Drug Abuse and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, Effects and what you can do

Part 1

CEBU, Philippines - You might be wondering why on earth your loved one seems to be choosing drugs over family. You might be struggling with finances, or even from the painful realization that your loved one is in trouble with the law. Or you might be asking yourself why you are taking drugs again, when you have sworn just a few hours ago that you needed to cut down or even stop.

Drug abuse is not a matter of moral weakness or faulty willpower. It is a vicious cycle that actually causes changes in the brain, leading to stronger and stronger impulses. Without help, drug abuse destroys families and takes lives. But there is hope. Find out how to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug abuse or addiction in someone you care about or yourself. With the right support and treatment, the road to recovery is possible.

What is drug abuse and drug addiction?

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. These substances may be “street” or “illicit” drugs, illegal due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. They also may be drugs obtained with a prescription, used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons.  

Different drugs have different effects. Some, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, may produce an intense “rush” and initial feelings of boundless energy. Others, such as heroin, benzodiazepines or the prescription oxycontin, may produce excessive feelings of relaxation and calm. What most drugs have in common, though, is overstimulation of the pleasure center of the brain. With time, the brain’s chemistry is actually altered to the point where not having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful.  This compelling urge to use, addiction, becomes more and more powerful, disrupting work, relationships and health.

Prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as street drug use. When used appropriately, prescription drugs can have beneficial effects medically or psychologically. Prescription drugs in the opiate family, such as vicodin (hydrocodone) and oxycontin, are often prescribed for chronic pain or recovery from surgery. Benzodiazapines, such as valium or Xanax, are prescribed to treat anxiety. The problem arises when these drugs begin to be used ‘off label’. Furthermore, prescription drugs provide an easy access point to other family members susceptible to abuse. While legal, both alcohol and nicotine can be highly addictive and have serious health effects. 

What causes drug abuse and addiction?

What makes one person abuse drugs to the point of losing their home, their family and their job, while another does not? There is no one simple reason. Drug abuse and addiction are due to many factors. A powerful force in addiction is the inability to self- soothe or get relief from untreated mental or physical pain. Without the self-resilience and support to handle stress, loneliness or depression, drugs can be a tempting way to deal with the situation. Unfortunately, due to the changes drugs make to the brain, it can only take a few times or even one time to be on the road to addiction. Some other risk factors include: 

•Family history of addiction. While the interplay between genetics and environment is not entirely clear, if you have a family history of addiction, you are at higher risk for abusing drugs.

•History of mental illness. Drug abuse can worsen mental illness or even create new symptoms. See dual diagnosis for more information on mental illness and drug abuse.

•Untreated physical pain. Without medical supervision, pain medications or illegal drugs like heroin can rapidly become addictive.

•Peer pressure. If people around you are doing drugs, it can be difficult to resist the pressure to try them, especially if you are a teenager.

Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction

How can I tell if I or a loved one has a drug abuse or addiction problem?

Although different drugs may have different effects on overall physical and mental health, the basic pattern is the same. Getting and using the drug becomes more and more important than anything else, including job, friends and family. The physical and emotional consequences of drug abuse and addiction also make it difficult to function, often impairing judgment to a dangerous level. 

Physical signs of abuse and addiction.

Drug abuse affects the brain and body directly. While high, the drug affects the entire body, from blood pressure to heart rate. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine “amp up” the body, increasing blood pressure, metabolism and reducing the ability to sleep. Drugs like opiates and barbiturates slow down the body, reducing blood pressure, breathing and alertness sometimes to dangerous levels. Some physical signs of abuse and addiction include: 

•Cycles of increased energy, restlessness, and inability to sleep (often seen in stimulants)

•Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time, confusion and disorientation (often seen in opiates, benzodiazepines and barbiturates)

•Sudden weight loss or weight gain

•Cycles of excessive sleep

•Unexpected changes in clothing,  such as constantly wearing long sleeved shirts, to hide scarring at injection sites

•Suspected drug paraphernalia such as unexplained pipes, roach clips or syringes

•For snorted drugs, chronic troubles with sinusitis or nosebleeds

•For smoked drugs, a persistent cough or bronchitis, leading to coughing up excessive mucus or blood.

•Progressive severe dental problems (especially with methamphetamine)

Tolerance and withdrawal

Most abused drugs are not only mentally addictive but physically addictive as well. Tolerance is built up to the drug.  More and more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effect. As the body physically adjusts to the drug, trying to cut down or stop is unpleasant or even painful. These withdrawal symptoms, depending on the drug, can include shakes, chills, severe aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, agitation, depression, and even hallucinations or psychosis. Avoiding withdrawal adds to the urgency of keeping up drug abuse and increases drug dependence.

Mental and emotional signs of abuse and addiction

Abuse and addiction also affect mood, as drugs are abused for the temporary good feelings they provide. These feelings can vary depending on the drug used. Some mental and emotional signs include: 

•Cycles of being unusually talkative, “up” and cheerful, with seemingly boundless energy.

•Increased irritability, agitation and anger

•Unusual calmness, unresponsiveness or looking “spaced out”

•Apathy and depression

•Paranoia, delusions

•Temporary psychosis, hallucinations

•Lowered threshold for violence

Teenagers and drug abuse

It can sometimes be hard for parents to tell if their teenager has a drug problem. After all, teenagers are notorious for oversleeping, being argumentative and pushing boundaries, or wanting their own privacy and space. If you suspect your teen has a drug problem, look for marked changes in behavior, appearance and health. Is your teen suddenly having trouble in school? Does he/or she seem more and more isolated, or have a new group of friends? A teen with drug problems may spend a lot of time sleeping- or be keyed up or unable to sleep. Have you noticed that money or objects that could be sold for drugs seem to be disappearing? Do prescription drugs seem to be used up too quickly? 

For more information, please feel free to contact us anytime at 032-2315229 or 032-2389143.