Drug addiction and abuse is a serious problem in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 20 million people in the US struggle with drug addiction. In this article, we will discuss some of the most commonly abused drugs and their effects on the body. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction or abuse, there is help available.
Drug addiction and abuse is a serious problem in the United States. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, over 20 million people in the US struggle with drug addiction. Drug addiction is a chronic disease that can cause major problems in a person’s life. It can damage relationships, lead to financial problems, and cause health problems. Drug addiction is also linked to crime. People who are addicted to drugs may turn to criminal activity to get money to buy drugs or may commit crimes while under the influence of drugs.
Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease that is pervasive and has been ruled an epidemic by the CDC. Addiction causes a person to take drugs repeatedly, despite the harm they cause. Repeated drug use can change the brain’s chemistry and lead to addiction.
Brain changes from long-term abuse, misuse, and addiction can be lasting. Individuals that have achieved sobriety are still at risk of relapsing and taking drugs again even years after the substance use disorder has subsided.Â
There are many different types of drugs that people can become addicted to, including: alcohol, prescription drugs, and illegal drugs. Alcohol is legal in the United States, but it is still a drug. Drinking too much alcohol can lead to health problems, such as liver disease and cancer. It can also cause problems in relationships and at work. Prescription drugs are legal when prescribed by a doctor, but they can be addictive.Â
There are different categories of drugs based on the effects they have on your body. Some of the categories of drugs include the following:
Stimulants are an overarching term that covers many drugs, including those that increase the activity of the central nervous system and body, pleasurable substances with invigorating effects, or sympathomimetics which can also be categorized into two groups-those causing excitement in its user’s frame of mind while giving them energy through increased heart rate, blood pressure, etc., making one feel alive; another type would make you hyper – imaginative yet calm at once.
Stimulants help you feel more awake, focused, and energized for whatever task- schoolwork or socializing with friends but when they are abused they can create a lasting change in the brain and cause addiction.
The Most Popular Examples of stimulants include:
A depressant is any substance that lowers neurotransmission levels, meaning it will make someone feel more sluggish and tired than they would be without using one- these are often referred to as “downers.” Benzos are a depressant and slow down the body causing it to relax.
The three major types of CNS depressants are sedatives, hypnotics, and tranquilizers. The Most Common examples of Depressants are:
Opioids are drugs that relieve pain by binding to opioid receptors. Medically they are primarily used for pain relief, including anesthesia and other medical applications for individuals who experience sharp breakthrough pain. Opiates numb the body and affect the body by slowing it down (depressant) which is different than the uplifting effect of stimulants.
Examples of opioids includeÂ
Hallucinogens are a diverse & dangerous class of psychoactive drugs that can produce alterations in thought, mood, and perception. Most psychedelics alter your mental state and consciousnesses. Some others might make you feel like something’s not right and change your perception of reality – this is what defines them as psychedelic.
Hallucinogens can have both beneficial and adverse effects. They alter your perception, thoughts, or feelings in some way. Still, they’re not there for you to experience them as reality would dictate what’s real and fake at times.
Examples Of Hallucinogens
This class of psychoactive drugs has been shown to increase empathy and benevolence towards others, and how connected one feels.
With empathogens, you’ll feel like your feelings are understood. You can experience a sense that others care about what’s going on in life and want the same for themselves, too—and this feeling is intense!
Dissociative is a psychedelic drug that can produce distorted sensory perceptions and feelings of disconnection from reality.
When you take a dissociative, your senses are distorted. For example, if someone cuts off all light from an environment or narcissism takes over. Hence, they feel disconnected from themselves; it would be hard to tell what was happening in this scenario because there is no input available for information about how things actually sounded/looked anymore.
Examples Of Dissociative Drugs Include:
Cannabinoids are a kind of chemical compound that is found within the cannabis plant. There are also synthetic cannabinoids created in a lab that can interact with the endocannabinoid system.
This system is a network of receptors in the body responsible for managing various physiological processes, including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory. Cannabinoids can activate these receptors and help improve the endocannabinoid system’s function. Cannabinoids treat various medical conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and seizures. They are also being investigated as potential treatments for other conditions such as cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Some examples of cannabinoids include:
Most Popular Cannabinoids:
Drugs, substances and chemicals contained in drugs are classified into 5 distinct categories based upon the potential of abuse or misuse. Drug schedules range from 1 being the most at risk for abuse and 5 being having the lowest potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs have a very high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and/or physical dependence which may even result in overdose or increased morbidity rates. As the drug schedule changes– Schedule II, Schedule III, etc. A Listing of drugs and their schedule are located at Controlled Substance Act (CSA) Scheduling or CSA Scheduling by Alphabetical Order. These lists are intended as general references and are not comprehensive listings of all controlled substances.
The schedule also corresponds to the united states penal system and prosecution and sentencing for different drug schedules also affect sentencing.Â
We have included a list of schedules 1-4 below since they are most commonly abused substances.Â
Using any type of drug comes with risks. Some of the risks associated with drug abuse include:
There are many symptoms of drug and alcohol addiction or abuse. Some of the behaviors commonly represented by individuals struggling with substance use disorder are as follows:
It is estimated that 10 percent of people who try drugs will become addicted. Drug addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite often devastating consequences. While each person’s experience is unique, general patterns indicate the progress from first-time drug use to Addiction.
People experiment with different kinds of drugs for a variety of reasons. Some want to fit in with a particular group, others are curious about the effects of the drug, while still others think that using drugs will make them feel more grown up. In this stage, individuals occasionally use drugs and don’t think they’re doing anything wrong. They may believe they can stop using it any time they want.
As drug use continues, people begin to develop a tolerance, which means they need increasingly larger doses of the drug to get the same effect. At this point, drug use becomes more frequent, and users may start to spend more time thinking about and acquiring drugs. They may start to neglect important activities such as work or school in favor of using drugs.
As drug use escalates, people begin to experience negative consequences due to their drug use. They may start using drugs more frequently or in larger amounts than they intended, even though they’re fully aware of the risks involved. In this stage, individuals may experience problems with their relationships, job performance, and financial stability due to their drug use. Despite these negative consequences, they find it extremely difficult to stop using drugs.
This is the most serious stage of drug addiction, characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite often devastating consequences. By this point, individuals have usually lost control over their ability to stop using drugs even though they’re fully aware of the negative consequences. They may continue using drugs even when it puts them in danger of losing their job, destroying their relationships, or causing legal problems. Drug addiction can cause severe physical and psychological damage and lead to Death. If you know someone is struggling with Addiction, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
Physical harms of drug addiction may include a weakened immune system, increasing the risk of infection and illness, heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates to heart attacks and collapsed veins and blood vessel infections from injected drugs, nausea, and abdominal pain, which can also lead to changes in appetite and weight loss.
Increased strain on the liver puts the person at risk of significant liver damage, liver failure, seizures, stroke, mental confusion, brain damage, and lung disease. Global effects of drugs on the body include breast development in men and increases in body temperature.
Death is the most severe health consequence (adverse effect) of drug abuse. Physical harm caused by Addiction can have short-term and long-term effects on a user’s health. Short-term effects are usually seen after a single use or after using the drug for a few days, while long-term effects are seen after chronic use. Physical harm can be effectively minimized with early intervention and treatment. Addiction recovery is possible with proper care and support.
Listed Down are Some Key Physical Harms.
There are a variety of treatments for drug addiction available, depending on the type of drug being abused. Treatments for Drug addiction Include.
There are several treatment plans based on evidence that has proven to be helpful and aid in recovery. We go into more detail below.
Detox is the first & essential step to recovery for people struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. Medical detox is the first step in treatment and helps to rid the body of the drugs. Detoxification is a beneficial process of cleansing the body of all illicit substances. The length and severity of detoxification depend on various factors. Factors such as the type of substance being abused, duration of use, and physical and mental condition all determine how long Detox will last. For some people, Detox can be a matter of days or weeks. However, for others, Detox can last months.
No two people experience Detox in exactly the same way. The qualifying thing to remember is that Detox is only the first step in a long journey toward recovery. Detoxification is a necessary step to take before beginning rehabilitation and outpatient treatment. When someone enters Detox, the immediate goal is to help them through the withdrawal symptoms associated with Detox so they can begin to heal and recover.
Detoxification is not easy, but it is an important step on the road to recovery for people struggling with Addiction.
Rehabilitation, also known as rehab, is a term for the process of medical or psychotherapeutic treatment for dependency on different substances such as psychoactive substances, prescribed drugs, and illicit drugs. Inpatient rehab is where the addict stays in a facility and receives round-the-clock care. The goals of rehab are to help the individual achieve or maintain abstinence from these substances and reduce substance-related legal and social problems and medical problems.
Rehabilitation treatment can be either inpatient or outpatient, depending on the severity of the Addiction. Inpatient rehab typically occurs in a hospital or other residential facility, where patients are closely monitored and receive around-the-clock care from medical staff.
Rehabilitation treatment generally includes individual therapy, group therapy, 12-step meetings, and other activities designed to help the individual recover from Addiction along with medical care 24/7.
Insurance plans often cover rehabilitation treatment.
A Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) is an effective treatment option for those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues. PHP provides structured, evidence-based care for several hours a day, most days of the week. This approach can help prevent the need for an inpatient stay and help patients transition to everyday life.
PHP requires patients to attend scheduled sessions throughout the day and participate in drug screening to ensure they remain compliant with the program. Treatment typically includes Motivational Interviewing, Relapse Prevention, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Anger Management, Crisis Management, Grief Work, Setting Boundaries, Problem Solving, Medication Management, Ketamine Therapy, and EMDR Therapy.
 Partial Hospitalization Programs provide an intensive level of care that is less restrictive than an inpatient program but more structured than outpatient treatment. This approach can benefit those struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues.
Intensive outpatient is available for those who do not need round-the-clock care but need extra support. Intensive outpatient is a therapeutic care program for substance use disorder that meets several times a week, but not every day of the week. This allows for stronger support without interrupting work schedules and family obligations. Intensive outpatient helps individuals learn how to live sober while continuing to work and meet family obligations. Intensive outpatient treatment provides accountability and support to help individuals stay on track with their sobriety goals. Intensive outpatient is an effective treatment option for those ready to commit to sobriety and willing to put in the task required to achieve long-term recovery. Sobriety is a lifelong journey, and intensive outpatient can help individuals take the first steps on the road to recovery.
Outpatient treatment programs are best for people who have progressed in residential treatment but still need structure and support during the initial stages of recovery. Outpatient programs (OPs) typically meet three to five days weekly for three to four hours daily. IOPs may include individual therapy, group therapy, and other supportive services such as relapse prevention and sober housing. Outpatient programs provide a higher level of care than standard outpatient programs but are less costly than residential treatment. Outpatient programs are often an excellent step down from residential treatment, allowing patients to transition back into their lives while still receiving the support they need to maintain sobriety.
Maintenance and aftercare are important parts of addiction recovery. Though treatment programs provide individuals with the foundation they need to establish sobriety, there is still work to be done once the program is completed. This is where Maintenance and peer recovery programs come in. Maintenance programs provide ongoing support for individuals who remain in active recovery. This support takes many forms, from providing a shoulder to lean on during difficult times to sharing wisdom and experience with those just beginning their journey. Maintenance also serves as a reminder that sustained recovery is possible, no matter how challenging the road may be.
Consequently, Maintenance programs are essential in empowering individuals to maintain their sobriety and live happy healthy lives.
This report was prepared for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Experimental drug addiction research is essential to develop new and effective treatments for this debilitating disease. Addiction is basically a complex condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is important to continue to explore new ways to tackle this problem. Experimental research allows scientists to test new hypotheses and develop new theories about the causes and treatment of Addiction. This type of research can be controversial, but it is vital to progress in the fight against Addiction. Without it, we would be stuck using the same old methods that have proven ineffective. Experimental research provides hope for the future, and we must continue to support it to find new and better ways to treat Addiction.
Many people get shocked to learn that those employed in the hospitality and recreation industries have a high rate of drug abuse and Addiction among professionals. This is likely due to the high-stress levels and long hours associated with these jobs.
Movies about drug addiction can help to raise awareness of the issue and provide understanding for those who have never experienced it firsthand. By showing the reality of Addiction, these films can help to dispel myths and misconceptions. Movies can also provide insight into the motivations of addicts and the challenges they face in trying to break free from their Addiction. In recent years, several films have tackled the issue of drug addiction head-on, including the Oscar-winning films “Requiem for a Dream” and “Trainspotting.” Although these movies may be difficult to watch, they offer a powerful and honest depiction of the realities of drug addiction. These films are a must-see for anyone looking to better understand this complex issue. Some of the other movies Include:
Songs about drug addiction can be found in many different genres of music. While some songs glamorize drug use, others take a more realistic and sobering look at the dangers of Addiction. Regardless of their approach, songs about drug addiction can be an important tool in raising awareness about this serious issue.
In addition to providing insights into the personal experience of Addiction, these songs can help to destigmatize mental health issues and encourage listeners to seek help if they are struggling. By bringing attention to the songs about drug addiction, we can help to create a more open and understanding society. Some of the most popular songs about drug addiction are as follows:
Books about drug addiction can be a great way to learn about the disease and its effects. They can also provide comfort and support to those struggling with Addiction. The following are some of the most outstanding books about Addiction and recovery.
Blackout:Â Beautifully Titled “Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget,” the amazing book by Sarah Hepola is a candid and unflinching account of the author’s battle with alcohol addiction. Through her story, readers will surely gain insight into the destructive power of Addiction and the strength it takes to overcome it.
Parched by Heather King is a haunting memoir of the author’s years-long struggle with heroin addiction. King’s frank and honest portrayal of her battle will resonate with anyone who has struggled with Addiction or knows someone who has.
Portrait of the Addict as a Young Man and 90 Days by Bill Clegg are two incredibly powerful memoirs about the author’s descent into drug addiction and his subsequent recovery. These books offer an intimate look at the day-to-day reality of living with Addiction and provide hope for those still struggling.
A Million Little Pieces, the amazing book by James Frey, book by James Frey the controversial but powerful memoir of Frey’s battle with drug addiction. Though some have disputed the accuracy of Frey’s account, there is no denying his story’s impact on readers struggling with Addiction.
Guts by Kristen Johnston is a humorous but moving memoir about the author’s battle with alcoholism. Johnston’s unique perspective on her disease will offer comfort and laughter to those who need it most.
High on Arrival by Mackenzie Phillips is a candid and heartbreaking account of the author’s struggles with drug addiction and her eventual recovery. Phillips’ story inspires anyone who has ever felt lost in the darkness of Addiction.
These are some of the great books we suggest you read; however, there are also a lot of other books available on the market. You can choose according to your interest and from your most loving writer.
Drug addiction is not a new phenomenon. In fact, it has been present throughout much of human history. The first recorded instance of drug addiction dates back to around 2700 BCE, when the Sumerians used opium to ease pain and promote sleep. Since then, drugs have been used for both medicinal and recreational purposes. However, it was “t until the nineteenth century that drug addiction began to be recognized as a serious problem.
However, this started to change in the 1800s when people began to see Addiction as an illness that could be managed with treatment. Although there have been many changes over these years, this shift in thinking about Addiction laid the foundation for the way we understand Addiction today.
In 1868, German doctor Alexander von Suchen coined the term “drug addiction” and described it as a “compulsion to use poisonous substances.” Since then, drug addiction has become a major public health concern. Today, it is estimated that over 20 million people are suffering from drug addiction worldwide. Despite its long history, drug addiction remains a complex and difficult disease to treat.
While drug addiction is a problem that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds, it does not affect everyone equally. In fact, certain states have been hit harder by the disease than others. The following states have the highest rates of drug addiction:
These states have the highest rates of drug addiction in the country. If you know someone here who is struggling with Addiction, getting help as soon as possible is important. Many kinds of resources are available to those who need them, and treatment can make a huge difference in someone’s life.
Just as drug addiction varies from state to state, it also differs from country to country. In some countries, drug addiction is more prevalent than in others. The following countries have the highest rates of drug addiction:
According to the World Health Organization, these countries have the highest rates of drug addiction.
Only 10% of the over 21 million Americans who suffer from at least one addiction obtain treatment. Since 1990, the number of overdose deaths has more than tripled. Every year, addiction to alcohol and other drugs costs the US economy around $600 billion. A substance use disorder affects about 20% of Americans who suffer from depression or an anxiety malady.
More than 90% of those with addictions began using drugs or drinking alcohol before becoming 18 years old. Most Americans who take addictive drugs are between the ages of 18 and 25.
The National Institutes of Health, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is home to the federal scientific research organization NIDA. The majority of funding for global studies on drug use and addiction comes from NIDA. The most fundamental and important issues surrounding drug use are addressed by scientific research supported by NIDA, including tracking new drug use patterns, comprehending how drugs affect the brain and body, creating and evaluating novel drug treatment and prevention strategies, and communicating findings to the general public, academics, decision-makers, and others.
NIDA and other organizations utilize a variety of surveys and data collection methods to monitor drug use trends. Through the Monitoring the Future (MTF) survey, NIDA annually supports the gathering of information on drug use trends among young adults and students in secondary schools.
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Additionally, NIDA funds the National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS), a network of researchers that keeps tabs on drug use trends in important U.S. cities as well as in regional “hot spots,” like border cities and regions and other urban areas. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Usage and Health also provides data on drug use.
There is no simple solution to this question but generally an event like an injury, breakup or trauma get someone started using a substance. Over time the individual becomes dependent. Many times substance use also occurs through self medication of an underlying issue such as anxiety, depression or bipolar disorder. Numerous variables, including your biology (your genes, for instance), age, gender, environment, and interactions between these variables, affect whether and how quickly you get addicted to drugs. While some people may use drugs once or many times with no negative side effects, others may overdose on their first use or develop an addiction after a few. Indeed, there is no way to predict how soon you may become hooked, but there are certain indicators, one of which is whether there is a history of addiction in your family.
Drug addiction can be successfully treated using behavioral modification and, in the case of heroin addiction, pharmaceuticals.
When People use drugs they get immediate satisfaction from the intoxicating feeling that the drugs provide. Over time, as the substances change the brain, the feeling diminishes. This causes the user to want to use more and more as they gradually become more desensitized to the drug so they can get the same high feeling that they used to have. There are different slang names used to describe drug addicts chasing the feeling of their first high like “chasing the dragon”.Â
As more drugs are consumed, it becomes harder to stop because habits are formed and physical dependency occurs. Users often stop enjoying things that they used to because they are consumed with finding the next high. Drug addiction is a vicious cycle.Â
At Magnified Health Systems, our goal is to provide the best treatment for drug addiction. Years of expertise have taught us that there is not one modality that works for everyone -or better than any other. It takes several levels of care to achieve sustainable recovery. We perform an assessment and look at the entirety of the individual to identify the most effective care plan to manage their recovery. We focus on healing all aspects of the person and taking into consideration the individual’s responsibilities and unique experiences. We can create a treatment plan that works for you or your loved one. Drug addiction is a serious problem that can cause many problems in your life. If you think you might have a problem, seek help from a medical professional or treatment center. At Magnified Health Systems, we have multiple different rehab locations where we assist patients. If you need help, don’t wait, start our admissions process today.Â
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/symptoms-causes/syc-20365112
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts
https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling
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Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.
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