The Ills of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

When a child grows and reaches maturity, or their adolescent stage, they undergo many new changes in their body. Due to these changes in their physical and mental states, their likes and dislikes also begin to develop. The changes in their behaviour may lead them to accept habits and practices which can have a negative effect on them. 

During this stage, people may develop addictions to bad habits which can lead to harmful conditions and diseases. When a person consumes drugs, the physical and physiological functions of the body will be affected negatively, and this is called drug abuse. In a similar manner, excess consumption of alcohol is called alcohol abuse. There are many drug and alcohol abuse symptoms such as being unable to work, a sudden change in behaviour, depression, shaking hands, and constantly feeling tired. 

People consume drugs and alcohol without following accepted medical guidelines on the limit that must be consumed. Huge consumption of drugs or alcohol causes severe complications to a person’s mental and physical health, and requires a lengthy recovery process. The main reason for drug and alcohol abuse is a lack of knowledge on its ill effects.

What are drugs? 

Treatment drugs are used for various conditions and diseases. Extended use of such prescription drugs or illegal drugs results in dependence, and addiction to them is called drug addiction. There are many types of drugs that people can develop an addiction to, whether they are prescription drugs or illegal drugs. 

Drug Addiction

Regular consumption of drugs without medical guidance leads to drug addiction, which is classified as a brain disease due to the effect that drugs have on the structure and functions of the brain. Since drug addiction is habit-forming, or addictive, an effort must be made to control this habit-forming behaviour. Moreover, when people start taking drugs or consuming alcohol at an early age, it becomes an addiction that is hard to break easily. 

Sign That Someone has a Drug Problem

• Changes in eating patterns (eating either too much or too little food)
• Constant feeling of tiredness 
• Irregular sleep schedules 
• Increased isolation 
• Difficulties relating to people or forming healthy relationships

Drug abuse

Most drugs are acquired from plants, for example, coca alkaloids or amphetamine. Drugs are chemicals that cause reactions in the body. Excess use of drugs pushes the body to conditions that can be considered high risk. The body’s central nervous system is affected by drugs, and certain drugs may also lead to experiences such as hallucinations. The main ill effects of drugs include:

• Continuously fast heartbeat
• Low body movement
• Dry and rough throat
• Unusual breathing
• Problems in hearing, feeling, smelling and other senses 

Drug abuse occurs when people improperly consume drugs, which negatively impact the physical and physiological functions of the body. When drugs are consumed for longer periods of time, beyond their intended use, there is a higher chance of developing a drug addiction.

Alcohol Abuse

Excess consumption of alcohol is termed alcohol abuse. If a person drinks alcohol frequently and in large quantities, it may lead to negative changes in behaviour, as well as harmful or irreversible physical and mental disorders. 

Alcohol Abuse Symptoms

• Inability to reduce or stop consuming alcohol despite attempts
• Inability to concentrate on tasks such as study or work
• Changes in relationships with people
• Memory lapses 
• Depression
• Shaking hands

Effects of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

• Changes in Behaviour

People may undergo behavioural changes, including becoming violent. 

• Death/Coma

The heart or respiratory system can fail due to excess consumption of drugs or alcohol, which may lead to a coma.

• Crimes

Due to the uncontrollable dependence on drugs or alcohol, a person may become prone to committing crimes either to find access to drugs, or finance their addiction. 

Prevention and Control

• Counselling

A trained and professional counsellor can help a person suffering from drug and alcohol abuse using professional treatment plans, including counselling.

• Medical Help

There are many other less harmful and non-habit forming medications to help a person overcome drug and alcohol addiction.

• Help From Family and Friends

Family members and friends play a major role in a person’s life and can lend a helping hand in assisting their loved one overcome drug and alcohol abuse. 

• Rehabilitation Centres

There are many rehabilitation centers to help people suffering from drug and alcohol abuse. These rehabilitation centres assist people in controlling their habits and becoming healthy and productive.

Conclusion 

Due to various causes, people develop drug and alcohol addictions. But drug and alcohol abuse can lead to serious physical and physiological harm to the body. Excess drugs and alcohol in the human body may cause damage to the nervous system and other vital organs, which may lead to severe compilations and reduce the quality of life. 

Once a habit is formed, it is difficult to break, therefore proper steps must be taken to ensure that people do not develop a dependence on drugs or alcohol. Family members and friends of people suffering from drug and alcohol abuse can help them recover from their addiction. Furthermore, they may also rely on services offered by rehabilitation centres to help people overcome drug and alcohol abuse.