negative impact of drugs
Negative effects and impact of drugs on a user and their family
Negative effects and impact of drugs on a user and their family
Drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and prescription pain relievers encompass negative effects on users and his or her family members physically and mentally, however there are various treatment options for the drug or drugs abused.
In 2003, 7.1% of Americans aged 12 or older were classified as current substance abusers. Statistically significant increases in the use of heroin, marijuana, cocaine, and pain relievers were reported from 2000 to 2001 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2002).
Various drugs have a much greater effect than other drugs may have. Drugs such as heroin impact a user’s livelihood both physically and mentally as well as family members. Heroin is a highly addictive synthetic drug derived from morphine and addiction is considered a disease. Common effects of heroin abuse may include drowsiness, mild delirium, many cardiovascular and respiratory effects (shortness of breath and increased heart rate), nausea, vomiting, constipation, and itching of the skin as well as many others. Feelings of withdrawal include agitation, pain in the muscles and bones, sickness, diarrhea, and insomnia. Other extreme withdrawal symptoms include hot and cold flashes, goose bumps, and unconscious kicking movements. According to “Heroin Addiction and Withdrawal” (2008), “severe withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 - 72 hours after the last dose of heroin and will usually start to diminish within a week.” The only way to eradicate such symptoms is to intake a dose of heroin or to use another opioid that will relieve withdrawal symptoms. The effects of heroin on user’s family members take a tremendous strain on family members involved or who know of the user’s heroin abuse. There are various effects of heroin addiction on families, including stress and mental health, financial problems,
Negative effects and impact of drugs on a user and their family
Drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, and prescription pain relievers encompass negative effects on users and his or her family members physically and mentally, however there are various treatment options for the drug or drugs abused.
In 2003, 7.1% of Americans aged 12 or older were classified as current substance abusers. Statistically significant increases in the use of heroin, marijuana, cocaine, and pain relievers were reported from 2000 to 2001 (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2002).
Various drugs have a much greater effect than other drugs may have. Drugs such as heroin impact a user’s livelihood both physically and mentally as well as family members. Heroin is a highly addictive synthetic drug derived from morphine and addiction is considered a disease. Common effects of heroin abuse may include drowsiness, mild delirium, many cardiovascular and respiratory effects (shortness of breath and increased heart rate), nausea, vomiting, constipation, and itching of the skin as well as many others. Feelings of withdrawal include agitation, pain in the muscles and bones, sickness, diarrhea, and insomnia. Other extreme withdrawal symptoms include hot and cold flashes, goose bumps, and unconscious kicking movements. According to “Heroin Addiction and Withdrawal” (2008), “severe withdrawal symptoms peak between 48 - 72 hours after the last dose of heroin and will usually start to diminish within a week.” The only way to eradicate such symptoms is to intake a dose of heroin or to use another opioid that will relieve withdrawal symptoms. The effects of heroin on user’s family members take a tremendous strain on family members involved or who know of the user’s heroin abuse. There are various effects of heroin addiction on families, including stress and mental health, financial problems,
References: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2002). Heroin addiction and withdrawal. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.rehabtoday.com/articles/heroin-addiction-and-withdrawal.html Bolyn, M Copello, A., Orford J. (2002). Addiction and the family: is it time for services to take note of the evidence? Addiction 97:1361–1363. Dawes, M. A., Antelman, S. M., Vanyukov,M. M., Giancola, P., Tarter, R. E., Susman, E. J., Mezzich, A., Clark, D. B. (2000). Developmental sources of variation in liability to adolescent substance use disorders. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 61:3–14.