Drug Abuse and Addiction
What are drugs?
If a drug is classified as ‘illegal’, this means that it is forbidden by law. Different illegal drugs have different effects on people and these effects are influenced by many factors. This makes them unpredictable and dangerous, especially for young people.
The effects of a drug are influenced by:
- The type of drug
- How much is consumed
- Where the person is when the drug is being used
- What the person is doing while using the drugs
- Individual characteristics such as body size and health vulnerabilities
- How many different drugs are taken at one time
Drugs and their classification
Depressants are drugs that slow down the central nervous system and the messages that go between the brain and the body. These drugs decrease people’s concentration and slow down their ability to respond. The name ‘depressant’ suggests that these drugs can make a person feel depressed, but this is not always the case. The term depressant purely refers to the effect of slowing down the central nervous system. Some examples of depressants include: alcohol, opioids (e.g., heroin), barbiturates, GHB.
Stimulants (also referred to as psychostimulants) are drugs that stimulate the central nervous system and speed up the messages going between the brain and the body. These drugs typically increase energy, heart rate and appetite. Some examples of psychostimulants include: methamphetamine (speed, ice, base), cocaine, dexamphetamine, caffeine, nicotine, MDMA/ecstasy.
Hallucinogens are drugs which typically alter how a person perceives the world. These drugs can change the way a person sees, hears, tastes, smells or feels different things, including experiencing things that aren't there at all. Some examples of hallucinogens include: ketamine, magic mushrooms, LSD.
Consequences of using drugs
Short-term effects
Drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. The exact effects vary among individuals and also depend on the drug, dosage, and delivery method.
Using any drug, even in moderation or according to a medical prescription, can have short-term effects.
For instance, consuming one or two servings of alcohol can lead to mild intoxication. A person may feel relaxed, uninhibited, or sleepy.
Nicotine from cigarettes and other tobacco products raises blood pressure and increases alertness.
Using a prescription opioid as a doctor has instructed helps relieve moderate-to-severe pain, but opioids can also cause drowsiness, shallow breathing, and constipation.
Abusing a drug, or misusing a prescription medication, can produce other short-term effects, such as:
- changes in appetite
- sleeplessness or insomnia
- increased heart rate
- slurred speech
- changes in cognitive ability
- a temporary sense of euphoria
- loss of coordination
Drug abuse can affect aspects of a person’s life beyond their physical health. People with substance use disorder, for example, may experience:
- an inability to cease using a drug
- relationship problems
- poor work or academic performance
- difficulty maintaining personal hygiene
- noticeable changes in appearance, such as extreme weight loss
- increased impulsivity and risk-taking behaviors
- loss of interest in formerly enjoyable activities
Long-term effects
Drug abuse, especially over an extended period, can have numerous long-term health effects.
chronic drug use can alter a person’s brain structure and function, resulting in long-term psychological effects, such as:
- depression
- anxiety
- panic disorders
- increased aggression
- paranoia
- hallucinations
Long-term drug use can also affect a person’s memory, learning, and concentration.
The long-term physical effects of drug use vary depending on the type of drug and the duration of use.
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