Drug Addiction

Dangers of Drug Abuse and Addiction 

One of the main dangers of drug abuse is the risk of lethal overdose. There are many potential downsides to abusing drugs, but losing your life is the worst scenario. Risk of overdose increases when you isolate yourself and refuse to allow anyone to help. Most drugs affect the brain’s reward circuitry and provide surges of feel-good hormones, such as dopamine and serotonin, that reinforce the use of medications as pleasurable.

This leads to people repeating the behavior repeatedly to their detriment.

Commonly Abused Substances

• Marijuana 
• Opioids (painkillers) 
• Depressants (benzos, barbiturates, z-drugs) 
• Stimulants (cocaine, meth) 
• Hallucinogens

Marijuana Abuse

Individuals can take marijuana by smoking, eating, or vaping the drug. Cannabis is known as a “gateway” drug for other, more harsh substances such as alcohol and illegal drugs. 

Signs of recent abuse include: 

• sense of euphoria 
• heightened visual, auditory, or sensate perception 
• increased heart rate 
• high blood pressure 
• red eyes 
• dry mouth 
• decreased coordination 
• difficulty concentrating or remembering 
• slow reaction times 
• anxiety or paranoia 

Opioid Abuse

Opioids are narcotics used to treat pain, whether prescribed or obtained illegally. This class of drugs includes heroin, morphine, codeine, methadone, fentanyl, and others. What was once known as the “opioid epidemic” is now considered a fentanyl epidemic in the US. An alarming rate of fentanyl overdoses have and continue to occur since 2020. 

Signs of opioid abuse and addiction can include:

• reduced pain 
• agitation and irritability 
• drowsiness and sedation 
• slurred speech 
• difficulty remembering 
• small, pinpoint pupils 
• lack of awareness 
• problems with coordination 
• depression 
• confusion 
• constipation 
• runny nose and flu-like symptoms 
• needle marks on the arm or between the toes

Depressant Abuse

Central nervous system depressants include benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and sleep medications, also known as z-drugs. These drugs are used to “switch off” fight-or-flight feelings and help promote relaxation.

Potential signs of CNS depressant abuse can include: 

• drowsiness 
• slurred speech 
• lack of coordination 
• rapid changes in mood 
• memory issues 
• involuntary eye movements 
• lack of inhibition 
• falls and accidents 
• slowed breathing rate 
• low blood pressure

Stimulant Abuse

Stimulants include amphetamines, meth, cocaine, and prescription medications such as Ritalin, Concerta, and Adderall. They’re commonly used to boost energy, improve work or school performance, and lose weight. 

Signs and symptoms of stimulant abuse can include: 

• feeling happy and extra confident
• increased alertness 
• increased restlessness 
• changes in behavior 
• excess aggression 
• rapid speech 
• large pupils 
• poor judgment 
• insomnia 
• depression as the drug wears off

Hallucinogen Abuse

Misusing hallucinogens can produce different symptoms depending on the drug. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and phencyclidine (PCP) are the more frequently abused hallucinogens. 

LSD abuse may cause: 

• hallucinations
• reduced perceptions of reality 
• impulsive behavior 
• rapid shifts in emotions 
• permanent mental changes in perception 
• rapid heartbeat 
• high blood pressure 
• tremors 
• flashbacks

PCP abuse may cause: 

• feeling separate from your body 
• hallucinations
• aggressive, potentially violent behavior 
• involuntary eye movements 
• lack of pain sensation 
• problems speaking or thinking 
• poor judgment 
• Intolerance to loud noises
• some cases, seizures or coma