Drug Addiction: Definition, Introduction and Types of Drugs

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Definition

“The use of illegal drugs or the use of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are meant to be used, or in large amounts. Drug abuse may lead to social, physical, emotional, and job-related problems.”

Introduction

  • Abnormal use of drugs
  • Psychological and physiological dependence
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Uncontrollable or overpowering desire
  • Tendency to increase the dose
  • Does not bother about consequences

Types of Drugs

  • Sedative drugs – opium – affects brain and nervous system – diminish response
  • Deliriant drugs – confusion – high dependency – brain damage – paranoia – unpredictable behaviour
  • Stimulant drugs – alertness – increase in response

Sociological Factors of Drug Abuse

  • Easy availability
  • Imitating parents or elders
  • Over the counter or prescription drugs
  • Impact of modern living standard
  • Influence of media and films
  • Exposure to different cultures
  • Social pressure
  • Low value of achievements
  • Corruption
  • Collapsing religious values

Causes of Drug Abuse

  • Emulating behaviour of others
  • False impression of adequacy
  • Temporary relief from pain or anxiety
  • Stress release
  • Distract from reality

Problems

  • Brain damage
  • Dependency
  • Loss of money
  • Physical changes
  • Lose interest in daily life activities
  • Withdrawal from society
  • Slurred speech
  • Illnesses
  • Breakdown of family
  • Domestic violence
  • Tension at workplace

Prevention

  • Legal – drugs are labelled illicit
  • Therapeutic and psychological
  • Medical
  • Deintoxication – Resocialization - Repersonalization - Rehousing
  • Anti-drug law like The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance Act , 1985
  • Prohibit, control, and regulate
  • Social awareness
  • Acceptance of rehabilitated people
  • Curb black marketing

MCQ

Q.1. Which of the following effects of drug addiction is wrong?

a) Increase in crime

b) Ill effects on health

c) Encouragement of family disorganization

d) Benefit in education

Answer: d

Q.2. Drug de-addiction centers provide which of the following facility⟋facilities?

(A) Counselling

(B) Medical assistance

(C) Yogic exercise

(D) All the above

Answer: (D)

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Manishika