methamphetamines (chalk, ice, crystal)
• Marijuana (weed, wee, ganja)

‘Club’ drugs

This category refers to various substances people often use at dance parties, clubs, and bars. They include:

• Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB): Also known as grievous bodily harm, G, and liquid ecstasy.
• Ketamine: Known as K, special K, vitamin K, and cat valium.
• Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA): Known as ecstasy, X, XTC, Adam, clarity, and Molly.
• Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD): Known as acid.
• Flunitrazepam (Rohypnol): Known as R2, roofie, rophie, roche, or forget-me pill.

Club drugs can induce feelings of euphoria, detachment, or sedation. Roofies, known for their sedative properties, have unfortunately been used in instances of sexual assault or “date rape” against unsuspecting individuals. The effects of these drugs can include:

• Serious short-term mental health issues like delirium
• Physical health complications such as rapid heart rate, seizures, and dehydration
• Potential fatal outcomes

Other compounds

Other commonly misused substances don’t fall into the above categories. These include:

Anabolic Steroids: Some athletes misuse steroids to enhance performance and increase muscle strength. However, steroid misuse can lead to severe and chronic health issues, including:

• Aggressive behaviour
• Liver damage
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol levels
• Infertility

Inhalants: These are chemical vapours that people breathe to experience mind-altering effects. They include everyday products such as glue, hair spray, paint, and lighter fluid. The short-term effects cause a feeling similar to alcohol use.

What are the stages of substance use disorder?

Some experts categorise substance use disorder into the following stages:

• Experimental Use Stage: You use the substance recreationally with peers.
• Regular Use Stage: You use the substance to manage negative feelings and change your behaviour accordingly.
• Daily Preoccupation or Risky Use Stage: You become preoccupied with the substance, neglecting other aspects of your life.
• Dependence Stage: You feel unable to cope with life without the substance, leading to increased financial and personal problems and taking risks that may result in legal issues.

How to prevent substance use disorder?

The best way to avoid a substance use disorder is to prevent substance use initially. While complete abstinence is the safest approach, it may not always be the most realistic. Therefore, education and safety practices are essential tools to reduce harm and prevent addiction. Promoting mental healthcare, engaging in community outreach, and reducing the stigma associated with substance use are all effective strategies to help prevent the development of substance use disorders.

How is Drug addiction treated?

Medical treatment is available for substance use disorders and can vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. The initial stage of treatment often involves medically assisted detoxification. Supportive care is provided during this process as the substance is cleared from your bloodstream. After detoxification, additional treatments are implemented to encourage long-term abstinence. These treatments typically include both individual and group counselling.

Effective treatment programs adhere to the following principles of addiction treatment:

• Addiction is a complex but treatable health condition. Recognising the multifaceted nature of addiction is crucial for developing effective treatment plans.
• There’s no single treatment that works for everyone
• Treatment is readily available: Access to treatment should be prompt and consistent to address the immediate needs of the individual.
• Treatment focuses on your multiple needs: Comprehensive treatment addresses the physical, emotional, social, and psychological aspects of addiction.
• Treatment addresses your mental health: Mental health issues are often intertwined with substance use disorders, and addressing these is a crucial component of effective treatment.
• Your treatment needs are regularly evaluated: Ongoing assessment ensures that the treatment plan is effective and adjusted as necessary to meet changing needs.
• It’s critical to remain in treatment for an adequate amount of time: Sufficient duration of treatment is necessary to achieve the best outcomes.
• Voluntary and involuntary treatment can be effective: Both types of treatment can lead to positive outcomes.
• Potential substance use is monitored during treatment: Regular monitoring helps manage and address relapses, which are a common part of the recovery process.

By following these principles, treatment programs can provide a comprehensive and adaptable approach to managing substance use disorders, ultimately supporting long-term recovery.