Drug and Substance Abuse
Drug and Substance Abuse
Introduction
Drug and substance abuse have been of major concern to human population all over the world. It occurs when individuals have a tendency to use the substance or drug in amounts which are harmful to them or others. It also entails taking more of what medical practitioners has prescribed. Continued substance or drug abuse can be detrimental since it can lead to significant impairment, distress and in extreme cases it can be fatal. Most substance and drugs abused are both legal and illegal l(Lowinson, 2005). Legal substances are those that are approved by law to be sold over the counter while others are not allowed by the law and thus they are classified as illegal.
Types of substance abuse
There are several types of drug and substance abuse which include both the licit and illicit drugs. These drugs are consumed to enhance performance (psychoactive) while others are just consumed just for relaxation purposes.
Depressant abuse
These are substances that are consumed to slow down the central nervous system. They are also responsible for diminishing inhibitions, decrease pain and create relaxation. Examples of such substances include heroine, morphine, opium, ativan and valium just to mention a few. Excessive consumption of such products is addictive and lead to both psychological and physical dependence.
Stimulant abuse
This class of abuse entails both the licit and illicit drugs. According to psychologists, use of stimulants is responsible for the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and nor epinephrine, thus stimulating the brains reward and pleasure centre. Users of these substances become addictive as they try to get more pleasure. This type of abuse depletes energy of the abusers leading to intense drug cravings and withdrawal systems (Lowinson, 2005).
Other types of substance abuse include the marijuana abuse and the Psychedelic abuse. The former is most commonly abused substance all over the world. Users of this drug suffer from short term euphoria, physical relaxation, memory impairment as well as distorted perception. In extreme cases, it can lead to illusions, hallucinations and in extreme cases total brain damage. Alcohol abuse is also another common form of substance abuse which has been in existence for a long time. The commonly used psychoactive substance is known to lead to increased aggression, impaired judgment, depression and anxiety among others.
Treatment programs
Finding a perfect treatment and prevention of drug and substance abuse has been a difficult exercise. However, intensive researches have been carried out and several treatment programs have been put forth. Different substance abuse has different treatment programs. The treatment can either be medical or psychological.
Medication treatment
Medications have been used in the treatment programs for addicts of substance and drug abuse. Several medication processes have been put forward in the treatment program for the vice. For instance, medication has in the past been used to suppress the withdrawal systems during detoxification. However, it is important to understand that medically assisted withdrawal should be accompanied by other treatment programs to achieve full results (Walters, 2012). Medication can be instrumental in reestablishing normal brain functioning and prevention of relapse and diminishing cravings. This can be accompanied by pharmacological therapy.
Psychological treatment program
This kind of treatment program is also referred to as the behavioral treatment. The treatment process should begin by the admission of the addict that there is a great problem which requires solution. The treatment process involves encouraging the patients to change their attitudes and behaviors related to substance abuse. Behavioral therapy has been critical in this kind of treatment program (Walters, 2012). The behavioral treatment program can be initiated through different treatment processes such as the inpatient and outpatient programs. This is achieved through several rehabilitation centers. However it is important to understand that these treatment programs can only be effective if they are used together.
References
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