Effects and treatment of drug addiction
By Abubakar Hawwa walida
Drug addiction is a major issue that affects millions of people around the world. While the initial effects of drugs can be enjoyable or beneficial in some cases, prolonged drug use can have serious negative consequences on the body.
Person with drug addiction continues to use the addictive substances despite the harmful effects and consequences they cause. Nowadays, the term Substance Use Disorder (SUD), is mainly used to refer to drug addiction. In this article, we will examine the two main ways that drugs can affect the body over time: physical and psychological effects.
Physical effects
The physical effects of drug use can be devastating. Physical addiction to the drug occurs due to changes in the way the brain feels pleasure. Drugs can cause damage to major organs such as the liver, lungs, and heart. For example, cocaine use can lead to heart attacks, seizures, and respiratory failure. Additionally, long-term use of drugs such as heroin and prescription painkillers can lead to a weakened immune system, making users more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Furthermore, drugs can also have negative effects on the brain. Repeated use of certain drugs can damage the brain’s reward center, making it more difficult for users to experience pleasure from everyday activities. This can lead to a cycle of addiction, where users feel the need to continue using drugs in order to feel happy or content.
Psychological effects
Drug use can also have profound psychological effects on users. One of the most common psychological effects of drug use is depression. Drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana can cause users to experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem Additionally, drug use can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and other mental health issues.
Another psychological effect of drug use is the impact it can have on relationships. Substance abuse can lead to strained relationships with family and friends, as well as difficulty maintaining employment or performing daily tasks. This can further exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety, leading to a downward spiral of addiction.
It’s important to note that not all drugs have the same effects on the body. The type of drug, the amount used, and the frequency of use can all play a role in determining the severity of the physical and psychological effects. However, even so-called “soft” drugs like marijuana can have negative long-term effects on the body and mind.
Treatment
While the physical and psychological effects of drugs can be severe, it’s not all doom and gloom. It is possible to recover from drug addiction and regain one’s health and happiness. It is important to note that drug addiction is a treatable disorder. However because there are so many different conditions in drug addiction, the specific treatment must be tailored to the individual’s needs. Many drug addicted people have other problems that complicate the treatment such as mental health, occupational, health, or social problems. Treatments often include behavioral therapy, mediations, or even a combination of both. If people are treated for their addiction, they can learn to control their condition and live a normal productive life. The more treatment the person receives, the better off they are.
Abubakar Hawwa walida,
Ahmadu Bello University, Kaduna State,
Department of mass communication.
