Juvenile Substance Abuse Series: An Introduction to Substance Abuse
Introduction
This article is a part of the Juvenile Substance Abuse Series under SDG -3 of the United Nations. Target 3.5 is “Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol”. The world is becoming a smaller place day by day with so many modes and means connecting it with ease. With all the connectivity, ‘drugs’ have emerged as a dangerous domain that has risen over the past few decades. This article highlights the rise of drugs especially amongst juveniles across the globe, it states the general terminology used in the domain of drug abuse and sensitises about some common signs and symptoms of drug abuse.
Development of the Drug Industry
The business around drugs has become very profitable, and the entire chain is raising a lot of money for every stakeholder involved in this chain. Today, we see drug usage not limited to medicinal value but being abused to a level detrimental to not just the individual using it but the society as a whole. Humans are all social beings who are connected together, we live in a community, and anything that hits one member adversely also inflicts pain on others. When we scrutinise the target groups that are more vivaciously corrupted by the weed of drugs, we cannot skip the fact that our adolescents have become addicted to drugs of any kind. In the next section of the article, we will understand some basic terminology related to substance abuse.
Understanding basic terminology
● Substance Use
When one intakes drug prescribed for oneself to cure some ailments in the body, it is a simple usage of substance. Drugs are also used when one consumes any drug, for instance, alcohol or cigarette, in minimal quantity for the recreational purpose at one’s own will and can stop at any point with one’s say.
● Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is when one utilises legitimate or illicit substances in ways one should not. One may take more than the average measurement of pills or utilise another person's prescription. One may abuse drugs, rest without thoughts, ease the pressure, or dodge reality.
● Substance Addiction
Addiction "is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control, and those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs."
● Substance Dependence
Substance dependence is defined as a “chronic, progressive disease characterized by significant impairment that is directly associated with persistent and excessive use of a psychoactive substance. Impairment may involve physiological, psychological, or social dysfunction.”
● Drug De-Addiction
Drug De-addiction is a term for therapeutic or psychotherapeutic treatment procedures, for reliance on psychoactive substances, for example, liquor, physician-endorsed drugs, and road drugs, for example, cocaine. The general plan is to empower the patient to stop substance abuse to maintain a strategic distance from the psychological, legal, financial, social, and physical results that can be caused, particularly by outrageous abuse. Treatment incorporates pharmaceuticals for sadness or uneasiness issues, guided by specialists and sharing involvement with different addicts. Some recovery focuses include reflection and otherworldly wisdom in the treatment procedure.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse
People networking with juveniles should be aware of changes in a juvenile's conduct and appearance that may flag substance abuse. By perceiving the potential cautioning signs and side effects of substance utilisation, one might be able to get help for a young person needing treatment. Some of the common signs and symptoms are, sudden changes in identity without another known reason; loss of enthusiasm for once most loved side interests, sports, or different exercises; sudden decrease in execution or participation at school or work; changes in companions and hesitancy to discuss new companions; deterioration of individual preparing propensities; difficulty in focusing, absent-mindedness; sudden forceful conduct, touchiness, or anxiety.
Concluding Remarks
Children and adolescents are more than often considered the seeds of the bright future of any nation, but now we have come to live in a time where we cannot help but ponder upon, where we cannot help but see the darkness of drugs overshadowing the sunshine of their lives. Drugs not only intrude and hamper the personal space but are equally dominant in the professional, societal, and community space. It has become imperative for us as a society, and humanity calls for it to protect and save children from substance abuse and help them lead a better life.
By Prerna Deep