In 2006, 4,348 youth used illicit drugs for the first time on an average day, according to SAMHSA, a service of the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. For some individuals, experimentation leads to addiction and severe consequences, such as health complications, severed relationships and trouble with the law. Understanding the effects and the nature of addiction is crucial to defeating the disease.
Behavioral Effects
HelpGuide.org reports that addiction is a brain disease that causes changes in the brain’s function and leads to a loss of self-control and compulsive behaviors. A drug-addict often neglects his responsibilities at work, home and school and makes poor decisions based on his need for drugs. Frequent legal confrontation results when an addict is caught driving under the influence, stealing or behaving inappropriately in public places.
Physical Effects
The physical effects of drug abuse include withdrawal symptoms like nausea, restlessness, anxiety, fatigue and profuse sweating, which occur when the body craves the drug. However, the type and degree of symptoms depends on the drugs used, whether stimulants, opiods or depressants. These symptoms are overcome when an addicted person undergoes detoxification, which can be dangerous and painful. Mayo Clinic.com notes that detoxification may involve substituting the drug with other substances, like methadone, which has less severe side effects and can help wean an addicted individual off of a harsher substance. This process is sometimes done in a hospital, treatment center, or other specialized facility to ensure the patient makes a safe transition from addiction. Other physical effects can arise from sharing needles and engaging in unsafe sex, which sometimes results in HIV or other infectious diseases.
Psychological Effects
Drug addiction causes a psychological attachment to drugs. Addicted individuals continue to use drugs because the intense feelings of pleasure received from the drug diminish as the brain adjusts to the surges in dopamine. This causes the user to need drugs to bring their dopamine function back to normal. Without the drug, the user becomes depressed and dissatisfied with life.The psychological changes are so severe, those addicted are more likely to commit suicide than those who do not use drugs.
