CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

Contemporary Issues

Drug Addiction

Introduction

Drug addiction is a complex brain disease. It is characterized by compulsive, at times uncontrollable, drug craving, seeking, and use that persist even in the face of extremely negative consequences.

Drug seeking becomes compulsive, in large part as a result of the effects of prolonged drug use on brain functioning and, thus, on behaviour. For many people, drug addiction becomes chronic, with relapses possible even after long periods of abstinence.

Discussion

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. These substances may be “street” or “illicit” drugs, illegal due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. They also may be drugs obtained with a prescription, used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons (Bossong 2005).

Different drugs have different effects. Some, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, may produce an intense “rush” and initial feelings of boundless energy. Others, such as heroin, benzodiazepines or the prescription oxycontin, may produce excessive feelings of relaxation and calm. What most drugs have in common, though, is over stimulation of the pleasure centre of the brain. With time, the brain's chemistry is actually altered to the point where not having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful. This compelling urge to use, addiction, becomes more and more powerful, disrupting work, relationships, and health (CND 2006).

Prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as street drug use. When used appropriately, prescription drugs can have beneficial effects medically or psychologically. Prescription drugs in the opiate family, such as vicodin (hydroquinone) and oxycontin, are often prescribed for chronic pain or recovery from surgery. Benzodiazepines, such as valium or Xanax, are prescribed to treat anxiety. The problem arises when these drugs begin to be used 'off label'. Furthermore, prescription drugs provide an easy access point to other family members susceptible to abuse.

What makes one person abuse drugs to the point of losing their home, their family and their job, while another does not? There is no one simple reason. Drug abuse and addiction is due to many factors (CND 2005). A powerful force in addiction is the inability to self- soothes or gets relief from untreated mental or physical pain. Without the self-resilience and support to handle stress, loneliness or depression, drugs can be a tempting way to deal with the situation. Unfortunately, due to the changes drugs make to the brain, it cans only take a few times or even one time to be on the road to addiction. Some other risk factors include:

Family history of addiction. While the interplay between genetics and environment is not entirely clear, if you have a family history of addiction, you are at higher risk for abusing drugs.

History of mental illness. Drug abuse can worsen mental illness or even create new symptoms.

Untreated physical pain. Without medical supervision, pain medications or illegal drugs like heroin can rapidly become addictive.

Peer pressure. If people around you are doing drugs, it can be difficult to resist the pressure to try ...