When the word addiction is added to drug, it would surely be a bigger monster. Drug addiction Is defined as physical rather than psychological dependence upon an intoxicating substance. Physical dependence takes an estimate of six or more weeks and results from an alteration in the physiological state of the user. Besides developing tolerance, the body needs continual taking of the drug in order avoid an extremely painful syndrome called the withdrawal illness or abstinence syndrome. Withdrawal is defined as temporary physical illness that occurs when a person who is physically dependent on a drug no longer receives it.
Addiction is a measure of the degree to which the use of the drug penetrates the total life and activity of the user. Almost all drugs can produce psychological dependence. Physical dependence can only occur with depressant, such as alcohol, opium and related narcotics and sedative like barbiturates. The greatest risk of addition is on narcotics, next are alcohol and barbiturates.
Causes of Drug Use and Abuse;
Experts have exposed three areas that may influence use and
abuse of various drugs;1tese are the ff:
1. Psychological factors. The effect experienced in taking a drug is one of the many determining factors involved in the motivation toward the continual use.
2. Sociological factors. The socio and cultural factors are significant in promoting drug use and abuse. Young people who use or abuse drugs are doing in their own way what they see the adults do in their lives at home, in schools, or in films or TV Physicians and the pharmaceutical industry have also the responsibility for drug abuse. Subcultural groups – many young people seem to turn on to drugs as a means of coping with a world that hinders all their basic needs.
Drugs can be used as a way to rebel against what are perceived as the force of oppression. Other persons also use drugs as a way out of the system. In trying to find out ways, or a way out, they sometimes take the option of taking drugs, which they think can take them away from reality. Drugs can be used as a way into particular experiential or social groups. Many young people also tend to join a group, to a peer — group pressure -. the need to do “whatever everyone else” is doing.
