NAME ROLL NOAndrew Varghese John37Pooja Angre38 Aisha
Ansari39Farheen Ansari40Firdous Ansari41Hurmat Ansari42
STANDARD:FYBCOMDIVISION:ATITLE: Drug Addiction Causes and
Remedial MeasuresSUBMITTED TO: Mr. Sandeep Sahu
INDEX
1) Drug Addiction (Introduction and characteristics)a. Drug
abuseb. Drug tolerancec. Drug addictiond. Drug dependence2) Types
of Drugsa. Narcoticsb. Barbituratec. Tranquillizersd.
Amphetaminese. Cocainef. Marijuanag. Hallucinogens3) Causes of Drug
Addiction4) Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction5) Drug Addiction
among youth6) Effects of Drug Addiction7) Remedial Measures against
Drug Addiction8) Treatment for Drug Addiction
INTRODUCTION TO DRUG ADDICTIONDrug addiction is a chronic
disease affecting the brain, and just about everyone is different.
Drugs affect different people in different ways. One person can
take and abuse drugs, yet never become addicted, while another
merely has one experience and is immediately hooked. According to
World Health Organisation (WHO) Drug Addiction is a state of
periodic or chronic intoxicant, detriment to the individual and to
the society, produced by repeated consumption of a drug, either
natural or synthetic.
DRUGS
CHARACTERISTICS OF DRUG ADDICTION1. A strong desire or need to
continue taking the drug and to obtain it by any means2. A tendency
to increase the dose3. A psychological and physical dependence on
the effects of the drug.
Some of the related terms commonly used are:Drug Abuse: Drug
Abuse may be defined as the use of a substance in such a way that
leads to personal and / or social consequences such as impaired
physical or mental health, impaired maturation, loss of
productivity and involvement in socially disruptive or illegal
activities. It implies the use of a drug by individuals to such an
extent that it results in problematic behaviour and is likely to
cause harm to the user and to the society. It results in severe
mental and physical ill-health for the user.Drug Tolerance: Drug
Tolerance is the use of increasing amounts of a drug upon repeated
exposure, to experience its original effect. If a person has high
drug tolerance, he will increase his dose of the drug; which may
prove to be costly, and harmful especially in the long-runDrug
Dependence: Drug Dependence are of two types:1. Physical dependence
refers to the bodys need for a drug. It exits when the use of a
drug is stopped and may result in withdrawal symptoms such as
vomiting, fever, hypertension, etc2. Psychological dependence
refers to the minds need for a drug. It is a craving or a strong
psychological need for pleasurable mental effects produced by a
drug.
DRUGS
TYPES OF DRUGSEcstacy: Ecstacy which is also known as tab, happy
face, disco burgers, doves etc. Ecstacy is a tablet that is hand
made using very dangerous chemicals. Ecstacy has become a very
popular drug taken by hundreds of people around the world. It is
mainly taken for the party moods, where you can dance the whole
night away. It usually takes effect 20 to 30 minutes after you have
taken it, it is taken by the mouth and wears off about 3 to 4 hours
after it has been consumed. The taker can feel and see things much
nicer then it was and also your hearing sounds are better which put
you in a dancing mood particularly when the music has a strong
rhythm. Ecstacy puts you in a relaxing mood, sleepiness, sexual
behaviour and in easy temperament. Afterwards, it can cause
exhaustion and depression after ecstacy has been consumed and worn
out of the body system. The side effects are sweating constantly,
chills, blurry vision, increase of the heart rate, it can also
cause internal bleeding, damage the liver and kidney and cause
heavy period for girls.Cocaine: Cocaine which is also known as
coke, or snow. Cocaine is a white crystalline powder mix with
talcum powder or fine sugar, it can be sniffed through a straw or a
rolled paper or it can also be smoked or injected into the body.
Sniffing cocaine can damage the nasal membrane. It is known as a
medicine used by many doctors around the world as a pain
killer.Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens are a type of drug that causes
subjective changes in thought, emotion, perception and
consciousness. Examples of hallucinogens include mushrooms, acid
(LSD), ketamine, PCP, dextromethorphan and peyote (mescaline drug).
The 'hallucinations' which are caused by some of these kinds of
drugs may make you see, hear, smell, taste or feel things that are
not real. Hallucinogens often intensify the mood that a user is in
at the time of consumption. Although hallucinogens are rarely
life-threatening, they can lead to death in an indirect manner.
This is primarily due to the fact that a hallucinogen tends to
alter the perception of reality for users, which can lead them to
drastic measures such as jumping off of buildings, getting into a
car accident, or other dangerous activities.Barbiturates:
Barbiturates are a group of drugs in the class of drugs known as
sedative-hypnotics, which generally describes their sleep-inducing
and anxiety-decreasing effects. Its slang names include barbs,
reds, yellow jackets and goofballs. It can be either swallowed or
injected. The user can easily develop physical and psychological
dependence for the drug. The effects on the abuser include
irritability, quarrelsome behaviour, emotional instability, etc.
Overdoses of barbiturates are a common method of committing
suicide. Amphetamines: Amphetamines is a class of drugs that
stimulates the central nervous system and produces increased
wakefulness and focus in the user. Its euphoric effects have made
the drug popular among people who wish to stay awake for long
periods of time, reduce tiredness, improve performance in sport,
increase endurance or just to plain boost confidence. They are
known as uppers, bennies, beans, speed, and crank. It varies in
appearance, from white pills to powder or crystals. This drug can
be ingested orally, injected, sniffed, or smoked. It can make a
person feel energetic. Effects of amphetamines include a sense of
well-being, and make the person feel more confident. This feeling
can last for up to 12 hours, and some people continue to use to
avoid coming down from the drug.Narcotics: A narcotic is a type of
drug that is used to alleviate pain, help to suppress cough, reduce
anxiety or tension. True narcotics, or opioids, are made from
opium, which is extracted from the poppy. In the United States,
"narcotics" is a term often used incorrectly to describe any
illegal drug. There are two types of narcotics, opiates and
synthetics. Some examples are: Heroin Morphine Codeine Oxycodone
Vicodin Fentanyl MethadoneAlthough narcotics are prescribed by
doctors to help people who are suffering from pain, the abuse of
narcotics is widespread in the United States. it is illegal to
consume narcotics that are not prescribed to you. There are several
dangers from using narcotics illegally. First of all, you may have
a bad reaction to the drug, you may become addicted or you may
overdose. If you are prescribed a narcotic for an extended period
of time, you may develop a tolerance to the drug.Tranquilizers:
Tranquilizers are used to treat anxiety or problems with sleep.
They have a calming effect by depressing the nervous system in a
way similar to alcohol. They are the most commonly prescribed
psychiatric medications. They produce a relaxing and
anxiety-reducing effect. Minor tranquilizers have direct depressant
effects on brain areas that regulate wakefulness and alertness.
They enhance the action of receptors that stimulate the nervous
system. Major tranquilizers primarily affect specific receptors in
the brain that reduce psychotic thoughts, perceptions and
agitation.Marijuana: Marijuana is either smoked or swallowed. The
forms of marijuana include: bhang, ganja, hashish. The slang names
of marijuana are: grass, pot, harsh, harsh oil. Its effects are
restlessness, a sense of relaxation . Very large doses of marijuana
can produce severe reactions such as: fantasies, loss of personal
identity. Severe abuse can bring in depression, panic, and in rare
instances even a psychotic breakdown.
CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTIONThe Causes of Drug Addiction are
explained as follows:1. Availability of Drugs: Availability of
drugs is an important factor that causes drug addiction. If the
drugs are readily available, the potential abusers may use them or
experiment them. If they like the results, they will probably
continue using them. But, if the drugs are not readily available,
they would not trouble themselves to find them. However, they are
some abusers who are so enslaved to drugs that they will go to any
extent to obtain them.2. Peer Pressure: Peer Pressure has a great
impact on individuals, especially teenagers to get involved with
drugs. They take drugs to be accepted by the group, or else they
may feel isolated. Drug users seek approval for their behaviour
from their peers, so they often try to convince others to join in
their habit as a way of seeking acceptance.3. Personality Traits:
Many drug abusers are essentially immature. They are unable to cope
with problems, anxieties and frustrations in a mature and rational
manner. They feel inadequate and are unable to deal with pressures
that surround them. For them, drugs can provide a temporary source
of adequacy and a feeling of being able to cope with pressures.4.
Curiosity: Some people are tempted to experience drugs out of
curiosity. This is especially true among young adults. They are
curious to try new things and to experience new sensations. They
want to see what effects will drug produce.5. Psychological
Dependence: There are some psychoactive drugs that have the power
to affect or change mood, behaviour, or consciousness, of the
users. These drugs activate or influence the functioning of the
central nervous system. This may create such a craving for drug to
the user that he continues taking it.6. Hedonism: Hedonism means
the idea that pleasure is the most important thing in life. Some
people are essentially hedonistic. They take drugs to endlessly
seek out pleasurable experiences.7. Physical Dependence: Physical
Dependence, like psychological dependence is the cause and effect
of drug addiction. When the drug abuser stops taking drugs, he may
experience withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, fever,
hypertension, etc. Hence, to cope with these withdrawal symptoms,
the abuser may start taking drugs again.8. Parental Influence:
Children of drug addicts are at a high risk of drug addiction.
Children, particularly, young adults imitate the behaviours of
their parents. Hence, if parents take drugs, their children may be
influenced by them and thus, the children may also become drug
addicts.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ADDICTIONThe signs and symptoms of
drug addiction are as follows: Sudden change in behaviour Mood
swings; irritable and grumpy and then suddenly happy and bright
Withdrawal from family members Careless about personal grooming
Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other favourite activities
Changed sleeping pattern; up at night and sleeps during the day Red
or glassy eyes Sniffly or runny nose Fatigue Needle marks or
bruises on lower arm, legs or bottom of feet Depression Unexplained
need for money Problems with the law
A DRUG ADDICT DEPRESSED
DRUG ADDICTION AMONG YOUTHParents and guardians need to be
vigilant in watching for teen drug abuse and the signs of possible
drug addiction in their teenage children. Here are some categories
to consider if and when you suspect something might be going on.
School: Has your child lost interest in school work, or even going
to school? Your child suddenly dislikes school and will look for
any excuse not to attend. Have the grades fallen off? You may
consider calling the school to see if your child has been skipping
classes. Once they leave the house do they find their way to
school? If there has been a swing in performance, as almost
overnight your child goes from being a good student to barely
passing, this is a sign of possible teen drug abuse. Health: Have
there been any changes in your childs appearance? Are they
listless, or have they lost interest in grooming, their manner of
dress? Teenagers are usually interested in how they look, even
though the current fashion may not be appealing to parents.
Teenagers want to fit in, but if they lose interest in how they
look, or they suddenly just dont care about this area of their
life, there may be a problem. Teen drug abuse is a possibility.
Attitude: Has your child lost interest in doing things they once
loved to do? Has there been a personality shift, or are they
hanging out with a different crowd? Try to notice if there has been
any change in sleeping patterns Personal Space: When teenagers make
extended efforts to distance themselves from their family, not just
their parents, there may be another issue at play. Teenagers enjoy
privacy, but when their right to privacy includes refusing their
parents information on where they are going, what they are doing
and who they are going to be with, that is a cause for concern.
Perhaps the teen does not allow parents even to enter their room.
Thats a red flag. Any dramatic change in their interaction with the
family is a possible indicator. Money: Many teens hold a job and
earn their spending money. Some may receive spending money from
their parents. In any case, if there is a sudden request for money
with no reasonable explanation for the need, there might be an
issue. The teen may even be irritated when asked, as if his/her
demand for money was an entitlement and the parents have no right
to ask why. What is the money for? Teen drug abuse may be the
explanation. Only Alcohol: Many parents are relieved to learn that
their child is only drinking and not using drugs. It is a
dangerous, if not foolish position to take, because we see no
difference between alcoholism and drug addiction. With addiction,
it is centered on the drug of choice, so whether its beer or crack
cocaine, abuse is abuse.
EFFECTS OF DRUG ADDICTION1) Effects on the Individual: When an
individual takes a particular drug they expect a desired effect to
take place. This is true not only for legal drugs such as cough
medicine, where the desired drug effect is the suppression of
coughing, but illegal drugs as well. Addictive drugs enter the body
through a variety of routes. The drugs then make their way to the
bloodstream and go straight to the brain, where they exert their
harmful effects.2) Effects on the family: By the time, an addict
realizes he/she has a problem, that problem has already taken a
heavy toll on the family. Drug addiction family impact is
immeasurable but at the same time very subtle. Husbands and wives,
brothers and sisters, and sadly children are all impacted. Families
can be sources of strength and support, or they can passively
enable the addiction to advance.3) Effects on society: Drug
addiction destroys not only the abuser's life, but affects the rest
of society, too. The rest of us pay in increased taxes as well more
problems in the institutions that affect us and our children. Even
if we could ignore drug addiction in our country, illegal drug use
encourages the drug trade--and the resulting enforcement problems
and government instability--in other countries.4) Effects on
health: If left unchecked, the drug is going to win. Drug abuse is
a disease of the brain, and the drugs change brain chemistry, which
results in a change in behaviour. Aside from the obvious
behavioural consequences of addiction, the negative effects on a
persons health are potentially devastating. While addicts use drugs
to feel better, the unintended consequences include but are not
limited to overdose, HIV/AIDS, stroke, cardiovascular disease and a
host of related maladies.5) Effects on the body: Individuals who
suffer from addiction often have one or more accompanying medical
issues, including lung and cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer,
and mental disorders. Imaging scans, chest X-rays, and blood tests
show the damaging effects of drug abuse throughout the body.
FAMILIES AS A SOURCE OF STRENGTH AND SUPPORT
REMEDIAL MEASURES AGAINST DRUG ADDICTION
NO DRUG AWARENESS1) Awareness and Education: Drug education is
an important tool in preventing drug abuse. Proper education helps
in creating awareness of the dangers connected with drugs abuse.
Drug abuse education should be integrated in school and college
curricula, emphasising on the destructive effects of drug use.
Proper education be imparted to parents in preventing the use of
drugs by children. Mass media plays a crucial role for
communicating accurate information about drug abuse to a large
population2) Organising Youth Centres: Drug addiction may be caused
due to the feelings of isolation, loneliness, anxiety etc. Hence,
social service organisations, and NGOs should establish youth
centres to overcome such feelings. Youth centres enable the
youngsters to: get along freely with others, share their problems,
and entertain themselves.3) Strict Action against Drug Pushers:
Drug addiction is often related with prostitution, crime, accidents
and violent behaviour. Hence, strict action should be taken not
only against drug pushers but also against drug addicts. There
should be stringent laws and severe punishment for drug traffickers
and for drug abusers. This will result in remarkable success in
reducing problems relating to drug trafficking and drug abuse4)
Counselling Centres: Counselling centres can be set up by
educational institutes, community centres and NGOs for. It may help
to reduce drug abuse/ improve the persons ability to perform
better, reduce drug menance.5) Watching For Early Signs of Possible
Drug Addiction: If the early signs and symptoms of drug-taking can
be detected, drug addiction may be prevented. Some of the common
signs and symptoms are loss of appetite, sudden change of friends,
and withdrawal from family.6) International Help: United Nations
Fund for Drug Abuse Control(UNFDAC) provides assistance to
governments and international organisations to: prevent drug abuse
through education and public information campaigns, provide
facilities and develop methods for treatment, and rehabilitation of
drug-dependent persons, conduct research on drug abuse and its
control.
TREATMENT FOR DRUG ADDICTION1) Hospitalisation: Drug addict must
be hospitalised. Through bio-chemical tests, it can be determined
that which drugs the addict has been using. Accordingly, the
treatment for the withdrawal symptoms can be given.2) Behavioural
Therapies: Drug addicts often require a combination of behavioural
therapies and medications. It consists of counselling, support
groups, family therapy.3) Occupational Therapy: Occupational
therapy consists of occupying the drug addict with some
constructive work, while undergoing counselling. 4) Change in
Addicts Social Environment: A drug addict may become so, due to his
social environment, which may include stress, frustration, anxiety
etc. Such social environment needs to be modified for treating
drugs. An environment that consist of patient listening, caring,
and understanding a drug addict is conducive for the treatment. 5)
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Narcotics Anonymous is a organisation
that is similar to Alcoholics Anonymous. Here, the drug addicts
share their experiences with each other. An ex-addict may narrate
his experiences and points out the various disadvantages of and
remedies for drug addiction.
CONSELLLING HOSPITALISATION
CONCLUSIONDrug abuse is a complex problem thought to result from
a combination of hereditary, psychological, and environmental
factors. It affects people from the neonatal stage to old age.
Infants of abusers may suffer from neglect or the effects of
parental drug use. As they grow into childhood, they may
demonstrate antisocial behaviour, and signs of malnutrition, poor
self-esteem, depression, or attention deficit disorder. This may
lead an adolescent to use drugs, have unwanted pregnancies, and
drop out of school. Identification of drug abuse is a difficult
first step on the road to recovery because of the methods many
abuses use to hide their addiction, the inability of family members
to recognize or accept the problem, and the relatives' enabling
behaviour.
PLEASE SAY NO TO DRUGS!!
BILBOGRAPHY1) Foundation Course-1 F.Y.Bcom by Michael Vaz2)
http://www.drug-addiction-support.org/effects-of-drug-addiction.html3)
http://www.drugaddiction.net/
