Drug Addiction

Drug addiction is an abnormal or pathological condition that occurs because of repeated drug use. Drug addiction entails the development of chronic drug use to the progression to a drug-wanting behavior, susceptibility to relapse and diminished capacity to respond to rewarding stimuli.

Drug addiction is classified into three stages namely anticipation or preoccupation, intoxication or binge and negative affect or withdrawal. These are characterized correspondingly by constant preoccupation and craving for getting of the drug, increasing the dosage to experience the stimulating effects and undergoing tolerance, withdrawal as well as reduced enthusiasm for regular life activities.

Drug addiction can have far-reaching and diverse effects on health, relationships, family, education and employment.

Health

The most noticeable among the effects of drug addiction is one on health, both physical and mental. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, marijuana and even prescription pills can lead to cardiovascular and lung disease, cancer, stroke as well as mental disorders. Mental disorders and drug addiction usually co-exist. But while mental illness may come before drug addiction, drug abuse may set off or aggravate mental disease.
Relationships

Drug addiction puts a strain on almost any relationship. An addicted person may turn from an easy-going individual to one who is aggressive or has violent outbursts. Mood swings, secrecy or detachment may likewise manifest. These make it more difficult for friends, family and acquaintances to deal with the person. Drug addiction can also put a strain on marriage. The gravity of the situation can even get worse if the addict has children. It can be confusing as well as distressing for children to witness a parent show signs of drug addiction.

Family or Home

Substance abuse can be a source of embarrassment for the family of an addict. Naturally, there is an apprehension that comes from what other people may think or say as well as what is best to do to help an addicted family member recover. Efforts to help may sometimes be mistaken by an addict as a form of coercion which may lead to fights or disturbances within the family.

Education

If a youth is addicted to drugs, then it is more likely that schooling will be affected. Relationship with the other children in school or at home can likewise be impacted. Drug addiction can lead to absenteeism as well as low performance in school.

Meanwhile, a parent who is suffering from drug addiction can impact his or her children’s studies and other facets of their lives if his or her responsibilities to them are neglected. Children will have difficulty coping with school work as well as other activities when the addiction of a parent is at the back of their heads. Children’s needs can sometimes be superseded by a parent’s drug addiction.