DRUG
AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
What is the definition
of drug and alcohol abuse?
It occurs when you use alcohol,
prescription medicine, and other legal and illegal substances too
much or in the wrong way. Substance abuse differs from addiction.
Many people with substance abuse problems are able to quit or
can change their unhealthy behavior. Addiction, on the other hand,
is a disease.
Use and abuse of drugs and
alcohol by teens is very common and can have serious consequences. In the 15-24
year age range, 50% of deaths (from accidents, homicides, suicides) involve alcohol or drug abuse. Drugs and alcohol
also contribute to physical and sexual aggression such as assault or rape.
Possible stages of teenage experience with alcohol and drugs include abstinence
(non-use), experimentation, regular use (both recreational and compensatory for
other problems), abuse, and dependency. Repeated and regular recreational use
can lead to other problems like anxiety and depression. Some teenagers regularly use drugs or alcohol to
compensate for anxiety, depression, or a lack of positive social skills.
Signs of drug
and alcohol abuse
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral signs
involve a person’s outward relations with the world whereas physical signs
relate to the body’s manifestation of side effects due to the presence of drugs
in the system. Behavioral signs include but are not limited to:
OBSESSIVE
THOUGHTS AND ACTIONS:
Acquiring and using
the drug become the main priorities of life while all or most other obligations
including work, family, or school are sidelined.
DISREGARD
OF HARM CAUSED:
Although the drug
abuse is causing physical and mental distress to the individual and their loved
ones, the person struggling with addiction continues using drugs or alcohol.
LOSS
OF CONTROL:
Even in the face of
wanting to stop or reduce their drug use, the person cannot do so.
DENIAL
OF ADDICTION OR HIDING DRUG USE:
When confronted, the
person battling addiction will deny or downplay their drug use. To avoid having
to explain themselves to others, the person may do drugs in secret.
Drug abuse cannot
remain hidden for long. Its impact is too dramatic, and the person using drugs
can spiral out of control fast. Changes in behavior, neglecting
responsibilities, exhausting financial resources, and engaging in criminal
conduct are some of the most obvious signals of a drug problem. Family members,
loved ones, and coworkers are usually in the best position to recognize a drug
problem as they are familiar with the person’s behavior and habits.
Physical Signs
Physical signs of
addiction can manifest as side effects of use, during an overdose, or as a
result of withdrawal. It may be very difficult for someone to pinpoint the
cause of the physical signs, but severe effects will require immediate medical
treatment. Also, it is important to understand that withdrawal
symptoms arise when the body adjusts to the absence of familiar quantities of a
drug. It is a natural process, but withdrawal
can be dangerous.
General physical signs of addiction include but are not limited to:
·
Enlarged or small pupils
·
Sudden weight loss or gain
·
Bloodshot eyes
·
Insomnia
·
Unusual body odors
·
Poor physical coordination
·
Looking unkempt
·
Slurred speech
Typical signs of an overdose may include but are not limited to:
·
Drowsiness or trouble walking
·
Agitation
·
Aggression or violent behavior
·
Difficulty breathing
·
Nausea and vomiting
·
Hallucinations
·
Delusions
·
Loss of consciousness
Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Prevention and Control
Young and adolescent
minds could be molded in any direction depending on the kind of exposure they
get. They might befriend abusers and get into the habit of drinking, smoking or
taking drugs. At this point in time, it is the responsibility of the parents as
well as the teachers to handle the issue sensitively and guide them in the
right direction.
Here are certain
measures which need to be taken to prevent and control alcohol and drug abuse.
- In the Indian society, the
youth are often pushed beyond their limits to excel in every field.
Parents want their kids to outperform their peer in studies, sports,
creativity, and every other activity. Under excess pressure, the child
often has the tendency to take up alcohol and drugs as a resort. - Persistent counselling is
required to teach the child to deal with failures, pressures, stress, and
disappointments. In fact, guiding them towards productive activities such
as music, painting, yoga, sports or one of their hobbies could also help. - Children often pick up habits
from their closed ones. Thus, the attitude of parents and older siblings
towards alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs also affect the child’s choices. - In case the child is stressed
out and on the verge of abuse, help must be sought from parents or even
trusted friends who may guide them in the right direction, thereby helping
him vent out their anxiety and guilt. - Parents must stay connected
with the child, keeping a track of his whereabouts at all times. Spending
more family time together will help them stay close and honest with their
parents. - If it is found that children
have fallen prey to alcohol and drug abuse, their friends must immediately
bring this to the notice of their parents or teachers, so that the latter
could take remedial measures for the same. - However, despite all the
prevention measures, if unfortunately, the child does get into the abuse,
seek professional aid. There are a number of rehabilitation centres,
de-addiction programs and qualified psychiatrists who would help to get
rid of the problem.
