The Enslavement of Drugs

The Enslavement of Drugs

The word "addiction" is derived from a Latin term for "enslaved by" or "bound to." The word in itself is the perfect reason why not to get into drugs. Addiction is identified as a chronic disease which can alter both the brain structure and its function.

"An addiction can have a dominating influence over someone's brain which can be observed as these 3 ways: craving for the entity of addiction, loss of control over its use, and continuing involvement with it despite adverse consequences." As correctly stated by the Harvard Health article

The top three drugs causing addiction are marijuana (weed), opioid (narcotic) pain relievers, and cocaine. Over half of the drug users (54.1 percent) are under 18 years of age. Factors such as drug or alcohol use in early life, mental health disorders, an abusive, neglectful or traumatizing upbringing can all increase your likelihood of falling into a drug or alcohol addiction. 

Our brain registers all enjoyment in the same way. It cannot differentiate between a satisfying meal or a psychoactive drug. Pleasure is released in the brain by the neurotransmitter dopamine in the nucleus accumbens - referred to as the brain's pleasure centre. When drugs enter the body, they toy with the limbic system (a set of structures on both sides of the thalamus, just under the cerebrum) in the brain, releasing dopamine, ultimately affecting the body and mind. 

To show that we are doing something that brings us pleasure, the brain rewards us. Addictive drugs provide a shortcut to the brain's reward system by releasing excessive amounts of dopamine - the intense feel-good emotions - thus creating a cycle of drug use and intense highs. Eventually, without the drug, the user doesn't feel normal. Whenever a new activity is performed, a neural pathway is created in our brain. Each time the action is repeated, the path becomes more distinctive, forming a habit. 

The likelihood of an addiction or a pleasurable stimulation taking place can differ with every change in circumstance. The speed with which dopamine is released, the release's intensity, and reliability of that release can all affect the same. In addition, even the means of taking in the drug can make a difference, whether it's by smoking, injecting or swallowing a pill. 

The effect of different drugs on the brain.

Depressants: They slow brain activity, having an effect on the functions of the body. They are generally used by people looking to reduce anxiety and enter a state of relaxation.

Side effects include:

• Dizziness
• Slurred speech
• Poor concentration
• Fever
• Confusion
• Depression

Some common depressants are Seconal, Amytal, Ativan, Valium and Halcion.

Stimulants: (When their use is abused) they interfere with the brain's reward system, can affect heart rate, blood pressure and sleep. 

Prescription stimulants include Ritalin, Biphetamine, Concerta and Dexedrine.

Opioids: Derived from opium, they were made as pain killers. Breathing is slowed as part of the pain-dulling message. Opioids depress the Central Nervous System and major bodily functions. 

Some common opioids include Morphine, Vicodin, Oxycontin, Codeine and Percocet.

Hallucinogens: These alter sensory perception causing the user to hallucinate, hear sounds or see visions that are not real. They can cause increased anxiety and heartache.

Side effects include:

• Sleeplessness
• Numbness
• Tremors
• Nervousness
• Increased body temperature
• High blood pressure
• Relaxation
• Paranoia

Some hallucinogens include LSD, Psilocybin, Peyote, PCP and Salvia divinorum.

Overcoming a drug addiction.

Once you make the decision to stop drug abuse, you have the choice of a few methods of overcoming the addiction. Listed are a few ways to help in detoxifying:

- Detoxification. Begin with ridding your body of these substances and cope with the withdrawal symptoms

- Counselling. Therapy can help in identifying the root cause in your individual journey of drug use, repair relationships, and learn healthy coping skills and methods

- Medication. Medicine may be used to help manage withdrawal symptoms without reverting back to the drug, preventing relapse and treat any mental health condition arising due to the use of the substance.

Actor Robert Downey Jr has successfully overcome his struggle with drug addiction.