INTRODUCTION:

Drug:

A chemical substance that produces a biological effect when administered to a living organism is known as a drug in pharmacology.

Drug Abuse:

Drug Abuse refers to the excessive use of addictive (legal or illegal) drugs; meaning, overusing them to the point where their effects become harmful to the user’s health.

Common psychoactive drugs include:

1. Alcohol

2. Cannabis

3. Cocaine

4. Heroin

5. Hallucinogens

6. Inhalants

7. Opioids

8. Stimulants

9. Methamphetamine

10. Tobacco Or Nicotine

Effects of drug abuse:

Physical effects:

Psychoactive drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body. It may cause:

a) Changes in coordination

b) Blood pressure and heart rate changes

c) Feelings of being more awake or sleepy

d) Improved sociability

e) Pain relief

f) Changes in the appearance of a person’s body

Short-term physical effects:

Using any drug can cause short-term physical effects. The following are examples of common drugs, their short-term physical effects, and potential health risks.

Alcohol:

Deficits in coordination, a quickened heartbeat, reddening of the skin or face, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, potential hypothermia, potential coma

Methamphetamines:

Increased wakefulness and physical activity, decreased appetite, increased breathing, increased or irregular heart rate, increased blood pressure, increased temperature

Cocaine:

Narrowed blood vessels, enlarged pupils, increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, headache, abdominal pain and nausea, erratic and violent behavior, heart attack, stroke, seizure, coma

Benzodiazepines:

Slurred speech, dizziness, problems with movement, slowed breathing, lowered blood pressure

Heroin and other opioids:

Dry mouth, itching, nausea, vomiting, slowed breathing and heart rate

Tobacco and Nicotine:

Increased blood pressure, increased breathing, increased heart rate, greatly increased risk of cancer — lung cancer or oral cancer, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, heart disease, leukemia, cataracts, pneumonia

Long-term physical effects:

Using substances for an extended time may have long-term health consequences. These lasting effects depend on multiple factors, including the substance, the amount, and how long a person has used it.

Short-term mental effects:

Examples of common drugs and their short-term mental effects include:

Alcohol:

feelings of euphoria, reduced anxiety, easing of social interactions, irritability and anxiety upon withdrawal

Cannabis:

enhanced sensory perception, feelings of euphoria and relaxation, anxiety, irritability upon withdrawal

Benzodiazepines:

drowsiness, concentration issues, dizziness, reduced anxiety, problems with memory

Heroin: feelings of euphoria, restlessness upon withdrawal

Methamphetamine:

increased wakefulness, anxiety upon withdrawal

Long-term mental effects:

Examples of common drugs and mental effects include:

Alcohol- depression, anxiety, learning and memory problems, social problems

Prescription opioids:

increased risk of overdose

Methamphetamines:

anxiety, confusion, insomnia, mood problems, violent behavior, Paranoia, hallucinations, delusions

Tobacco and nicotine:

In teens, they can affect the development of brain circuits that control attention and learning, Irritability, attention and sleep problems, and depression upon withdrawal

Cannabis:

Mental health problems, Irritability, trouble sleeping, anxiety upon withdrawal

Treatment:

Treatment may involve some of the following components:

Medications:

Can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent the return to unsafe use.

Behavioral counseling:

Helps individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors related to substance use, increase healthy life skills, develop problem-solving skills, and stick to treatment plans.

Group therapy:

Gives people the chance to acknowledge, share, and work through the psychological aspects of recovery with a group of peers under professional guidance.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy seeks to help patients recognize, avoid, and cope with the situations in which they're most likely to use drugs.

Contingency management:

Contingency management uses positive reinforcement such as providing rewards or privileges for remaining drug free, for attending and participating in counseling sessions, or for taking treatment medications as prescribed.

Motivational enhancement therapy:

Motivational enhancement therapy uses strategies to make the most of people's readiness to change their behavior and enter treatment.

Family therapy:

Family therapy helps people (especially young people) with drug use problems, as well as their families, address influences on drug use patterns and improve overall family functioning.

Conclusion:

People who struggle with addiction frequently experience one or more coexisting medical disorders, such as lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health issues. For effective substance use prevention and intervention, evidence-based programs must be implemented that address the unique risk and protective factors in your school community. In drug addiction therapy, behavioral therapies assist patients in changing their attitudes and drug-related behaviours. Patients can manage challenging circumstances.

REFERENCES:

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2. Rachman WO, Syafar M, Nasir S, Amiruddin R, Ahmad AK, Abdullah MT. Drugs Abuse Behavior Prevention Model through Family Approach in Adolescents in Kendari City. Biomedical and Pharmacology Journal. 2022 Sep 29; 15(3):1497-502.

3. Ekpang PU, Anyin NN. Perceived Effect of Drugs Abuse on Adherence to Rules and Regulation Among Undergraduate Students in University of Calabar, Calabar-Implication for Counselling. Webology (ISSN: 1735-188X). 2021; 18(6).

4. Boh SA. Drugs Abuse on Students Academics Performance. South Eastern Journal of Research and Sustainable Development (Sejrsd). 2022 Apr 20; 8(1):53-93.

5. Smith MF, Hiller HC. influence of drug abuse on human health in United States of America. African Journal of Emerging Issues. 2021 Dec 12; 3(11):16-28.

Received on 09.11.2022 Modified on 12.12.2022

A and V Pub J. of Nursing and Medical Res. 2023; 2(1):25-26.

DOI: 10.52711/jnmr.2023.08