Addiction should be treated as a public health issue. Drug addiction is a major public health problem that impacts society on multiple levels. Directly or indirectly, every community is affected by drug abuse and addiction, as is every family.
Addiction is not only refers to the use of different kinds of substances but it is basically a condition that results when a person engages in an activity repeatedly that can be pleasurable but the continued use of which becomes compulsive and start interfering with daily life responsibilities of the person involving work, relationships, or health. Drug addiction is a dependence on an illegal drug or a medication. When a person is addicted he may not be able to control his drug use and tend to continue using the drug despite looking at the harms caused by these drugs. Drug addiction can cause an intense craving for the drug that makes a person unable to quit it even if he wishes. The addict needs the help of doctor, family, friends, support groups or an organized treatment program to overcome on their drug addiction and stay drug free.
Drugs take a tremendous toll on our society at many levels. This includes health care expenditures, lost earnings, and costs associated with crime and accidents.This is an enormous burden that affects all of society those who abuse these substances, and those who don't.
Drug addiction many health related problems involving cancer, Heart diseases and HIV/AIDS. It causes many social problems as well like driving during drugged state may increase the risks of accidents and deaths, may increases violence related to homicide, theft, and assault under the influence of illicit drugs. Child Abuse may leads towards developing the problem of drug addiction. Drug abuse impacts the individual, family, and community. Collectively, all should play role to overcome this devastating problem and free the world from drug addiction.
The use and abuse of drugs are serious issues that should not be ignored or minimized and we should not sit back and hope they just go away. If left untreated, use and abuse can develop into drug dependence. As a result, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of drug abuse early. If you’re worried that a friend or family member might be abusing drugs:
Warning Signs of Commonly Abused Drugs
Marijuana: Glassy, red eyes; loud talking, inappropriate laughter followed by sleepiness; loss of interest, motivation; weight gain or loss.
Depressants (including Xanax, Valium, GHB): Contracted pupils; drunk like; difficulty concentrating; clumsiness; poor judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness.
Stimulants (including amphetamines, cocaine, crystal meth): Dilated pupils; hyperactivity; euphoria; irritability; anxiety; excessive talking followed by depression or excessive sleeping at odd times; may go long periods of time without eating or sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and nose.
Inhalants (glues, aerosols, vapors): Watery eyes; impaired vision, memory and thought; secretions from the nose or rashes around the nose and mouth; headaches and nausea; appearance of intoxication; drowsiness; poor muscle control; changes in appetite; anxiety; irritability; lots of cans/aerosols in the trash.
Hallucinogens (LSD, PCP): Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational behavior including paranoia, aggression, hallucinations; mood swings; detachment from people; absorption with self or other objects, slurred speech; confusion.
Heroin: Contracted pupils; no response of pupils to light; needle marks; sleeping at unusual times; sweating; vomiting; coughing, sniffling; twitching; loss of appetite.
Drug Addiction:
A Public Health Issue