An addiction is a compulsion to do something, despite the individual being aware that their actions have negative consequences. People often become addicted to something as a result of it making them feel better. They associate taking drugs, drinking, smoking, for example, with feeling better and start to do it more often. Most addictions arise from experimentation and a casual habit quickly becomes a consuming addiction.
Why do people take drugs?
There are many reasons why people may take drugs. Most people with drug addictions start by experimenting with drugs; for example, they may try a drug because their friends are taking it or they have seen an article about it in a newspaper or magazine. Some people take drugs as a means for escaping from their daily life; for a while they forget about their normal life and are allowed to live in a kind of parallel world where their problems don’t exist. Many people also use drugs to get ‘high’; this is common with ‘party drugs’ and people take them to have a good time and last the night. Many people also use drugs as a coping mechanism; this is common if somebody is experiencing difficulties in their personal life, they have lost their job or lost a loved one, for example.
How does taking drugs affect the body?
Drugs have an unpredictable effect on the body. Some people may experience no symptoms after they take drugs, while others may become seriously ill. In some cases, taking drugs can cause death. Drugs have been linked to several mental and physical conditions, including:
- Increased risk of heart attacks
- Heart palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Breathing difficulties
- Liver and kidney problems
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Paranoia
What effect does alcohol have on the body?
In the short-term, drinking alcohol causes people to become chatty, confident and giggly but as you drink more, you may become confused and dizzy and you may start to lose your balance. If you drink a lot in a short space of time, you will probably struggle to walk, you may vomit and you may pass out. If somebody passes out after drinking a lot, there is a chance that they could choke on their vomit, which can cause death.
When you wake up after a night of heavy drinking, you will probably have a hangover. This is because your body is dehydrated and your liver is struggling to process the alcohol in your system.
In the long-term, heavy drinking can contribute to a number of serious conditions, including:
- Liver cirrhosis
- Hepatitis and damage to the liver
- Heart disease
- Increased risk of certain forms of cancer, including stomach and oral cancer
How does smoking affect the body?
Smoking is very damaging to the body; smoking can contribute to illnesses and conditions, including:
- Several forms of cancer, including lung, cervical, stomach, bladder, oral and liver cancer
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Respiratory illnesses, including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and pneumonia
- Asthma
- osteoporosis
What help is available for people with addictions?
There is a great deal of help available to people with addictions, both through the NHS and charities; there are also many private clinics who offer help for people with addictions. If you want help, your first point of contact should be your GP. They can refer you to the right people and ensure that you get the relevant help.
If you are worried about a loved one, try to talk to them about it and if they won’t admit that they have a problem, seek help from somebody else. You can arrange to see your GP or contact charities, such as FRANK and Adfam, which is designed especially for family members, for advice and support.
Recent Comments