Navigation: Why Are Illegal Drugs Dangerous?, Treatment Options for Drug Addiction
Drugs are substances that can affect the way the body functions. But if a drug is classified as “illegal”, it means they are prohibited by law because of their potential for abuse and addiction. When taken, illegal drugs can have a negative impact on a person’s health. [1]
These substances are often classified into different categories or schedules based on their perceived danger and, if any, their medicinal value. Since different countries have their own laws and regulations regarding controlled substances, the specific drugs considered illegal can vary by jurisdiction.
Common examples of illegal drugs include: marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, ecstasy, and ketamine. Some prescription medications, such as opioids and benzodiazepines, are legal when prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional but are considered illegal when used without a prescription.
Different drugs may cause different adverse effects, depending on various factors. The health effects of illegal drugs may be influenced by the type of illegal drug taken, how much is consumed, and other individual characteristics. [1]
Unfortunately, the illegal drug trade is a multi-billion dollar industry that continues to thrive despite efforts to combat it. But how do people actually get access to these drugs if they are illegal?
In this article, we will explore the various ways in which people are able to obtain illegal drugs: from the black market to drug trafficking.
The Black Market
Many people with illegal drug access engage with the black market. This refers to a clandestine network that operates outside legal channels. People who want to get their hands on illicit substances may connect with drug dealers through various means. They may use their social networks or word of mouth to find and facilitate these discreet transactions.
The black market thrives on anonymity. They often rely on encrypted messaging services and cryptocurrencies to ensure covert exchanges. Street corners, nightlife scenes, and certain neighborhoods may also serve as physical locations for these illegal transactions.
The supply chain of illegal drugs involves a complex web of production, transportation, and distribution. Oftentimes, criminal organizations play a significant role.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is the illegal transportation and distribution of drugs. This is often done on a large scale, with drugs being transported across borders and sold in different countries. Also known as drug distribution, it is a crime that involves selling, transporting, or importing unlawful controlled substances. [2]
Drug trafficking is a major source of income for organized crime groups and is a major contributor to the global drug trade. These groups use various methods to transport drugs. They may hide the illegal drugs in vehicles, use drones, or even transport them via human couriers. Drug traffickers often smuggle illicit substances through borders and ports.
Drug traffickers often exploit existing social and economic vulnerabilities to maintain their operations. What this means is that they take advantage of corruption, weak law enforcement, and poverty to strengthen and support the drug trade.
Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking, the lucrative nature of the trade and its connection to organized crime continue to pose significant challenges to global security and public health.
Dark Web
Use of the internet and social media continues to spread all over the world. In fact, two thirds of the global population now has access to it. This increased digital connectivity has resulted in innovations in how supply chains operate. However, the results are not all good. [3]
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional search engines. Its very nature lends itself to illegal activities, including the sale of drugs.
On the dark web, individuals can purchase drugs anonymously using cryptocurrency. People can browse and purchase a wide range of illegal substances with a degree of anonymity. Sellers often use pseudonyms, and transactions are encrypted. This makes it difficult for law enforcement to track and shut down these illegal transactions.
For these reasons, the dark web has become a popular source for obtaining drugs, especially for those who can’t access them through traditional means.
Prescription Fraud
Prescription fraud is another way in which people are able to obtain illegal drugs. It refers to the method of obtaining illegal drugs by manipulating or falsifying prescriptions.
This can take on many forms. Some people commit prescription fraud by forging prescriptions. Others do so by altering prescriptions or by doctor shopping. Doctor shopping is when someone visits multiple doctors in an attempt to get the same prescription over and over again. [4]
Perpetrators may create fake prescriptions or modify existing ones by changing the prescribed dosage, quantity, or even the patient’s details. Some people even steal blank prescription forms from doctor’s offices and write prescriptions for themselves or non-existent patients.
Prescription fraud is a major issue in the United States. In fact, the opioid epidemic is being fueled in part by the illegal distribution of prescription drugs. Law enforcement agencies and healthcare professionals work together to implement safeguards and monitoring systems to detect and prevent prescription fraud.
Drugs in School
Many illegal drug transactions actually occur on school grounds, usually with teens selling to their peers. Teen drug dealers operate secretly, making deals regularly around campus. At school, teens may have access to a larger pool of drugs compared to what they would be accustomed to seeing in their own social groups. According to the CDC, 21.8% of all high school students say that they have been given, sold, or offered drugs on school property. [5]
Obtaining illegal drugs in a school setting can occur through various means. Students may come into contact with illegal substances through their peers. Social circles tend to play a significant role in drug accessibility.
Some students may have connections with external sources, such as older friends or other people in the community who can supply them with these illicit substances. Students are also capable of exploring other avenues such as the dark web to discreetly purchase these drugs.
Schools must address this complex problem through comprehensive education, preventive measures, and support systems to create a safer environment for students.
Drugs at Home
Sometimes people obtain these dangerous drugs through local connections and their own social circles. Some people may even cultivate or manufacture drugs themselves, such as growing marijuana or synthesizing certain substances.
Even if this is not the case, teenagers can often find drugs that they can use recreationally right in their own homes. They may take a look at medicine and liquor cabinets at home to find substances they can abuse. They will then either use it themselves or sell them to other students at school. [5]
Because of this risk, it is very important for parents to get rid of unused medications as soon as possible. Pay close attention to your prescription drugs to see if you are running out much faster than you are supposed to.
Why Are Illegal Drugs Dangerous?
People abuse illegal drugs for different reasons. They may use it to cope with their stress or to fit in with their peers. Others just want to feel good. [6]
But illegal drugs are considered dangerous for various reasons. For starters, they are known to produce a wide range of adverse effects on a person’s physical health.
For example, they can damage vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. Long-term use may lead to chronic health conditions, respiratory problems, and compromised immune systems. Some drugs can also cause overdose, which in some cases can be fatal.
Different drugs may cause different effects. Cocaine, for instance, is a highly addictive drug that can cause cardiac problems, respiratory issues, malnutrition, gastrointestinal effects, and dental issues. Meth can cause devastating effects—including death—even on the first try. Meanwhile, prescription drugs can cause effects such as overdose, constipation, coma, and brain damage. [6]
Many of these drugs are also highly addictive. Addiction is a medical condition that is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior. An addicted person will keep taking the substance even when they are already suffering from its adverse effects. They will lose control over their intake and even their priorities may shift. They will lose interest in things they used to enjoy and begin neglecting their relationships and responsibilities.
The health effects of illegal drug abuse are not purely physical. They can also cause mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, paranoia, hallucinations, and psychosis. Long-term drug use can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders.
Drug use can also impair cognitive function, leading to impaired judgment, decreased coordination, and slower reaction times. This can increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and risky behaviors.
Substance abuse not only affects the individual but also the people around them. This is why we should also talk about the social consequences of drug abuse and addiction. Illegal drug use can have significant social consequences like strained relationships, loss of employment, legal problems, and financial difficulties. People may become socially isolated as their focus shifts towards obtaining and using drugs.
Due to the behavioral changes caused by illegal substances and the desire to keep taking them, many addicted people may engage in criminal activity.
Another significant risk of illegal drug abuse is accidental poisoning. The production of illegal drugs is often unregulated and carried out in clandestine settings. The drugs themselves can be contaminated or contain impurities that can cause serious problems when absorbed in the body.
Street drugs are often mixed with various substances to mimic the appearance of more potent drugs. The purpose is solely to increase profits. Those who purchase these substances risk accidental poisoning due to the various unknown ingredients of varying potency.
It’s important to note that not all illegal drugs have the same level of danger. Individual reactions to these substances can also vary. In any case, the risks associated with illegal drug use highlight the importance of prevention, education, and treatment to address this complex issue.
Treatment Options for Drug Addiction
Treatment is necessary for those who are struggling with drug addiction. Drug rehab is a process that involves a combination of medical, psychological, and social interventions. These programs are designed not only to help patients regain their sobriety but also learn how to maintain it in the long term.
The specific approach can vary based on the individual’s needs and the type of substance used. It may also be influenced by the severity of addiction and other factors. This is why a personalized approach is always ideal. No two people go through addiction in the exact same way.
Here are some common treatment options for drug addiction:
Detoxification (Medical Detox): This is considered the first step in the treatment process. It involves gradually removing the drug from the body by lowering the patient’s intake. It is usually done under medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms and ensure the safety of the patient.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Medications may be used to help keep cravings and withdrawal symptoms under control. Examples include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone for opioid addiction, and disulfiram, Acamprosate, and naltrexone for alcohol addiction.
Behavioral Therapy: Because the effects of substance abuse are not just physical, the psychological aspects also have to be addressed. Various therapeutic approaches are used to address the psychological aspects of addiction, including the root causes of addictive behavior.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, contingency management, and dialectical behavior therapy are examples of effective therapeutic techniques.
Family Therapy: Involving the family in the treatment process can be crucial. Family therapy helps address issues within the family dynamic that may contribute to addiction such as codependency and enabling. This program helps patients and their family members work together through this difficult process.
Inpatient Rehab: In some cases, patients may need intensive, round-the-clock care in a residential facility. Inpatient treatment, also known as residential rehab, is particularly beneficial for those with severe addiction or co-occurring mental health disorders.
Outpatient Treatment: Outpatient programs offer flexibility. They allow recovering individuals to receive treatment while keeping up with their responsibilities outside of rehab. Outpatient services may include counseling, group therapy, and medication management.
Support Groups: The social aspect of substance abuse also needs to be tackled during the treatment process. Twelve-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide a supportive environment for people in recovery. Non-12-step alternatives, such as SMART Recovery, are also available. These support groups provide emotional support, accountability, and motivation. It’s easier to go through addiction treatment when you are surrounded by people who understand exactly what you are going through.
Holistic Approaches: Some patients benefit from holistic or alternative therapies such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and art therapy. These approaches can complement traditional treatment methods.
Aftercare and Continuing Support: Recovery is an ongoing process, and aftercare is essential for maintaining sobriety. Continuing support through counseling, support groups, and other resources helps individuals navigate challenges and avoid relapse.
It’s important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction treatment. A personalized treatment plan should be tailored to the person’s specific needs. Rehab centers may make adjustments as the patient progresses through the recovery process.
If you or someone you love is struggling with illegal or prescription drug addiction, you need to seek medical treatment immediately. Look for a rehab center near you today and learn more about the various treatment options. Your journey to recovery begins today.
Sources:
[1]: https://positivechoices.org.au/students/what-are-illegal-drugs
[2]: https://www.justia.com/criminal/offenses/drug-crimes/drug-trafficking/
[3]: https://www.unodc.org/res/WDR-2023/WDR23_B3_CH7_darkweb.pdf
[4]: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DCP/drug_control/PMP/pdf/brochure-poster_trifold_law-enforcement.pdf
[5]: https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/teen-addiction/drug/how-teens-get-drugs/
[6]: https://www.samhsa.gov/adult-drug-use
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