1. Know That It's a Temporary Escape
People usually abuse drugs to escape painful emotions like loneliness, guilt, low self-esteem and stress. The problem with using a substance to escape an uncomfortable feeling is that it perpetuates the problem. When the effect of the drug wears off, the feelings return twofold.
2. What's Legal, Yet Lethal?
Nicotine and alcohol are the two most abused drugs. They are widely available and legal drugs to purchase and use for those who are of age. However, underage users usually have no problem getting their hands on nicotine and alcohol, either. These drugs may seem relatively harmless, but these two drugs are responsible for a huge number of drug-related deaths each year.
3. Telltale Signs of Drug Abuse
If you suspect someone you love is abusing drugs, there are some telltale signs to look for. Someone abusing drugs starts to withdraw from people and activities that they've always enjoyed. They might sleep a lot more than usual and show inconsistencies in their mood. Drug abusers have a difficult time attending school or work. They might start dressing differently, using foul language and showing signs of aggression.
4. Know That It's Fatal
Even if you're abusing your own prescription, taking any drug in excess of the prescribed amount can be deadly. Taking a drug more frequently than prescribed can also be very dangerous. Some of the serious physical consequences of abusing drugs include increased suicide risk, difficulty breathing, fainting, stroke, cardiac arrest and sudden death from overdose. You don't have to abuse drugs for a prolonged period to experience one of these dire consequences. It's not unusual for someone to overdose on his very first binge.
5. Break the Cycle of Addiction
Abusing drugs can lead to physical dependence and drug addiction. How does this happen? You develop a tolerance to most drugs quickly. This means you need more of the drug over time to get the same effect from it. This also increases your risk as you take higher doses of the drug. Addiction occurs once you are unable to function without your drug. You become willing to sacrifice your family, your job and your own health to obtain and use your drug of choice. Once you start using, it can be very difficult to quit, especially if you find the drug relieves some uncomfortable physical or emotional feeling you've been struggling with. Withdrawal symptoms of many drugs include headache, shakes, chills, nausea and vomiting. The painful withdrawal symptoms lead users to seek more drugs, which puts them deeper into the addiction. Seek help if you are ready to quit using drugs. There are prescriptions available to help ease the discomfort of drug withdrawal.
