Drugs Inside the Body
Drug Abuse inside the Mind and Body
Brittney Rojo
COMM/156
17 February, 2013
Professor Nicholas Delzotto
Since 1980, the number of drug addictions resulting in death has risen 540 percent. (Florida Institute of Technology Counseling and Psychological Services, n.d.). Drug abuse is a process that progresses through patterns of repetitive behavior through rewarding feelings that come with substance use. Often unintentional, users see drug experience as a recreational crutch. Although the consequences of drug abuse may be overlooked, addiction can lead to physical and mental health issues, the worst cases even ending lives. Addiction to different substances is not typically something that happens intentionally, and is not something that happens overnight. Drug use progresses through different stages and slowly leads to dependency of a substance. Users tend to begin with experimentation, for a wide range of different reasons. The most typical experimentations are for reasons along the lines of peer pressure, for self medication, improved performance in sports, to feel a “high” or to coax negative feelings. (Long and Short Term Effects of Substance Abuse, 2013). With use of a substance, dopamine is released into the brain leaving the user with a satisfying experience. For some, experimentation is a one-time occurrence while for others it may be just the beginning of more problems to come. After experimentation those who liked the reaction they felt begin to develop more regular use, not necessarily with any problems. Once regular use of a substance is established, some may begin to develop cravings for the drug of use and may change their habits, lifestyle, or behavior to accommodate their substance use. In this stage, behavior tends to become more dangerous and irresponsible. If the situation worsens, the user will become dependent on the drug, regardless of the major consequences it will start to have on their life and health. This can mean
Brittney Rojo
COMM/156
17 February, 2013
Professor Nicholas Delzotto
Since 1980, the number of drug addictions resulting in death has risen 540 percent. (Florida Institute of Technology Counseling and Psychological Services, n.d.). Drug abuse is a process that progresses through patterns of repetitive behavior through rewarding feelings that come with substance use. Often unintentional, users see drug experience as a recreational crutch. Although the consequences of drug abuse may be overlooked, addiction can lead to physical and mental health issues, the worst cases even ending lives. Addiction to different substances is not typically something that happens intentionally, and is not something that happens overnight. Drug use progresses through different stages and slowly leads to dependency of a substance. Users tend to begin with experimentation, for a wide range of different reasons. The most typical experimentations are for reasons along the lines of peer pressure, for self medication, improved performance in sports, to feel a “high” or to coax negative feelings. (Long and Short Term Effects of Substance Abuse, 2013). With use of a substance, dopamine is released into the brain leaving the user with a satisfying experience. For some, experimentation is a one-time occurrence while for others it may be just the beginning of more problems to come. After experimentation those who liked the reaction they felt begin to develop more regular use, not necessarily with any problems. Once regular use of a substance is established, some may begin to develop cravings for the drug of use and may change their habits, lifestyle, or behavior to accommodate their substance use. In this stage, behavior tends to become more dangerous and irresponsible. If the situation worsens, the user will become dependent on the drug, regardless of the major consequences it will start to have on their life and health. This can mean