DRUG ADDICTION

BY

VELAYUTHARAJ.G (14H009)

PATRICIAN COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCE

M.S.W – I YEAR

DEFINITION:

Addiction as a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive 

Drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences as well as neurochemical and molecular changes in the brain.

TYPES OF DRUG ADDICTION

Alcohol

Nicotine

Cocaine

Opiate

Heroin

Steroid

ALCOHOL ADDICTION

Alcohol is a substance that is perfectly legal for adults to buy and consume, and has the potential to become addictive .

ALCOHOL ADDICTION can have serious health consequences, including cirrhosis of the liver and brain damage. It is no co-incidence that thousands of alcohol treatment centers exist across the world. 

NICOTINE ADDICTION

If you have ever wondered why giving up smoking is so difficult, blame the fact that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet.

Every time a smoker lights up, they are getting a "hit" of nicotine that works on the pleasure center in their brain.

Unfortunately, smoking has been linked to several types of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

COCAINE ADDICTION

Cocaine is a highly-addictive stimulant that is made from the leaves of the coca plant. Whether you call it "coke," "blow," or "nose candy," it gives the user a relatively brief, but very intense, high. 

This drug also causes the user's heart rate and blood pressure to increase rapidly, sometimes with tragic results in the form of a heart attack or a stroke. 

OPIATE ADDICTION

Codeine, morphine, and heroin are all powerful painkilling drugs derived from the opium poppy.

Not only can they alleviate pain, but they also produce a feeling of euphoria, which opens up the door to addiction.

Someone who is in the throes of an addiction to these kinds of drugs may lose the ability to make good decisions for themselves.

They also run the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS if they are using needles to inject themselves.

HEROIN AADICTION

Heroin is known by several names, including "smack," "horse," and "brown sugar" due to its varying forms and colors.

It produces a feeling of euphoria for the more than half a million people in the United States who use it.

 Heroin can cause physical dependency in users within days of being used regularly, which means that trying to give it up can be very difficult. 

STEROID ADDICTION

Athletes and body builders who want to increase muscle mass may be tempted to use steroids to get bigger, faster.

They may not realize that the sense of well-being they experience when using them is from the ’ROIDS’ themselves.

An addiction to steroids may be more difficult to recognize than someone using a substance to achieve a "high" though there are typically signs that can be detected.

CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION

Health problems. Drug addiction can lead to a range of both short- and long-term mental and physical health problems. These depend on what drug is taken.

Unconsciousness, coma and sudden death. Taking some drugs can be particularly risky, especially if you take high doses or combine them with other drugs or alcohol.

Getting a communicable disease. People who are addicted to a drug are more likely to get an infectious disease, such as HIV, either through unsafe sex or by sharing needles.

Accidents. If you're addicted to a drug, you're more likely to drive or do other dangerous activities while intoxicated.

Suicide. People who are addicted to drugs commit suicide more often than do people who aren't.

Family problems. Behavioral changes may cause marital or family strife and custody issues.

Work issues. Work performance may decline, and you may be absent from work more often.

Problems at school. Academic performance and motivation to excel in school may suffer.

CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION

Legal issues. These can stem from stealing to support your drug addiction, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and disputes over child custody.

Financial problems. Spending money to support your habit takes away money from your other needs, could put you into debt, and could lead you into illegal or unethical behaviors

CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION

CONSEQUENCES

Physical effects Organ Damage

Hormone Imbalance

Cancer

Pre-Natal and Fertility Issues

Gastrointestinal Disease

Neurological and emotional effects Depression

Anxiety

Memory loss

Aggression

Mood swings

Social Effects of Addiction:•Job Loss•Relationship Changes Between Both Friends and Family Members•Divorce

Legal Consequences of Addiction:•Probation and arrest records that make it difficult to find a job•Driver license suspension and transportation difficulty Large fines•Extensive jail sentences•Strict community service requirements

CONSEQUENCES

REFERENCES

www.mayoclinic.org

www.summithelps.com

www.drugabuse.gov

THANK YOU