Drug Addiction / Substance Use Disorders:

Addiction is habitual use of a drug despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Changes in the brain chemistry is the reason why people who do drugs relapse. Recent research has shown a strong genetic component to some addictions.

Addiction ruins families. People who are addicted to any substance are more likely to get into trouble with law, have altercations with family and at workplace, have frequent change of jobs, less likely to get promoted, higher divorce rate, more likely to develop physical illnesses and a higher rate of hospital admissions.

Common substances that one can get addicted to:

Caffeine – tea, coffee, energy drinks 

Nicotine – cigarettes, bidis, tobacco, pan masala, gutka, khaini

Alcohol- beer, wine, whisky, vodka, country liquor, locally made alcohol

Cannabis – weed, hash, bhang, hash oil

Stimulants – Crystal meth, MD, Ecstasy, Molly 

Cocaine- white, speedball, coke

Opioids – Brown sugar, brown, garad, heroin

Medicines- Benzodiazepines (Diazepam aka Valium, Alprazolam aka alprax, xanax, button; Nitrazepam aka nitro 10), Tramadol, Buprenorphine, Ketamine, Codeine (cough syrups), cold medicine, phentermine, ephedrine, Methylphenidate, some muscle relaxants.

Mental health conditions associated with addiction:

  • Depression 
  • Anxiety
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Sleep disorder
  • PTSD
  • Bipolar Mood Disorder
  • Personality disorders

Warning signs of addiction : 

  • Sudden changes in activity or energy levels
  • Weight changes
  • Poor personal hygiene
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
  • Blacking out 
  • Experiencing cravings or symptoms of withdrawal
  • Using the substance to alleviate stress or sad mood
  • Spending your day thinking about when you will have your next chance to use the substance
  • Feeling powerless to change your habit
  • Calling in sick at work, showing up late, missing deadlines
  • Skipping school, failing grades
  • Withdrawal from family and friends
  • Neglecting responsibilities—not caring for kids or pets, forgetting to pay bills
  • Befriending those who share the same addiction
  • Lying 
  • Stealing 
  • Breaking promises