What is drug addiction.

 Drug addiction is a chronic brain disease. It

causes a person to take drugs repeatedly,

despite the harm they cause. Repeated drug

use can change the brain and lead to

addiction.

                                      

The brain changes from addiction can be

lasting, so drug addiction is considered a

"relapsing" disease. This means that people

in recovery are at risk for taking drugs again,

even after years of not taking them.

Does everyone who takes drugs become

addicted?

Not everyone who uses drugs becomes

addicted. Everyone's bodies and brains are

different, so their reactions to drugs can also

be different. Some people may

become addicted quickly, or it may happen

over time. Other people never become

addicted. Whether or not someone becomes

addicted depends on many factors. They

include genetic, environmental, and

developmental factors.

Who is at risk for drug addiction?

Various risk factors can make you more

likely to become addicted to drugs, including

Your biology. People can react to drugs

differently. Some people like the feeling the

first time they try a drug and want more.

Others hate how it feels and never try it

again.

Mental health problems. People who have

untreated mental health problems, such as

depression, anxiety, or attention

deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are

more likely to become addicted. This can

happen because drug use and mental health

problems affect the same parts of the brain.

Also, people with these problems may use

drugs to try to feel better.

Trouble at home. If your home is an unhappy

place or was when you were growing up, you

might be more likely to have a drug problem.

Trouble in school, at work, or with making

friends. You might use drugs to get your

mind off these problems.

Hanging around other people who use drugs.

They might encourage you to try drugs.

Starting drug use when you're young. When

kids use drugs, it affects how their bodies

and brains finish growing. This increases

your chances of becoming

addicted when you're an adult.

What are the signs that someone has

a drug problem?

Signs that someone has a drug problem

include

Changing friends a lot

Spending a lot of time alone

Losing interest in favorite things

Not taking care of themselves - for example,

not taking showers, changing clothes, or

brushing their teeth

Being really tired and sad

Eating more or eating less than usual

Being very energetic, talking fast, or saying

things that don't make sense

Being in a bad mood

Quickly changing between feeling bad and

feeling good

Sleeping at strange hours

Missing important appointments

Having problems at work or at school

Having problems in personal or family

relationships.

                                                                           

What are the treatments for drug

addiction?

Treatments for drug addiction include

counseling, medicines, or both. Research

shows that combining medicines with

counseling gives most people the best chance

of success.

The counseling may be individual, family,

and/or group therapy. It can help you

Understand why you got addicted

See how drugs changed your behavior

Learn how to deal with your problems so you

won't go back to using drugs

Learn to avoid places, people, and situations

where you might be tempted to use drugs.

Medicines can help with the symptoms of

withdrawal. For addiction to certain drugs,

there are also medicines that can help you re-

establish normal brain function and decrease

your cravings.

                                                             

Type of Druges .

 What types of drugs are there?

There are four main groups of drugs, divided according to their major effects, plus a few substances that do not easily fit into any category. The main categories are:

Stimulants (e.g. cocaine)

depressants (e.g. alcohol)

opium-related painkillers (e.g. heroin)

hallucinogens (e.g. LSD)

 alert

talkative

active

Stimulants

These make you feel:

energetic

very excited

They can be very dangerous (causing

 death) at high doses.

Repeated use can cause psychosis and

 paranoia, which may be diagnosed as 

schizophrenia. They are also addictive.

Depressants (sedatives)

These make you feel:

relaxed

chilled out

mellow

possible paradoxical effects – anxiety, 

nightmares, aggression

They are dangerous at high doses. They are addictive.

Opium-related painkillers.

These make you feel:

a rush of pleasure

in a dreamy state

drowsy

They are very dangerous at high doses. They are addictive.

Hallucinogens.

                      

These vary a lot. The same drug may have different effects at different times.

These may make you feel:

detached from your surroundings

mood swings

altered sense of space and time

hallucinations, illusions and distortions of reality

feelings of insight

mystical or religious experiences.Opioids

Opioids are powerful painkillers that produce a sense of euphoria in users. Derived from the poppy plant, opioids are often prescribed by doctors to patients who are suffering from intense pain. They are extremely habit-forming, sometimes even causing addiction in as little as three days.

How drugs affect mental health, domestic violence?

 

Substance misuse, mental health problems and

domestic violence are commonly associated with

child protection involvement and are described as

"key risk factors" for child abuse and neglect. There

is substantial research documenting the association

between these parental problems and poor outcomes

for children. Children are particularly vulnerable to

cumulative harm in families with multiple and

complex problems in which the unremitting daily

impact of multiple adverse circumstance and events

has a profound and exponential impact on children,

and diminishes their sense of safety and wellbeing

The focus of this section is to identify the adverse

effects of parental mental health problems, substance

misuse and domestic violence on individuals, their

parenting behaviours and the consequent immediate

risks to children.

It is important to note that the severity and longevity

of the effects of parental substance misuse, mental

health problems and domestic violence on children

depend upon the nature, extent and severity of the

problem and manner in which it affects the

individual. Not all children whose parents

experience mental health problems, substance

misuse or domestic violence will experience poor

outcomes.

. The extent to which parenting capacity is sustained

or diminished and children are at risk of abuse or

neglect is also influenced by the presence of

protective factors. Responses within families are

diverse; some children are able to experience

supportive and nurturing environments despite the

presence of parental problems. This section draws on

research about mental health problems, substance

misuse and domestic violence to unpack how these

problems can affect individuals, their capacity to

parent and, in turn, their child's risk of experiencing

abuse or neglect.

Which drugs most commonly used by young people?

 

The drugs that are most commonly used by

young people are alcohol, tobacco, and

marijuana. Recently, more young people

have started vaping tobacco and marijuana.

There is still a lot we don't know about the

dangers of vaping. Some people have

unexpectedly gotten very ill or have even

died after vaping. Because of this, young

people should stay away from vaping.

Why do young people take drugs?

There are many different reasons why a

young person may take drugs, including

To fit in. Young people may do drugs

because they want to be accepted by friends

or peers who are doing drugs.

To feel good. Abused drugs can produce

feelings of pleasure.

To feel better. Some young people suffer

from depression, anxiety, stress-related

disorders, and physical pain. They may do

drugs to try to get some relief.

To do better in academics or sports. Some

young people may take stimulants for

studying or anabolic steroids to improve their

athletic performance.

To experiment. Young people often want to

try new experiences, especially ones that

they think are thrilling or daring.

Which young people are at risk for drug

use?

Different factors may raise a young person's

risk for drug use, including

Stressful early life experiences, such child

abuse, child sexual abuse, and other forms

of trauma

Genetics

Prenatal exposure to alcohol or other drugs

Lack of parental supervision or monitoring

Having peers and/or friends who use drugs.

What are the signs that a young person

has a drug problem?

Changing friends a lot

Spending a lot of time alone

Losing interest in favorite things

Not taking care of themselves - for example,

not taking showers, changing clothes, or

brushing their teeth

Being really tired and sad.

Eating more or eating less than usual

Being very energetic, talking fast, or saying

things that don't make sense

Being in a bad mood

Quickly changing between feeling bad and

feeling good

Missing important appointments

Having problems at school - missing class,

getting bad grades

Having problems in personal or family

relationships

Lying and stealing

Memory lapses, poor concentration, lack of

coordination, slurred speech, etc.

Can drug use in young people be prevented?

Drug use and addiction are preventable.

Prevention programs involving families,

schools, communities, and the media may

prevent or reduce drug use and addiction.

These programs include education and

outreach to help people understand the risks.

of drug use.

You can help prevent your children from

using drugs through

Good communication with your children

Encouragement, so your children can build

confidence and a strong sense of self. It also

helps parents promote cooperation and

reduce conflict.

Teaching your children problem-solving

skills

Setting limits, to teach your children self-

control and responsibility, provide safe

boundaries, and show them that you care

Supervision, which helps parents recognize

developing problems, promote safety, and

stay involved

Knowing your children's friends.

REASONS PEOPLE USE DRUGS AND ALCOHOL.

 Contrary to popular belief, drug use doesn’t

solely fall under the category of mental

illness, homelessness, or even poor family

upbringing. Educated individuals with high-

paying jobs, families, and seemingly perfect

or sought-after lives can be vulnerable to

drug abuse, as well.

In general, there are three primary causes of

drug use. Within these main causes, there

stems a myriad of reasons as to why people

start to use drugs. Certain people may face

several different factors, which are each, on

their own, a reason to use drugs. But these

reasons are all the result of some sort of

emotional, psychological,

or physical categorization of the causes for

drug use.

Emotional: Feeling they need drugs to fill a

void in their lives (whether it’s stress,

trauma, relationship issues or more)

Physical: Feeling like they need the physical

effects of a high or low to physically feel

better.

While there are emotional, psychological,

and physical reasons why people may misuse

drugs in the first place, there are many

triggers that fall into these reasons.

Emotional stress can develop for many

reasons. It can be the result of loss of a job, a

death, divorce, or finances. Even health

issues and medical conditions can cause

serious emotional damage. Physically, many

people use drugs to

increase their endurance, focus their

attention, or increase their appearance in

some capacity. Finally, drug use is the result

of psychological factors such as mental

illness, trauma, or even general attitudes and

beliefs.

Regardless of the trigger for drug use, it is

important to learn how to cope in a healthy

and productive way. Unfortunately, many

turn to an easy or perceived helpful way to

cope with the substance.

Here are some of the most common causes of

drug abuse and why various people consume

drugs.

1)Grieving a death

2End of a relationship

3)Mental illness

4)Environmental influences

5)Relaxation

6)Self-medication

7)Financial burdens

8)Career pressures

9)School pressures

10)Family demands

11)Peer and Social Pressure

12)Abuse and trauma

13)Boredom

14)To fit in

15)Curiosity and experimentation

16)Rebellion

17)To be in control

18)To enhance performance

19)Isolation

20)Misinformation or ignorance

21)Instant Gratification

HOW DRUGS HURT YOUR FAMILY.

 HURTING YOUR FAMILY FINANCIALLY

Drugs cost money. The people who make and sell

drugs do not come into business to make you happy

- they are in it for the money.

How does it harm your family financially if you use

drugs?

You steal money, credit cards or items of value from

drugs to sell or trade them.

They may have to mortgage the house to cover

treatment expenses.

They may have to sell valuable items to raise money

for treatment.

They may have to wipe out college and retirement

accounts to get your help.

You establish your relationship with your family

Substance abuse by children is an area that worries

parents a lot.

If using drugs starts consuming your life, then your

relationships become less important, and you lose

interest in school, sports, or work. You can retreat

from family members and activities. What if the use

of drugs becomes a necessity and turns into an

addiction?

When a family member uses drugs, it affects the

whole family.

When you use medicines:

Others can no longer trust you what you are going to

do

You can be rebellious and defiant with parents,

guardians and siblings

You may have mood swings, paranoia and irrational

anger.

You can attack others verbally and physically

You can start stealing things: money, credit cards

and other valuables.

You no longer spend time with family members and

do the things you used to do together

You place stress on your parents or guardians: fear

of a child who will hurt themselves or someone else,

or die.

People who use drugs do not see harm and they are

harming others. The whole family is affected. This

hurts family dynamics and disrupts the stability of the home.

How Does Parental Drug Use Affect Child Development?

 

Homes in which substance abuse is prevalent are often

unpredictable and chaotic. Inappropriate family roles are often

assumed, such as children taking care of siblings like parents or

assuming financial responsibilities of the household.

Additionally, communication among leadership in the

household is often unclear or nonexistent, leaving children in a

living environment that lacks structure.

It breeds violence. Substance abuse and domestic violence are

closely tied.

It contributes to mental health problems. Parents who abuse

drugs and alcohol are more likely to deal with things like

financial problems, divorce, physical abuse, unemployment,

and legal problems, which can all cause stress at home.

Children of alcoholics have a higher prevalence of suicide

attempts, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression when

compared with their peers.

                                                 

It contributes to physical health problems. .4 Additionally,

children of substance abusers may suffer from stress-related

health issues such as migraines or gastrointestinal problems as

a result of their parent’s alcohol and drug abuse. Used needles

and other drug paraphernalia may also create an unsanitary

living environment that is full of health hazards.

It creates difficulties at school. Children whose parents abuse

drugs and alcohol are more likely to be distracted at school due

to emotional and psychological stress, lack of sleep, and

worries or fears about things going on at home. They may also

be reluctant to develop friendships with other kids at school

because they are embarrassed by their home situation.

It fuels emotional issues. Children of drug-abusing parents may

harbor negative emotions such as shame, fear, insecurity, or

mistrust as a result of their parents’ substance abuse.

It increases their own risk of drug addiction. Children of

substance abusing parents are more than twice as likely to have

a drug and alcohol use disorder by young adulthood as

compared to their peers.

Why Are Illegal Drugs Dangerous?

                                      

Illegal drugs aren't good for anyone, but they are

particularly bad for a kid or teen whose body is still

growing. Illegal drugs can damage the brain, heart,

and other important organs. Cocaine, for instance,

can cause a heart attack — even in a kid or teen.

While using drugs, people are also less able to do

well in school, sports, and other activities. It's often

harder to think clearly and make good decisions.

People can do dumb or dangerous things that could

hurt them — or other people — when they use

drugs.

Why Do People Use Illegal Drugs?

Sometimes kids and teens try drugs to fit in with a

group of friends. Or they might be curious or just

bored. Someone may use illegal drugs for many

reasons, but often because they help the person

escape from reality for a while. A drug might —

temporarily — make someone who is sad or upset

feel better or forget about problems. But this escape

lasts only until the drug wears off.

Drugs don't solve problems, of course. And using

drugs often causes other problems on top of the

problems the person had in the first place.

Somebody who uses drugs can become dependent

on them, or addicted. This means that the person's

body becomes so accustomed to having this drug

that he or she can't function well without it.

Once someone is addicted, it's very hard to stop

taking drugs. Stopping can cause withdrawal

symptoms, such as vomiting (throwing up),

sweating, and tremors (shaking). These sick feelings

continue until the person's body gets adjusted to being drug free again.

                                                  

Can I Tell if Someone Is Using Drugs?

If someone is using drugs, you might notice changes

in how the person looks or acts. Here are some of

those signs, but it's important to remember that

depression or another problem could be causing

these changes. Somebody using drugs might:

lose interest in school

change friends (to hang out with kids who use drugs)

become moody, negative, cranky, or worried all the

time

ask to be left alone a lot

have trouble concentrating

sleep a lot (maybe even in class)

get in fights

have red or puffy eyes

lose or gain weight

cough a lot have a runny nose all of the time

What Can I Do to Help?

If you think someone is using drugs, the best thing to

do is to tell an adult that you trust. This could be a

parent, other relative, teacher, coach, or school

counselor. The person might need professional help

to stop using drugs. A grownup can help the person

find the treatment needed to stop using drugs.

Another way kids can help kids is by choosing not to

try or use drugs. It's a good way for friends to stick

together.

Why the Teenage Brain is Susceptible to Addiction.

 

Some studies of the human brain have attempted to

pinpoint the changes that occur during adolescence.

Health researchers have found that dramatic spurts

of both physical and intellectual growth happen

during the teenage years.

As the brain changes, some brain functions form at

different rates.

The pleasure centers of a teenager’s brain develop

faster than the parts of the brain responsible for

decision-making and risk analysis.

It’s no secret that teenagers can be risk-takers who

don’t always recognize the consequences of their

actions. Drug and alcohol experimentation is often

highest during these critical formative years.

Teens are more likely to perceive social benefits of

drug use (such as being accepted among peers or

feeling more social) than they are to evaluate the

negative effects. If you’re concerned about

substance abuse in the life of a teen you know, get in

touch with a treatment provider for help and support.

                                    

Brain Development During Teen Years

During adolescence, a young person goes through

biological and psychological changes. In addition tothe physical changes that mark growing up, the

teen’s brain is also developing ways to work more

effectively. One way it accomplishes this is through

eliminating unnecessary synapses and connections

between different parts of the brain. This kind of

mental pruning allows the adult brain to be more

focused and efficient.

                                          

Why Substance Abuse is Detrimental to the Brain

The teenage years are vital to healthy cognitive

function as an adult, so it is important to maintain a

strict level of healthy behavior during these years.

Drug abuse can impact the brain’s ability to function

in the short-term as well as prevent proper growth

and development for later in life.

Substance abuse affects teen brain development by:

Interfering with neurotransmitters and damaging

connections within the brain

Reducing the ability to experience pleasure

Creating problems with memory

Causing missed opportunities during a period of

heightened learning potential

Ingraining expectations of unhealthy habits into

brain circuitry

Inhibiting development of perceptual abilities

How Drinking Affects Teens

Teens tend to be more likely than adults to binge

drink (drinking enough in a short amount of time to

reach the legal blood alcohol content limit). Studies

have also shown that the teen brain responds

differently to alcohol than the adult brain does.

People who begin drinking during adolescence,

especially those who drink a lot, are more likely to

develop an alcohol dependence than those who

don’t.

In addition to addiction risks, alcohol poses a serious

risk to the physical health and growth of teens.

Studies have shown that excessive drinking in teens

can result in:

In addition to the physical risks of teen drinking and

drug abuse, there are many other consequences that

could haunt teens well into adulthood. Because

substance abuse can muddy reasoning and encourage

rash decisions, there are many side effects of

substance abuse that go far beyond the biological

and physiological aspects.

Some of these include:

Criminal records that cannot be expunged

Car accidents

Assaults

Sexually transmitted diseases

Unplanned pregnancies

Wasted academic opportunities

Late start in chosen career path

Damaged relationships with friends and family

WHY KIDS USE DRUGS.

                                                    

What are the factors that influence

children to try or avoid drugs?

                 The high induced by drugs. If drug use wasn’t

pleasurable, it would be relatively easy to keep kids

and harmful substances separated. But the reality is

that many kids enjoy the way they feel on drugs —

at least for a while. 

Attitudes of parents toward tobacco, alcohol and

other substances. Children learn what they live.

Smoking, drinking and other drug-related behaviors

among parents will usually be duplicated in their

children.

Availability of drugs. Finding drugs is not difficult

for children and adolescents in most communities,

but tougher local standards can help keep drugs out

of less-determined hands.

Peer pressure. Peers play a huge role at each stage of

a child’s or adolescent’s drug experience — whether

resisting them, experimenting, becoming a user or

confronting withdrawal and recovery.

                                                      

There are three obvious implications: First, it is

important that kids find their niche in the right peer

  group(s), among friends who are not only committed

to positive values (including a drug-free lifestyle)

but also involved in worthwhile and enjoyable

pursuits. Second, you may have to intervene if your

adolescent (especially in the early teen years) is

hanging out with the wrong crowd. Finally, children

and adolescents with a healthy, stable identity and an

appropriate sense of independence will be more

resistant to peer pressure.

Curiosity. Unless your family lives in total isolation,

your child will be aware of smoking, alcohol and

drug use well before adolescence from discussions at

school, watching TV and movies, or direct

observation. Some curiosity is inevitable: What do

these things feel like?

Whether this leads to sampling will depend on the

individual’s mind-set; whether an experiment

progresses to addiction will in turn depend on the

physical and emotional responses to the particular

substance.

Unfortunately, many children and adolescents seek

drug experiences to produce thrills that normal life

and consciousness can’t duplicate. Some observers

have argued that this desire to alter consciousness is

universal, wired into humans much like the desire

for food, and that trying to prevent it is as futile as

sweeping back the ocean with a broom. Assuming

this is the case (which is certainly debatable) does

not mean, however, that any and all forms of thrill-

seeking should be given free rein. A number of other

human instincts are no less universal, but hardly

virtuous: pride, greed, hunger for power, the desire

to dominate other people, lust, selfishness and so on.

Rebellion. Wayward children may engage in

smoking, alcohol and drug use as a show of

independence from family norms and values.

Escape from life/relief from pain. For many people

— indeed, for most people in the world — life is just

plain tough, and normal waking consciousness

brings a constant stream of unpleasant sights, smells,

sounds and sensations. The prospect of a chemical

“timeout” may look very attractive. Furthermore,

even when a person has plenty of creature comforts,

the prevailing emotional weather can still be

turbulent: kids and teens often feel anxious, angry,

depressed, oppressed, stressed, bored, unfulfilled.

Whether one is down and out or rich and famous,

drugs that bring about relaxation, stimulation or pure

escape can be appealing. The strongest resistance to

drug abuse therefore arises from an ongoing sense of

joy and contentment that transcends circumstances.

These attitudes are usually acquired, not inborn.

Early positive experiences in the family and an

active, wide-awake relationship with God play the

most important roles in molding such attitudes.