We all know someone who has a drug problem. People from all walks of life can experience problems with their drug use, regardless of country, age, caste, background, or the reason they started using drugs in the first place. Recreational drugs are chemical substances People take to give themselves a pleasurable experience, out of curiosity, to ease problems such as stress, anxiety, or depression, because their friends are using them, get pressurised into it or feel more relaxed or confident.
Alcohol, tobacco, opiods such as heroin, cocaine, prescription medicines such as painkillers, sleeping pills and tranquilizers can be classified as recreational drugs. These may further be classed in following categories:
Controlled– Drugs used in medicine, such as benzodiazepines; is controlled drugs. They are only allowed if prescribed by a doctor. Without prescription it is illegal to buy or sell controlled drugs to anyone else.
Legal but Harmful – Such as nicotine(tobacco) and alcohol
Illegal and Harmful –Most recreational drugs are illegal. It is illegal to supply ,trade or store these drugs.
Problems with the use of Recreational Drugs?
All drugs can have dangerous effects. Many can be unpredictable and variable. Drug use is linked to a range of health and social problems. Problems which the use of drugs can cause includes:
- Infections. Life threatening diseases like Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and certain types of hepatitis can be passed to others by needle sharing amongst drug users
- Addiction. While most people think of their drug use as a habit and their consumption to be mild it is important to understand that addiction is now known to be a disease which requires treatment. Even consuming once a week may be called addiction. It may just be your pattern of addiction.
- Social problems. People regularly using drugs start having problems with their relationships and entire families may be affected by it.
- Mental problems. Drug use is an important risk factor for psychological issues. There are thousands of admissions to mental hospitals each year for drug-related behavioural and mental problems. Any psychological illness can start due to drug use.
- Death due to Overdose. People can become very sick or even die because overdose of drugs.
- Accidents and fights are more common after consuming drugs. Almost 50% of road traffic accidents are caused due to drug use.
- Unwanted Pregnancies and sexual intercourse is more likely under the influence of drugs.
Types of Recreational Drugs
According to the major effects and based on the substances these can be classified into four main groups as listed below:
- Stimulants, like cocaine, cannabis and nicotine make one feel energetic, alert, talkative, active or very excited. These are very dangerous if taken in high doses.
- Depressants, like alcohol and opioids make one feel relaxed, chilled out or mellow. Possible effects include anxiety, aggression or anger. They are addictive and dangerous at high dose.
- Hallucinogens, Like LSD, may have different effects at different times. These may make one feel like detached from surroundings, mood swings, illusions and distortions of reality, mystical or religious experiences.
Symptoms of Drug Abuse and Addiction
Although different drugs have different effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar. It is advisable to talk to someone about your drug use, if you recognize yourself in the following signs and symptoms:
Neglecting responsibilities at college, office, or home (e.g. missing classes, avoiding work, neglecting family members and loved ones).
Taking risks while high, such as rush driving while on drugs, using needles used by others, or having unprotected sex.
Experiencing legal trouble, such as driving under the influence, arrests for disorderly conduct, or stealing to support a drug habit.
Withdrawal symptoms. If you reduce or stop drugs abruptly you experience symptoms such as nausea, agitation, sleeplessness, depression, sweating, trembling, and anxiety.
Life revolves around drug use. You start spending lot of time figuring out how to get drugs, or recovering from the drug’s effects.
You’ve abandoned activities such as hobbies, sports, and socializing which you used to enjoy because of your drug use.
Continue to use drugs even knowing that it is causing problems such as—financial issues, infections, mood swings, depression, agitation in your life—but you use anyway.
Support for Drug Problems
If you suspect that you are having drug problem, here are a few things you can do:
Speak to your loved ones- Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations. The earlier it is treated, the better. Speak to the loved one you are comfortable with and lean on for support. They will help you in listing specific issues and help you in finding solution.
Speak to your doctor– You may feel uncomfortable about discussing your use of drugs with your loved ones but you can call your doctor and speak. Sharing right information about your drug use can lead to successful treatment. You can also discuss all possible treatment options available before you doctor start any treatment.
Recovery is a journey but don’t try to go it alone; it’s very easy to get discouraged and rationalize. It is important to understand that Addiction is a disease and needs to be treated. Hence, support is important, speak to your doctor and discuss with him what’s best for you.
