Drug Addiction A Serious Illness - 1276 Words

Drug addiction is a serious illness that can ultimately lead to the breakdown of families, long term psychological issues, and challenges that last a lifetime. People experiment with drugs for various reasons, whether it be for fun or to escape an unpleasant feeling. Some may try drugs the first time out of sheer curiosity, to fit in with friends who are using, or to enhance their performance at some activity. Others may try drugs to help them cope with difficulties in life. Drug addiction is not born with the first use of the drug, instead it stems from repeated use of the drug. Once the user has experienced the feeling of the first high, the onset of addiction begins. It happens in the blink of an eye and without the user noticing that they have become entangled in the cycle of addiction. Drug addiction becomes an awful cycle that entraps the user and those closely involved in his or her life. The cycle of addiction is characterized by frustration, anxiety or stress and compelling desire for relief of their symptoms. The individual engages in addictive behavior that leads to explosive behavior or spells of acting out. Before long, they completely lose control of their behavior and develop feelings of guilt or shame; which causes them to feel the need to use again. At this point the individual begins to rationalize and make promises to quit after just one more time. The addiction cycle can be arrested at any time, but only after the addict admitsShow MoreRelatedThe Problem Of Safe Injection Sites1129 Words   |  5 Pagesintravenous drugs are perceived by our society. People sometimes believe the addicted person is to blame for their circumstance and substance dependence and some feel serious drug addicts are a â€Å"lost cause† due to a lack of values or flawed character. â€Å"Persons who struggle with addictions often are depicted as criminals or prostitutes, weak, lazy and morally corrupt† (Bartlett, R., Brown, L., Shattell, M. , Wright, T., Lewallen, L. (2013). These stereotypes paint people with addiction negatively;Read MoreSubstance Abuse: Crisis Intervention1352 Words   |  5 Pagesconviction for abusing an illegal drug, drug-dealing, or DWI); or psychologically-related (the abuser seeks treatment for another psychological condition, such as depression, which is caused by the abuse or for which the abuser is using the substance as a form of self-medication) (Kanel 2011: 221). Regardless, a crisis can actually be a fruitful opportunity to precipitate change in an abusers life. Because drug abusers are often very ambivalent about giving up abusing drugs, it may take a crisis for theRead MoreEssay Drug Abuse and Mental Health 1194 Words   |  5 Pagesthe person with a mental disorder. When drugs enter the brain, they can interrupt the work and actually change how the brain performs its jobs; these changes are what lead to compulsive drug use. Drug abuse plays a major role when concerning mental heal th. It is very difficult for these individuals to engage in treatment. Diagnosis for a treatment is difficult because it takes time to disengage the interacting effects of substance abuse and the mental illness. It may also be difficult for substanceRead MoreThe Effects Of Drug Addiction On Children1506 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction When an individual is struggling with drug addiction problems, the family is affected physically, mentally, and emotionally. The disease not only changes the addict’s whole life, but it changes the lives of their family members as parents get torn apart from themselves and each other. The role of each family member begins to shape around what is in the best interest of the addict. This research paper is an overview of the effects that raising a drug addicted child has on parent’s ability toRead MoreHomelessness : A Serious Social Problem1464 Words   |  6 PagesHomelessness is a serious social problem in most American cities. Homeless people are those who sleep in the open air or in provisional accommodation such as shelters or hotels, have no settlement after expulsion or release from jail or hospital, or dwell provisionally with relatives or friends on account of shortage of housing (Crane et al. 154-155). American economy has developed very fast since 1980s, but homeless population has been increasing. They seem to be seen here and there in public placeRead MoreThe Abuse Of Drugs And Alcohol1146 Words   |  5 Pagespaper examines how the abuse of drugs and alcohol can drastically alter the dynamics of the family as a whole. Addiction is a chronic disorder that tears families apart as it destroys the individuals themselves. There is a thin line that family members walk in order to function with an addict daily. The impact that family member have can either be a positive facilitator towards the addicts recovery or the family can become drawn into the addicts world of abuse and addiction. There are various assortedRead MoreAlcohol Advertising Essay1140 Words   |  5 PagesAlcohol Advertising Millions of Americans suffers from the effects of alcohol and drug abuse. It can shatter lives, brake families, and to rob people of their dreams for the future. Once alcoholism or drug addiction begins, an individuals problems not only dont go away, but their mental well being as well as physical ability continues to diminish from the immediate and long-term adverse effects from the drugs and alcohol abuse. Is it really true that advertising increases alcohol consumptionRead MoreDrug Abuse1279 Words   |  6 PagesThe use of and abuse of illegal and prescription drugs are a health, social, and law enforcement problem that is affecting Americans across the country. Drug abuse is destroying the lives of many teens and adults and is also destroying families in the United States. The use of drugs is a major problem in the United States among all Americans, but drug addiction is the main cause for America s troubled teens today. Exactly what is a drug? A drug is any chemical that produces a therapeutic or non-therapeuticRead MoreDrug Abuse and Addiction Essay1324 Words   |  6 PagesDrugs affect people in many different ways. One person can take abuse drugs, yet never become addicted, while another person has one experience and is immediately hooked to that drug. Drug addiction is defined as a dependence on an illegal drug, or medication. When you are addicted, you cannot control your drug use despite the fact that you know the consequences. The scary thing is that drug addiction can cause a major intense craving of drugs. Even though you want to stop, most people can’t do itRead MoreDrug Abuse And Addiction : Drugs977 Words   |  4 PagesDrug abuse/addiction Jeremy Graham May 11, 2015 Period, 5 Drug abuse and addiction Drug abuse/addiction is a major problem in Indiana that affects many individual. Several solutions such as rehab and drug classes have been tried. Yet, the best solution is taking drug classes. Many people do not understand why people become addicted to drugs or how drugs change the brain to foster compulsive drug abuse. They mistakenly view drug abuse and addiction as strictly a social