Drug abuse represents a complex and multifaceted issue prevalent across societies globally. It involves the misuse of legal or illegal substances that alter the functioning of the brain, leading to detrimental effects on an individual's physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships. From the casual misuse of substances to the severe grip of addiction, drug abuse encompasses a wide spectrum of behaviors and consequences that profoundly impact individuals and communities. Types and Categories of Drugs: Drug abuse spans a broad array of substances, including but not limited to alcohol, cannabis, opioids, stimulants, hallucinogens, and prescription medications. Each category of drugs affects the brain and body in distinct ways, contributing to varying levels of dependence and health risks. Alcohol, for instance, is legal in many societies but is also one of the most commonly abused substances, leading to addiction and a myriad of health problems when consumed excessively. On the other hand, opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers can quickly lead to physical dependence and overdose fatalities. Causes and Risk Factors: The reasons behind drug abuse are multifaceted and can involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Genetic predispositions, family history of substance abuse, trauma, stress, peer pressure, mental health disorders, and socioeconomic factors can all contribute to an individual's susceptibility to drug abuse. Additionally, availability and societal attitudes toward drugs play a significant role in influencing patterns of abuse. Effects of Drug Abuse: The effects of drug abuse extend far beyond the individual consuming the substance. Physically, drug abuse can lead to a range of health issues, including cardiovascular problems, liver damage, respiratory complications, infectious diseases from needle sharing, and neurological impairments. Mentally, drug abuse can exacerbate or trigger mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and cognitive impairments. Socially and behaviorally, it can strain relationships, cause legal issues, financial strain, and impair an individual's ability to function at work or in academic settings. Impact on Society: Drug abuse poses significant challenges at a societal level. It contributes to crime rates, strains healthcare systems, leads to lost productivity, and imposes substantial economic burdens. Moreover, the societal stigma associated with drug abuse often hinders individuals from seeking help, exacerbating the problem further. Prevention and Treatment: Preventing drug abuse involves a multifaceted approach, including education, early intervention, addressing risk factors, and promoting healthy coping mechanisms. Treatment strategies vary and often include behavioral therapies, counseling, support groups, and, in some cases, medication-assisted therapies. The goal of treatment is not only to help individuals overcome their dep

1. ILLEGAL
DRUGS
EDUCATIONI. DEFINITION
II. TYPES OF DRUG ABUSE
III. COMMON SIGNS OF DRUG ADDICTION
IV. CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF DRUGS
V. AGENCIES/INSTITUTIONS WHICH ARE ENGAGED IN
DRUG TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

2. Drug abuse is when a drug is used for a different
purpose than intended, or in excessive amounts. Drug
abuse can involve illegal drugs, as well as medicines.
There are many problems associated with drug abuse,
such as drug tolerance, dependence and addiction.
DEFINITION

3. Drug abuse, the excessive, maladaptive, or addictive
use of drugs for nonmedical purposes despite social,
psychological, and physical problems that may arise
from such use.
DEFINITION

5. Types of Drug Abuse
STIMULANT ABUSE
COCAINE ABUSE
METHAMPHETAMINE ABUSE
OPIOID ABUSE
PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE
BENZODIAZEPINE ABUSE

6. Stimulants are a class of psychoactive
drugs that temporarily improve physical and
mental functioning, elevating mood and
increasing energy, alertness, confidence, and
feelings of well-being. Due to their energy-
boosting side effects, stimulants are also often
called uppers. Stimulants work by increasing
the amount of neurotransmitters called
dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

7. This improves concentration and decreases
fatigue, which is why stimulants like Adderall
are used to treat attention-deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However,
stimulants can also elevate mood and produce
euphoria, which is why they’re addictive and
commonly abused drugs.

8. Although cocaine belongs to the stimulant
drug class, it’s also its own category of drug
addiction. Also known as crack or coke,
cocaine is an illicit stimulant drug that
increases alertness, energy, and self-
confidence.

9. Often people who abuse cocaine experience
a euphoric high that lasts around 20 minutes
before wearing off. As a result, users often
take several doses in a short period to
maintain that high. Unfortunately, like other
examples of substance abuse, cocaine use can
lead to problems like addiction,
cardiovascular disease, and overdose, to name
a few.

10. As with cocaine, meth or methamphetamine
may be a stimulant, but it also produces
physical problems unique to its users. Meth is
an extremely addictive and physically harmful
stimulant with a pseudoephedrine base, its
main stimulating ingredient.
However, in contrast to other stimulants like
cocaine, a meth high lasts longer, and a larger
amount of the drug remains in the brain longer,
leading to prolonged side effects.

11. Opioids can either be natural or synthetic
(man-made). Unlike stimulants, opioids are a
class of drugs that depress or relax the central
nervous system. Opioids work by attaching to
opioid receptors in the brain and different
areas of the body associated with pain and
pleasure. Not only can they alleviate pain, but
they can also produce a relaxing and
pleasurable high when abused.

12. Prescription drug abuse is when someone
uses prescriptions medications in a way they
weren’t meant to be used. Some examples of
prescription drug abuse include taking a
prescription drug that wasn’t prescribed to
you, mixing your medications, taking more
than the recommended dose, or using your
medications with other drugs.

13. Also known as benzos, benzodiazepines
are a class of drugs used to treat anxiety and
panic disorders, seizures, and insomnia.
However, not only are benzos used to treat
conditions associated with elevated levels of
nerve activity, but they can also produce a
sedative high when misused.

14. Hallucinogens are a group of drugs that
produce mind-altering side effects, affecting a
person’s perception of their thoughts and
surroundings. There are two categories of
hallucinogens: classic hallucinogens and
dissociative drugs. Both can produce
hallucinations or sensations, or images that
aren’t real. Additionally, a dissociative drug can
cause users to feel as if they’re disconnected from
their bodies and the environment, otherwise
referred to as an out-of-body experience.

16. Signs of Drug Addiction
PHYSICAL SIGNS OF DRUG ADDICTION
BEHAVIORAL SIGNS OF DRUG ADDICTION
PSYCHOLOGICAL SIGNS OF DRUG ADDICTION

17. If someone misuses drugs or alcohol, they
may exhibit numerous physical signs of drug
abuse. Some of these signs may be readily
apparent, while others are easily hidden or
occur as gradual changes.
Some physical signs of drug use are:
Frequent runny nose (common with cocaine
addiction)

18. Tremors or seizures
Loss of physical coordination
Chemical odor on breath or clothes
Pinpoint pupils (common with opioid and heroin
addiction)
Bloodshot or watery eyes
Changes in weight
Changes in appetite and eating habits
Clenching of the jaw
Irregular sleeping patterns or difficulty falling
asleep
Marks on skin
Poor personal hygiene

19. A person who misuses drugs or alcohol may
act like a different person, too. There are just
as many behavioral signs of addiction as there
are physical symptoms, and some of the most
significant include:
Changes in activities or hobbies
Shifts in social circles
Decreased participation in family activities

20. Poor performance in work or school
Repeated lying, dishonesty or deceit
Legal issues
Secretive behavior
Self-isolation
Neglecting responsibilities
Financial issues

21. When someone misuses drugs or alcohol, they
may look and act in uncharacteristic ways.
They may also think and feel differently than
they normally do. Psychological signs of drug
abuse can include changes in a person’s
thought patterns, attitudes, beliefs and
priorities.

22. Some psychological signs of drug and alcohol
abuse can include:
Changes in personality traits
Mental illness like depression or anxiety
Paranoid, fearful or obsessive thoughts
Negative self-image
Dismal outlook on or attitude toward life
Withdrawing emotionally from loved ones
Lack of motivation
Feelings of apathy or disinterest

24. Not everyone who experiments with drugs
becomes an addict. There’s no single factor that
can predict whether someone will become
addicted, though there are general social,
biological, and environmental factors that do
increase the risk.

25. Genes, in combination with environmental
factors, account for about half of a person’s
addiction vulnerability. Being male, African
American, or having a mental illness can also
increase a person’s risk of progressing to
addiction.

26. Family, friends, and socioeconomic status
have a significant impact on a person’s likelihood
of developing an addiction. Physical and sexual
abuse, peer pressure, stress, and parental
guidance can greatly affect the occurrence of
substance abuse.

27. Although a person can become an addict at
any age, the earlier substance use begins, the
more likely it will escalate to serious addiction.

29. The sad truth is that more deaths, illnesses,
and disabilities are caused by substance abuse
than by any other preventable health condition.
Prolonged drug dependence interferes with just
about every organ in the human body, and while
different drugs have different damaging effects.

30. These are some of the common conditions substance abuse can cause:
Damaged immune system, which increases susceptibility to infection
Cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and collapsed veins
Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Liver overexertion or liver failure
Seizures and strokes
Widespread brain damage that can interfere with memory, attention,
and decision-making, as well as permanent brain damage

31. Some of the worst effects of substance abuse
aren’t even health related. Drug abuse can have a
number of damaging consequences on an addict’s
social and emotional well-being, including:
Loss of employment
Relationship loss

32. Some of the worst effects of substance abuse aren’t even health
related. Drug abuse can have a number of damaging consequences
on an addict’s social and emotional well-being, including:
Loss of employment
Relationship loss
Incarceration
Financial trouble
Homelessness
Risky sexual behavior