Substance abuse is a pattern of using substances or drugs that causes significant problems or distress.
What causes substance and drug abuse:
- Environmental stressors: In third world countries where there is extreme poverty and higher levels of unemployment, substance abuse has been reported to be high. People often take the medication to escape for their reality and deal with stress.
- Genetics: Once you have started using a drug, the development into an addiction may be influenced by inherited traits. Drug abuse is more common in some families and likely involves an increased risk based on genes.
- Mental health disorders: People that have mental health disorders such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder are likely to abuse drugs. Using drugs can become a way of coping with painful feelings, however in most cases it makes the problems worse.
- Peer pressure: If you are surrounded by people who abuse drugs, you are likely to abuse them in order to fit in.
- Accessibility: Access to substances is a risk factor. Factors that increase the extent of exposure and the opportunity for substance use include the use of substances by a member of your family and being prescribed medications that can be misused, such as opioids and stimulants.
EFFECTS OF DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
- Long term health issues: Abusing substances such as alcohol can lead to a weakened immune system, digestive problems, liver problems, weight loss and severe dental problems.
- Mental effects: The use of substances may exacerbate symptoms of mental disorders. Substances such as cannabis, opioids, and stimulants may change a person’s brain function and structure after using it for a long time. Frequent cannabis use in adolescents can increase the risk of psychosis in adulthood in individuals who carry a particular gene variant.
- Increased risk of road traffic accidents
- Failed relationships
- Poor performance at school / work