Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Control

Drug abuse is the over usage and addiction related to drugs and alcohol. It is very prevalent in these days to witness individuals abusing alcohol and drugs without understanding the consequences of their actions. Moreover, young adults and adolescents are considered more vulnerable to be abusing drugs and getting into addiction. Addiction is mainly associated with psychological attachment and dependence on the after-effects of the substances. Hence, it is very important to create awareness and understand the prevention strategies in order to avoid alcohol and drug abuse. Additionally, providing proper support to the individuals and educating them about alcohol and drug abuse can immensely help in controlling the same. 

Key Terms: Alcohol, Drug abuse, Addiction, Withdrawal Syndrome, Adolescents, Drug, Cannabinoids, Opioids, Cocaine, Hallucinogens, Tobacco

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Commonly Abused Drugs 

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Some of the most commonly abused drugs include cannabinoids, opioids, cocaine, hallucinogens, tobacco and alcohol. 

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are extracted from the plant Cannabis. They usually interact with the receptors in the brain namely cannabinoids and it is also commonly known as crack.

Drugs and their effects

There are various combinations of the plant, the resins, leaves, flower tops produce different forms of cannabis, which is also termed marijuana. This drug is either ingested orally or is inhaled. It largely affects the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Since it is a very strong stimulant, individuals who take high doses of these can suffer from various effects. Some of its side effects could be hallucinations, convulsions, headaches and can also lead to death.

Opioids

Opioids are another type of drug that has various effects on the receptors that are present in the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system. Additionally, the most commonly known opioid is Heroin. Poppy plant excretes a substance called Morphine, and hence, the acetylation of the same makes up Heroin. Heroin is usually either injected or snorted. Some of the effects of the two include slowing down bodily functions and also acting as a pain killer, which inevitably leads to individuals getting addicted to it.

Side Effects of Opioids

The plant Erythroxylum coca excretes cocaine and it mainly disrupts the transfer of neuro-transmitter dopamine. Some of the effects of this drug include an increased amount of energy and euphoria. Moreover, it has a direct impact on the central nervous system as well.

Psychedelic Drugs

Psychedelic drugs are hallucinogens since it affects perceptions, feelings and thoughts. Even though these drugs are prescribed to individuals suffering from insomnia and depression, their abuse can lead to long-lasting negative consequences. These psychedelic drugs are derived from various plants like Atropa Belladonaand Datura. Additionally, the fungus Claviceps purpurea also makes up Lyserigic acid diethylamide, commonly known as LSD.

LSD Side effects

Another common drug is derived from the tobacco plant. Tobacco can lead to the deficiency of oxygen in the body and also increase the heart rate and blood pressure. This drug is usually either chewed or inhaled. There are various negative effects which include urinary bladder, throat and oral cancer, bronchitis, coronary heart disease, emphysema and lung cancer as well.

Alcohol is taken orally and affects various parts of the body including the liver, cerebellum, cerebrum, and nervous system. Later on, it can lead to other serious illnesses like liver failure, hepatitis, gastric carcinoma, peptic ulcer and many more.

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Factors Leading to Alcohol and Drug Abuse

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Individuals between the age of 12 to 18 are in the stage of making decisions on their own and also have their sense of beliefs and attitudes towards society as well. Hence, this is generally the period they start experimenting and exploring various aspects of life, especially under the influence of their peers. Apart from that, the youth face several behavioural as well as biological changes. They take drugs or alcohol due to several reasons. Some of them could be out of curiosity, while others could be due to unsupportive social systems, to overcome stress, depression, and other difficulties. A few of them might also start using drugs or alcohol merely due to social or peer pressure.

Drug Abuse Reasons

Regardless of the reasons for using drugs or alcohol, the individuals might slowly start depending on it which later turns into an addiction.

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Effects of Alcohol and Drug Abuse

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Most drugs produce a similar type of effect, in terms of euphoria, hallucinations and more. The usage of various substances leads to a feeling of well-being which is generally associated with a good or happy mood. However, to acquire the similar effects of the substances, individuals start taking them more often. Once they start liking the effects of the same, it becomes an addictive cycle. The psychological attachment to the after-effects leads to repeated use, which in turn increases the tolerance level as well.

Effects of Drug abuse

Hence after that, the receptors produce certain effects only if higher doses are taken by the individual. This in turn leads to greater intake and makes the individual completely addicted to it. Once the individual is addicted to the substance, the body goes through the withdrawal syndrome at times when the drug abuse is disrupted or discontinued. Since the body becomes dependent on the drug, the individual experiences various withdrawal symptoms which include sweating, nausea, anxiety. It takes a toll on the individual’s social life, physical and mental health.

Withdrawal Symptoms

There is a loss of moral sense and emotional control. Speech and visual problems might arise as well, along with the loss of thinking power. They might start isolating or witness a marked decline in their overall performance in school or work. Bodyweight also fluctuates often, with more aggressiveness, mood swings, and lack of coordination with family and society as well.

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Prevention and Control 

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Since young individuals are more likely to get trapped in the endless cycle of abusing life-threatening substances, it is very important to make them understand the consequences of the same. It is also very likely for them to get influenced by people around them to get into a habit of drinking alcohol or abusing other drugs. Parents and teachers should take an active role in educating and guiding them to prevent and control drug abuse.

Alcohol and drug abuse can be avoided if the individuals aren’t pressurized to do certain things against their will. There are instances wherein individuals turn towards various substances because their parents, teachers expect too much out of them. Hence, according to them, the only way to escape such a stressful situation is by abusing drugs.

Drug abuse prevention

With this in mind, counselling is required at all stages of life. Individuals always need guidance to deal with pressures, stress, disappointments and failure. Hence, enabling individuals to learn healthy coping strategies will allow them to stray away from life-threatening activities.

Additionally, parents should have a clear idea of what their children are doing and also set a good example by surrounding them with a healthy support system. Adolescents or other children should report anyone abusing drugs immediately to the school authorities or parents. This helps in taking remedial measures as soon as possible and creating more awareness too.

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Things to Remember

• Some of the risk factors for drug abuse include family history, impulsive behaviour, peer pressure, history of traumatic events, unsupportive social systems, especially family, depression or stress. 
• Individuals with various other mental health issues can also resort to alcohol and drug abuse.
• Some of the effects of drug abuse include a low level of performance in school or work, withdrawal from family and friends, poor judgement and financial issues as well.
• Some of the most commonly abused drugs are cannabinoids, opioids, cocaine, hallucinogens, tobacco and alcohol. 
• Education and awareness of the consequences of drug abuse are very integral. 
• Parents should take an active role in their children’s lives and provide enough support for them especially when they are facing various life changes. 
• Reporting of drug and alcohol abuse can lead to lesser peer pressure and negative influence.

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