You are not alone if you or a loved one is battling drug addiction. Research suggests that 8–10% of the general population suffers from substance use disorders.
Even more, people are in need of medical attention. More than 70% of patients in emergency or urgent care clinics, 40% of general hospital inpatients, and 20% of primary care patients also struggle with drug usage. 1
In this article, we will look at drug addiction problems and solutions.
Drug addiction recovery is a lifelong journey, but it is doable. You can find effective therapies and start the road to recovery as soon as you recognize the indications and seek help.
Drug addiction can begin with the occasional recreational drug usage that some people engage in social settings before developing a drug addiction. Others experience drug addiction when they take prescribed medications or get them from those who have prescriptions, especially when it comes to opioids.
Each substance has a different level of addiction danger and speed of addiction development. The risk and speed of addiction are higher for some medicines than others, such as opiate painkillers.
As time goes on, you might require higher drug doses to feel high. You might eventually require the medicine just to feel decent. You could find that it gets harder to abstain as your drug use rises. When you try to stop using drugs, you could experience severe cravings and physical sickness. We refer to this as withdrawal symptoms.
You can get help to get over your drug addiction and stay clean from your doctor, family, friends, support groups, or an organized treatment program.
What is Drug Addiction?
A chronic, recurring illness called Drug Addiction is characterized by obsessive drug seeking and usage, even when doing so has negative effects. Because it involves functional abnormalities to brain circuitry related to reward, stress, and self-control, it is regarded as a brain condition. After a person stops using drugs, the alterations could last for a very long time.
Similar to other illnesses like heart disease, addiction is a sickness. Both interfere with an organ’s natural, healthy functioning, have substantial negative repercussions, and are frequently preventable and treatable. They can last a lifetime and even result in death if untreated.
Some examples of drugs that can be easily addicted to. They are legal drugs referred to as illicit drugs
- alcohol and coffee
- Cannabis
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
- Opioids
- hypnotics and sedatives
- Anti-anxiety drugs/benzodiazepines
- Stimulants
- Tobacco
Common causes of drug addiction
Drug addiction typically has three main reasons, including emotional, psychological, and physical factors. As a result, we’ll encounter some clauses that fit into these key categories below.
Trauma and Abuse
Traumas from the past or present, such as abuse, harassment, accidents, emergencies, and other situations, can have a detrimental emotional and psychological influence on many people. Traumatic experiences can leave lasting memories that prevent people from moving on.
Nevertheless, childhood trauma can have an impact on an individual later in life, leading to unfavorable emotions and new thoughts. Consequently, do not go to a professional therapist. Instead, they plan to use drugs.
Environment Influence
The surroundings that people are exposed to can lead to drug use. When some people are adults, they have experienced poverty, frequent drug use in their families, access to dangerous streets, and a hostile environment.
This results from drug use since they are influenced by their upbringing and believe that doing drugs is normal.
Social Peer Pressure
This is a well-known and important factor contributing to drug addiction, which primarily affects adolescents and young adults.
Because of the influence of their peers, friends, and others, they share things in common with, some people may use drugs.
Even if they are aware of the effects of drug addiction, peer pressure still drives them to use drugs, therefore for them, drug usage starts to become more common.
Additionally, social media, celebrities, influencers, and television all exert social pressure on young people to use drugs.
Due to the fact that Young individuals are connected to social media and follow many trends, including drug use, fancy dress, and fashionable attire. They, therefore, attempt to follow these social pressures.
Curiosity
When some people witness various types of drugs and drug users, this is also a factor in the development of drug addiction.
As a result, they receive supportive comments from their peers regarding their experiences, which piques their interest and leads them to begin using narcotics.
This is the outcome of general curiosity to try something new rather than peer pressure or trying to fit in.
Financial Stress
Drug addiction is frequently brought on by financial stress, and some people’s financial crises make them intolerable. People who are struggling financially may feel confined, worried, or unhappy, which makes them more likely to support drug use on an emotional and psychological level.
Their financial situation is forgotten, issues are avoided, and stress is released.
Relationship Breakdowns
One of the main causes of drug addiction is the breakdown of a relationship. When a couple ends their relationship through a breakup or divorce, this event destroys a person emotionally and leaves them with an internal sense of worthlessness.
Their self-confidence is badly impacted, as are other aspects of their lives like their friends, family, and coworkers. They decide to explore medications to recover and relieve stress from their illness if there is no assistance available in this case.
We’ve just discussed some factors that reduce the risk of developing a drug addiction, so let’s look at some issues and potential remedies.
Easy Accessibility
The ease of using the Internet and electrical communication has, in part, led to a rise in drug availability. Other sources of these medications include friends, coworkers, and various social groups.
Desire to Success
Aspiring people are under a lot of pressure to achieve, especially college students who are under a lot of scholastic strain or young adults who want nothing more than to be successful socially.
Many people will utilize medications to improve their performance in order to succeed, whether it is on the field or in their studies, using stimulants like Adderall to stay alert and focused.
Genetics
According to studies, 40% to 60% of any SUD’s sensitivity can be attributed to genetic factors.
You are more susceptible to developing a substance use disorder if you have a first-degree family (a biological sibling or parent) who has one.
Researchers are trying to identify particular genes that might be involved in this vulnerability.
Signs of Drug Addiction
There are various signs of drug addiction and they vary from person to person depending on the substance or activity.
Pathological Preoccupation With the Substance or Activity:
Addicts become intensely fixated on the substance or activity. Due to the fact that they are spending an increasing amount of time seeking, obtaining, and thinking about the addiction, they may feel as though it has taken over their lives.
Inability to Stop:
Even when someone wants to stop using drugs or engaging in dangerous addictive behavior, they nevertheless use them.
They may have made numerous attempts to cut back on their substance usage or behavior without success. They might also try to conceal it or tell lies about it to their loved ones.
Increasing Tolerance:
Over time, people could require more of the drug or activity to get the same euphoric high they got at first.
Personal Concerns and Medical Conditions:
Addiction has a negative impact on many facets of their lives, including their physical and emotional well-being, interpersonal connections, and professional success.
They could struggle to complete tasks at work, school, or home as a result of substance abuse or the activity. Once more, despite being aware of the harm their addictions are causing them, they can’t stop.
Withdrawal
When they stop using, addicts may experience both emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms.
Shaking, sweating, or vomiting are examples of physical symptoms. Additionally, they might become tense or agitated.
Lack of control
They frequently experience a sense of being completely powerless over their substance use or other behavior.
The impact of their addiction on their lives and frequent feelings of guilt, depression, and/or overwhelm may cause this.
Drug Addiction Problems and Solutions
Problems Associated with Drugs Addiction
- Sexual issues
- Family Problems
- Criminal Problems
- Financial Problems
- Problems at Work
Sexual Issues
Serious sexual issues can be caused by drug use. The use of drugs excessively can harm one’s sexual life. Well, this is a slightly different type of health issue.
The use of drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol in particular can result in genetic problems, erectile dysfunction, orgasm dysfunction, unsafe sexual performance, and even chronic disease.
It is widely acknowledged in biology that using these related medicines can seriously harm a person’s sexual life.
Family Problems
Because every family home is unique from the next, this is a question of opinion. As I previously stated, drug addicts may experience both short-term and long-term troubles with their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
However, this is not always the case. Because drug users have an impact on everyone in the family—including children, parents, siblings, and even soulmates—in addition to themselves.
Drug users can have a negative impact on their entire family by causing emotional harm, psychological stress, lack of finances, severe physical or sexual abuse, relationship problems, and acting aggressively. Each family member is affected differently by a drug user.
Criminal Problems
The well-known issue with drug addiction is that it can cause a person to hurt, injure, or even physically abuse their friends and family.
Drug addicts attempt crimes to obtain more drugs; they are powerless over their behavior and are influenced by drug usage. This has a negative impact on our society.
Alcohol consumption can also help to avoid crimes like drunk driving deaths and other violent crimes because it can make people more aggressive and prevent them from starting fights and losing their senses.
Financial Problems
Their user suffers greatly financially as a result of their drug addiction. The temptation to use additional drugs rises along with the drug addiction, but their financial struggles prevent them from doing so.
However, their addiction still compels them to use narcotics in a criminal or illicit manner.
Drug users who experience financial difficulties may experience homelessness, unemployment, poverty, and family strife.
Problems at Work
Drug abusers may have issues at work, with their friends, coworkers, managers, the economy, and even themselves. This could have an impact on the high employment rate and the productivity of the business and the nation.
Due to their medical records, drug addict finds it difficult to obtain employment, and as employment rises, the economy suffers in terms of revenue.
Solutions To Drug Addiction
- Be in the Company of Encouraging Individuals
- Talk it Over
- Meditate
- Find New Interests
- Look for Expert Assistance
- Volunteer
- Eat Sensibly
Be in the Company of Encouraging Individuals
Finding sober companions is one of the most crucial things you can do to stay sober. Even while it could be difficult to end harmful relationships from your past, spending time with others who understand your need to be sober will be beneficial in the long term.
Talk it Over
You may occasionally need to chat with someone about how your recovery is progressing. Sharing your views with someone who can assist you through the tough times and can relate to your experiences is vital.
When things get difficult, seek out a local support group, work with a sponsor, or phone a reliable friend.
Meditate
Exercises in mindfulness have been shown to lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, and relieve stress and anxiety.
You can discover peace and tranquility and quiet your thoughts in a chaotic moment by starting a meditation practice.
Find New Interests
The easiest method to keep your mind off your temptation to use is to keep occupied. In addition, developing an exciting and fulfilling pastime can help you replace your old, harmful habits with new, drug-free ones and give your life joy and meaning.
Exercise
Exercise benefits both the body and the mind. You’ll enjoy the “natural high” of endorphins as your physical health improves, which might enhance your mood.
Additionally, having a daily exercise schedule gives your day structure and lowers your risk of relapsing.
Look for Expert Assistance
It’s okay to seek further medical assistance when necessary because recovering from drug addiction is difficult.
With structured programs that offer a secure approach to avoid relapses and maintain recovery, medical professionals and behavioral therapists can position you for success.
Volunteer
While in recovery, finding a worthwhile cause to support enables you to assist others while assisting yourself.
You can find a sense of purpose by giving back to the community, creating strong relationships and friendships, and feeling proud of the contributions you’re making to society.
Eat Sensibly
Your overall health is significantly impacted by the food you eat. You’ll keep yourself in good physical and mental shape if you maintain a healthy, balanced diet.
Additionally, when you’re in a good mood, you’re less prone to use medications to elevate your mood.
FAQs
What does the word “drug” actually mean?
In pharmacology, a drug is a chemical compound, usually one with a well-known structure, that, when given to a living thing, has a biological impact.
A pharmaceutical drug is a chemical compound that is used to treat, cure, prevent, or diagnose an illness, as well as to improve well-being. It is also known as a medication or medicine.
Is addiction an illness?
Most medical organizations, including the American Medical Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, classify addiction as a disease.
Similar to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, addiction is brought on by a number of variables.
How is the brain impacted by addiction?
Your brain’s pleasure and reward pathways can be taken over by drugs or alcohol, making you crave more and more of the substance.
Additionally, addiction can activate your emotional danger-sensing circuits to the point that you experience anxiety and worry even when you aren’t using drugs or alcohol.
Is depression a result of addiction?
People who are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction are frequently depressed. Abuse of drugs or alcohol can cause or exacerbate depressive symptoms like loneliness, despair, and hopelessness.
An estimated one-third of those who experience serious depression also struggle with alcohol use.
What is the Bible’s recommended prayer for addiction?
Jeremiah 17:14. Lord, if you heal me, I will be healed; if you save me, I will be saved; for you alone am I praising.
For addicts who are looking for the motivation to keep up their efforts to overcome their addiction, this poem might be quite beneficial. It might be interpreted as a plea for addicts
Conclusion
Drug Addiction has destroyed so many people in our society both young and old. It is advised if you are one or you have a loved one you should seek help and take necessary measures.
I hope this article makes things easier for you to get solutions to Drug Addiction
