The document discusses addiction and drug use. It defines addiction as a compulsive need for a substance or behavior that is difficult to control. Various types of drugs are described, including stimulants, depressants, opiates, and hallucinogens. The document outlines the biological and psychological effects of drug use, as well as contributing factors to addiction like family environment, mental health issues, and early drug exposure. Treatment involves behavioral therapies and medication to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

1. Faculty of Science and Technology
Medical Laboratory Technology
Group Members
Hifza Rashid
Maryam Naz
Afshan
Nimra
Ikram
Saad Anwar

2. Behavioral science
Understanding Addiction

3. What is addiction?
•Addiction, in short, is a condition where a person becomes dependent on
a substance or behavior to the point where it becomes difficult for them to
control or stop it.
•It involves compulsive engagement in the substance or activity despite
negative consequences.
• Essentially, addiction is a strong and often harmful need or desire that
someone feels towards something, whether it's a drug, alcohol, gambling,
or even certain activities like gaming or shopping.

4. What is a Drug?
• A drug is any chemical you take that has biological effects
on your body.
• In pharmacology, a drug is “a chemical substance used in
the treatment, cure or prevention of a disease.”
• Recreational drugs are chemical substances that affect the
central nervous system. These are generally used for
pleasure.

5. Drug Addiction
• Drug addiction, also called substance use disorder, is a
dependence on a legal or illegal drug or medication.
• It occurs over a span of time and results in the user's inability to
survive and cope without its usage or effects.
• Drug abuse is more of a short term abuse of a particular drug. The
user is able to cope without it. If the usage persists and the person
loses the capacity to survive without that drug, then they're
considered an addict.

6. Types of Drugs
▶ Stimulants
Stimulants act on the central nervous system and speed you up.
These increase the body's state of arousal by increasing the activity
of the brain. Examples include cocaine, ecstasy (which is also a
hallucinogen), meth, caffeine and nicotine.
▶ Depressants
Depressants are chemicals that slow down the central nervous
system and suppress brain activity causing relief. The most
common depressants are alcohol and cannabis
(marijuana/hashish).

7. ▶ Opiates
Opiate drugs provide pain relief, euphoria, sedation and in
increasing doses induce coma. Examples include heroin,
morphine, opium, methadone and pethidine.
▶ Hallucinogens
Hallucinogens cause changes in a person's perception of reality.
These include cannabis, LSD, ecstasy and psilocybin (magic
mushrooms).
Types of Drugs

8. Why Do People take Drugs?
▶To fit in
▶To escape or relax
▶To relieve
boredom
▶To seem grown up
▶To rebel
▶To experiment

9. Effects of various drugs
Cocaine
▶ 90% of the World Cocaine comes from SouthAmerica
▶ Cocaine increases nerves stimulation in the brain
▶ Puts access strain on heart
▶ Makes you confident and wide awake
Krokodil
▶ Organic solvents such as gasoline, paint thinner, or lighter fluid, iodine,
hydrochloric acid, and red phosphorus (from matches) are used in
homemade synthesis.
▶ Those who inject these caustic agents into their veins can
develop extreme skin ulcerations and infections

11. Prevention
▶ Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
▶ Connect With Your Friends and Avoid Negative Peer Pressure
▶ Make Connections With Your Parents or Other Adults
▶ Enjoy Life and Do What You Love - Don’t Add Alcohol and
Drugs
▶ Follow the Family Rules About Alcohol and Drugs
▶ Get Educated About Alcohol and Drugs
▶ Be a Role Model and Set a Positive Example
▶ Speak Out/Speak Up/Take Control
▶ Get Help

12. ▶ Behavioral treatments help engage people in substance use
disorder treatment, modifying their attitudes and behaviors
related to drug use and increasing their life skills to handle
stressful circumstances and environmental cues that may trigger
intense craving for drugs and prompt another cycle of
compulsive use.
▶ Behavioral therapies can also enhance the effectiveness of
medications and help people remain in treatment longer.
Treatment of Drug Addiction

13. Treatment of Drug Addiction
▶ Addiction is a treatable disease. Research in the science of
addiction and the treatment has led to the development of
evidence-based interventions that help people stop abusing drugs
and resume productive lives.
▶ Research shows that combining treatment medications (where
available) with behavioral therapy is the best way to ensure success
for most patients.
▶ When patients first stop using drugs, they can experience a variety
of physical and emotional symptoms, including depression,
anxiety, and other mood disorders, as well as restlessness or
sleeplessness. Medications are designed to reduce these
symptoms.

14. Behavioral effects of drugs
Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making: Drugs can impair cognitive functions,
leading to poor judgment and decision-making. Individuals under the influence of
drugs may engage in risky behaviors, disregard consequences, and make impulsive
choices.
Altered Motor Skills and Coordination: Many drugs affect motor skills and
coordination, leading to impaired physical performance. This can manifest as slowed
movements, unsteady gait, slurred speech, and decreased reaction times.
Changes in Energy Levels and Activity: Some drugs can cause increased energy,
agitation, and hyperactivity, while others may induce sedation and lethargy. These
changes can impact an individual's overall activity levels and engagement in social or
productive behaviors.

15. Emotional Instability and Mood Swings: Drugs can disrupt emotional
regulation, leading to heightened emotions, mood swings, and unpredictable
behavior. This can result in increased irritability, aggression, or emotional
outbursts.
Impaired Social Functioning: Drug use can significantly impact an individual's
social interactions and relationships. It may lead to withdrawal from social
activities, decreased communication, and strained interpersonal relationships.
Drug-seeking behaviors can also strain relationships due to dishonesty, deception,
and neglect.
Impaired Work or School Performance: Drug use can interfere with an
individual's ability to perform well academically or professionally. It can lead to
decreased focus, motivation, and productivity, potentially resulting in poor
grades, absenteeism, or job performance issues.
Risky and Criminal Behaviors: Some drugs can lower inhibitions and increase
risk-taking behaviors. This may include engaging in unsafe sexual practices,
driving under the influence, or involvement in criminal activities to obtain drugs
or sustain the addiction.

16. Psychological effects of drugs
The psychological effects of drugs can vary depending on the specific substance
used.
Euphoria: Many drugs can induce feelings of intense pleasure, happiness, and
euphoria. This is often one of the main reasons why individuals initially use
drugs.
Mood alteration: Drugs can significantly alter an individual's mood, leading to
changes in emotional states. Some drugs may cause heightened excitement and
energy, while others can induce relaxation or sedation.
Anxiety and paranoia: Certain drugs, particularly stimulants like
amphetamines or hallucinogens like LSD, can cause feelings of anxiety,
paranoia, or even panic attacks. These effects may be particularly pronounced in
individuals predisposed to anxiety disorders.

17. Psychological effects of drugs
Depression: Prolonged or chronic drug use can lead to symptoms of
depression. Drugs may disrupt the brain's natural chemistry and decrease
the production of neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood,
leading to a depressive state.
Impaired cognition and memory: Drugs can impair cognitive functions
such as attention, concentration, and memory. This can result in
difficulties with learning, decision-making, problem-solving, and overall
cognitive performance.

18. Contributing factors
Environmental Influences: Environmental factors play a significant role in drug
addiction. These can include:
A. Family Environment: Growing up in a dysfunctional family, with parental
substance abuse, neglect, or inconsistent parenting, can increase the risk of drug
addiction. A lack of family support, poor communication, and unresolved conflicts
may also contribute.
B. Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education
and resources can contribute to drug addiction. Stressors related to socioeconomic
conditions can drive individuals to turn to substances as a coping mechanism

19. Contributing factors
Co-occurring Mental Health Disorders: Substance use disorders often
coexist with mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, .
Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Experiencing
physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or other traumatic events
during childhood increases the risk of developing substance abuse problems
in adulthood.
Early Drug Use: Early initiation of drug use, particularly during adolescence
when the brain is still developing, can have long-lasting effects on brain
function and increase the risk of addiction.
Availability and Accessibility: The availability and accessibility of drugs
can influence the likelihood of experimentation and addiction. Easy access to
drugs in the community or through social networks can contribute to higher
rates of drug use.