What Are Drugs and Substance Abuse

Drugs and substance abuse aren’t just headlines or statistics, they’re real issues that affect many lives.
In this post, we will discuss a very important and ever-pertinent topic — what are drugs and substance abuse?
We’ll explore the definition of drugs, the nature of substance abuse, and its effects on human health.
Furthermore, you can reach out to Urgent Care of Kansas to find resources, support and help.

What Are Drugs and Substance Abuse?

Drugs are substances that can cause physical and psychological changes in the body.
They can affect mood, perception, consciousness, and behavior.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, namely alcohol and illicit drugs.
The misuse of substances can be harmful to people and communities.
A person can suffer from addiction – an illness caused by compulsive drug seeking and use, regardless of the consequences.
Addiction can affect people from all backgrounds and have severe physical, mental, and social consequences.
Some signs of substance abuse include:

• Taking drugs or drinking alcohol in dangerous situations like before driving.
• Not being able to stop drinking or drug use even when it causes problems at home, work, or school.
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from alcohol.

If you need more information or support, you may contact us.

Symptoms of Substance Abuse

Common symptoms of substance abuse are given as follows:

• For increased tolerance, larger amounts are taken.
• Experiencing physical and mental symptoms like nausea, anxiety, or insomnia when not using.
• Continuing to use despite negative consequences. Health problems, relationships, and problems at work or school can all be included in this category.
• Spending a lot of time using, recovering from using, or acquiring drugs. This reduces the time for other activities.
• Strong urges or cravings to use the substance.
• Failure to fulfill obligations not meeting expectations at work, school, or home. It is due to substance use.

Causes of Substance Abuse

There are a few causes of substance abuse:

• People whose biological relatives have a history of addiction are at higher risk. They are vulnerable due to genetic factors.
• Exposure to various childhood traumas. So, abuse, neglect, and family dysfunction increase vulnerability later on.
• Those struggling with untreated depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
• Hanging out with friends where substance use is encouraged raises the risk of abuse.
• Some adolescents and young adults are curious and take risks. Drug experimentation stems from a desire to test limits and take risks.
• Greater access and exposure to addictive substances. For example, growing up in an area with many liquor stores, dispensaries, etc.
• Some use substances to ease physical or emotional discomfort. But later, they struggle with dependence.

What Is a Substance Abuse Evaluation?

A substance abuse evaluation is a clinical assessment performed by a mental health.
Some professionals determine if someone has a substance use disorder.
It involves collecting information through interviews, observation, and testing.
The professional will gather details of substance use. It includes history, behaviors, and patterns of use.
Signs and symptoms of abuse/dependence based on diagnostic criteria.
From this comprehensive evaluation, the provider determines a diagnosis. After that, they recommend the appropriate level of care needed.
It includes outpatient treatment, intensive outpatient, medical detox, or inpatient rehabilitation.

Which Substance Cannot Be Broken Down by Chemical Means?

Marijuana is a substance that cannot be broken down or metabolized by chemical means.
The main psychoactive component in marijuana is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
It is lipid soluble and binds to fatty tissues in the body, unlike water-soluble drugs.
Moreover, THC is not processed or eliminated from the system. It remains stored in body fat. Over time it is released into the body.
Hence, THC can sometimes be detected in drug tests through urine, hair, or saliva.
There are no chemical processes that can break down THC from the body.

What Are Drugs and Substance Abuse? – Frequently Used Drugs

Both legal and illegal substances have compounds. It can alter your body and mind function.
Some may bring elevated moods or help relieve tension.
Some use substances to escape issues or distract from difficulties in life.
However, long-term substance use often does more harm than good.

1. Alcohol

Alcohol use disorder, or alcoholism, develops over time through repeated heavy alcohol use.
Alcohol impacts each person and drinking. It affects beyond recommended limits and increases risks to your well-being and safety.

How fast can you get addicted to alcohol?

Some people become addicted to alcohol in a few weeks of regular, heavy drinking. For others, it can take several months or even years.
Consuming excessive amounts can harm the liver or lead to other health issues.
Over time, it can also become more problematic.
For women, guidelines suggest no more than three drinks on a given day.
Exceeding these amounts puts you at elevated risk for alcohol-related problems developing.
Seeking medical advice is also suggested if you have concerns about your alcohol use.

2. Cocaine

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug made from the coca plant leaf. It is illegal for recreational use.
It works by blocking the reabsorption of dopamine and other neurotransmitters. This produces a sudden rush of intoxication.
Physical effects include:

• Constricted blood vessels.
• Pupil dilation.
• Increased heart rate.
• Increased blood pressure.

Long-term effects include:

• Nose problems.
• Abdominal pain.
• Malnutrition.
• Loss of appetite.

It can also cause stroke, seizures, and heart problems.

It is generally taken but can also be injected or smoked. The intense high is short-lived, around 15-30 minutes.

3. Heroin

Heroin is an illegal and addictive opioid drug processed from morphine. It is extracted from poppy plants.
It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain to produce euphoria and analgesia. This relieves pain and induces pleasure.
Additionally, effects include euphoria, relaxation, and sedation.
It is injected but can also be snorted or smoked. Effects are felt within 5-10 minutes and last 4-5 hours.
Overdose risk is significant as it depresses breathing functions. Overdoses, especially if other substances are involved, can lead to coma or death.

4. Marijuana

Marijuana is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant.
It contains THC and CBD compounds that interact with the brain’s endocannabinoid system.
It can be addictive for some chronic users by affecting reward pathways in the brain.
Withdrawal symptoms include irritability, sleep difficulties, and decreased appetite.
Common forms are smoked via joints or bongs, eaten in edibles, or vaped with concentrates.
Effects are felt within 30 minutes after inhalation/ingestion and last 2-4 hours.
Overdose risk is low but possible if high doses are consumed.
It can cause anxiety, paranoia, and panic attacks in vulnerable individuals.
In many places, marijuana is becoming legalized for medical use.

5. Tobacco Products

Tobacco products contain nicotine, an addictive psychoactive chemical. It acts on the brain’s reward system.
Cigarettes are the most common tobacco product.
Other forms include cigars, chewing tobacco, and smokeless tobacco like dip or snus.
Nicotine causes increased blood pressure, heart rate, and feelings of pleasure/stress relief.
Long-term use damages every organ system.
Effects are immediate, with delivery of nicotine to the brain in 5-10 minutes.
Cigarettes last 10-20 minutes, but nicotine cravings can persist.

The Bottom Line

What are drugs and substance abuse?
Drugs are substances that can cause physical and mental changes, altering mood, perception, and behavior.
Substance abuse is the harmful use of these psychoactive substances, like alcohol and illicit drugs, leading to addiction.
Today, substance abuse is one of the most pressing social issues.
Addiction can have widespread negative impacts whether it’s alcohol or any other drug.
Tthere are a lot of mental health issues that may arise due to substance abuse.
Please remember that help is available.
It is possible to overcome drug abuse and addiction with support from healthcare professionals and support groups.
If you’re looking for a healthier and happier life, please feel free to contact us at Urgent Care of Kansas.

FAQs

What does drug or substance abuse mean?

Drug or substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of drugs or alcohol. It includes prescription medications as well.

What is the definition of substance use?

The definition of substance abuse is the consumption of drugs.
The drugs include alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs. It does not involve problems or compromised functioning.

What is a drug, according to WHO?

The WHO defines psychoactive drugs as substances that affect mental processes, such as cognition.
This term is generally used for substances which can induce psychosis, euphoria, and alteration of sensory perceptions.
Psychoactive substances range from those that are legal, such as alcohol, nicotine, and caffeine, to those that are illicit, like cocaine, cannabis, and LSD.

What is the definition of substance abuse in a sentence?

Substance abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances.
It includes alcohol and illicit drugs. It results in physical, social, or mental health issues.