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Substance Abuse: Causes, Consequences, and Epidemiology, High school final essays of Chemistry

Chemistry

An overview of substance abuse, including the causes of drug use, the consequences of addiction, and the epidemiology of drug abuse around the world. Various types of drugs, their effects on the brain and body, and the demographic trends of drug use.

Typology: High school final essays

2020/2021

Uploaded on 11/15/2021

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SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Abstract:
Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of
creating pleasurable effects on the brain. Many drugs that are abused are also addictive; they
cause cravings and a continued desire to use them despite negative consequences. Drug abuse
can start in childhood and continue in adulthood. People who abuse drugs may take them
initially out of curiosity, to escape, to feel good, due to peer pressure, or for a variety of other
reasons. Drugs can affect a number of different organs, and complications can result from
damage to thebrain or to other parts of the body.Other negative consequences often result
from the effects drugs have on a person’s mind, as well as actions an individual may take
while under their influence. There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the
problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age
of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use
needles are also at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.
Introduction:
Substance abuse also known as Drug addiction, refers to the dangerous and excessive intake
of legal and illegal drugs. This leads to many behavioural changes in the person as well as
affects brain functions. Drug addiction includes abusing alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioid,
painkillers, and nicotine, among others. Drugs like these help the person feel good about
them selves and induce ‘dopamine’ or the happiness hormone. As they continue to use the
drug, the brain starts to increase dopamine levels, and the person demands more. Substance
abuse is one of the most challenging public health problem. Recent trends indicated that it
has increased dramatically in developing countries
Examples of drugs are:
Alcohol
Tobacco
Cocaine from coca
Opium and opioids from poppy plants
Hashish or marijuana from cannabis
Synthetic drugs such as heroin, ecstasy and LSD
Causes of drug use:
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SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Abstract:

Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. Many drugs that are abused are also addictive; they cause cravings and a continued desire to use them despite negative consequences. Drug abuse can start in childhood and continue in adulthood. People who abuse drugs may take them initially out of curiosity, to escape, to feel good, due to peer pressure, or for a variety of other reasons. Drugs can affect a number of different organs, and complications can result from damage to the brain or to other parts of the body. Other negative consequences often result from the effects drugs have on a person’s mind, as well as actions an individual may take while under their influence. There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needles are also at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.

Introduction:

Substance abuse also known as Drug addiction, refers to the dangerous and excessive intake of legal and illegal drugs. This leads to many behavioural changes in the person as well as affects brain functions. Drug addiction includes abusing alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioid, painkillers, and nicotine, among others. Drugs like these help the person feel good about them selves and induce ‘dopamine’ or the happiness hormone. As they continue to use the drug, the brain starts to increase dopamine levels, and the person demands more. Substance abuse is one of the most challenging public health problem. Recent trends indicated that it has increased dramatically in developing countries

Examples of drugs are:

 Alcohol  Tobacco  Cocaine from coca  Opium and opioids from poppy plants  Hashish or marijuana from cannabis  Synthetic drugs such as heroin, ecstasy and LSD

Causes of drug use:

Drugs of abuse are usually psychoactive drugs that are used by people for various different reasons which may include:  Curiosity and peer pressure, especially among school children and young adults  The use of prescription drugs that were originally intended to target pain relief may have turned into recreational use and become addictive  Chemicals may be used as part of religious practices or rituals  Recreational purposes  As a means of obtaining creative inspiration

Substance Abuse Consequences

Drug addiction has severe consequences. Some of the signs include anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, and red eyes. They are intoxicated and unable to display proper coordination and have difficulty in remembering things. A person who is addicted cannot resist using them and unable to function correctly without ingesting them. It causes damage to the brain, their personal and professional relationships. It affects mental cognition; they are unable to make proper decisions, cannot retain information, and make poor judgments. They tend to engage in reckless activities such as stealing or driving under the influence. They also make sure that there is a constant supply and are willing to pay a lot of money even if they are unable to afford it and tend to have erratic sleep patterns. Drug addiction also causes a person to isolate themselves and have either intense or no food cravings. They stop taking care of their hygiene. Drug addiction affects a person’s speech and experience hallucinations. They are unable to converse and communicate properly; they speak fast and are hyperactive. Those addicted have extreme mood swings. They can go from feeling happy to feeling sad quickly and are incredibly secretive. They begin to lose interest in activities they once loved. Substance abusers also undergo withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms refer to the symptoms that occur when they stop taking the drug. Some withdrawal symptoms include nausea, fatigue, and tremors. They stop and starting using again, an endless cycle that could be life-threatening. Drug addiction can be fatal if not treated timely. It can cause brain damage and seizures as well as overdose, heart diseases, respiratory problems, damage to the liver and kidneys, vomiting, lung diseases, and much more.

Epidemiology of drug abuse:

Cannabis, marijuana and hashish are the most widely abused drugs in the world. Around 141 million people worldwide consume cannabis. The use of stimulants such as amphetamine and ecstasy is also widespread, with nearly 30 million people abusing these drugs. Cocaine is used by around 13 million people across the globe, with the highest number of users in the United States. Abuse of heroin and other opioids is less common than with other drugs and is

Summary:

Drug abuse can affect several aspects of a person’s physical and psychological health. Certain drugs can lead to drowsiness and slow breathing, while others may cause insomnia, paranoia, or hallucinations. Chronic drug use is associated with cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease. In addition to its physical effects, drug abuse can adversely affect a person’s relationships, home and work life, and mental health. Care providers should tailor treatment to a person’s needs. Community-based organizations and state-funded treatment programs usually involve a combination of behavioural therapy, group therapy, and medication.