Most people long for sobriety, whether or not they are addicted to a particular drug or alcohol. Unfortunately, addicted people might not know where they are. However, understanding what drug abuse and addiction are will help unravel this mystery for most people. Here are a few things to note.
What is Drug Abuse, and What Are the Types of Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse is the continuous use of specific drugs and chemicals to pleasure parts of your brain. While your goal might be to get relaxed, the continuous use of this substance, even when unnecessary, is classified as abuse. Slowly, this abuse turns into an addiction, meaning that you cannot live without the chemical. Today, most experts group drug abuse and addiction as substance-use disorders.
Various forms of drug abuse suffice. These forms are categorized by the kind of drug you want to use. Yet, there are two significant types of drug abuse: prescription and recreational drug abuse. Recreational drugs are in four main categories: opioid painkillers, stimulants, hallucinogens, and depressants. Conversely, prescription drugs could vary, from painkillers to anti-depressants. Recreational drug abuse is the most severe form of substance-use disorder. Each of the abused drugs offers a specific effect on your body.
For instance, stimulants make you energetic, attentive, talkative, and quite excited. This group of drugs will include cocaine. Continuous use of stimulants could cause paranoia and psychosis. On the other hand, depressants (sedatives) will make you mellow, relaxed, and chill out. However, high doses of stimulants could make you aggressive, anxious, or give you nightmares.
Opioids are also commonly abused. These drugs will leave you in a dreamy state, pleasured, and drowsy. In some instances, they could be fatal when taken in significantly high doses. Some people might also abuse hallucinogens, which disconnect you from your surroundings and distort reality. While the experience of hallucinogens might be powerful, it is hardly fun.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
You can categorize drug abuse symptoms into two: physical and behavioral signs. Physical signs are the changes in appearance and physique that a person with a substance-use disorder undergoes. On the other hand, behavioral signs include all the habit and behavior changes that an affected person undergoes. You’ll need to observe both when assessing someone.
Increased aggression, lethargy, anxiety, depression, and restlessness are the most common behavioral changes an affected person exhibits. This person could also indulge in criminal activities to raise money for their drug purchase. You can also observe their social media handles, where they could post significantly creepy messages.
Physical symptoms are the easiest to notice. These symptoms will include bloodshot eyes, significant weight changes, poor physical coordination, and unusual body odors. Puffy eyes could also indicate sleeping problems, which is common among drug and alcohol abusers. Further, these people might be unkempt, shaggy, and smelly.
Signs You Need Professional Help
Various signs could show that you need professional help in rehab. A visit to https://www.ascendantny.com/connecticut-detox-centers/ will tell you much about when to visit. However, the following aspects are tell-tale signs that you are ready for help.
- Significantly deteriorated health, both physical and mental
- You take excessive amounts of drugs to get to your previous peak.
- Drug use and abuse has become a priority in life.
- Drug use affects your productivity and even your social life.
- You have tried to quit in vain.
In conclusion, unless you understand drug abuse and its effects, it will be hard to know when you need help. Thankfully, the information above will guide you throughout the process. Remember to prioritize your health and seek help as soon as possible.
