Psychoactive Substance Abuse and its Effects

Psychoactive substances can be categorized into various types based on their pharmacological effects and legal classifications. Different drugs may cause different effects, so it helps to be familiar with each of them.

Depressants are a class of drugs that slow down or depress the activity of the central nervous system. These substances have a calming or sedating effect on the body, and they can be used for various medical purposes. However, they also have a potential for abuse and can be harmful if not used as prescribed.

Depressants can cause nightmares, anxiety, and aggression. The most popular example of a depressant is alcohol. [1]

Other depressants include sedative-hypnotic drugs like benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which can also induce relaxation and drowsiness.

On the other end of the spectrum are stimulants. These drugs increase your energy, alertness, and wakefulness. Examples include caffeine, amphetamines, nicotine, and cocaine. [1]

Opioids are a class of drugs that include both prescription medications and illegal substances. They are derived from, or chemically similar to, compounds found in the opium poppy plant.

Opioids are known for their ability to act on the nervous system to relieve pain and produce a sense of euphoria. These painkilling drugs can be highly addictive, and their misuse can lead to serious health problems, including overdose and death. Heroin, morphine, oxycodone, and fentanyl are examples of opioids.

Hallucinogens such as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), MDMA (ecstasy), and DMT (dimethyltryptamine), are drugs that can produce vivid hallucinations, altered perceptions, and altered states of consciousness.

Taking hallucinogens can cause a person to perceive time differently, feel detached from their surroundings, or feel deeply insightful. [1]

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is another type of psychoactive substance. Marijuana and its derivatives contain compounds like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which can induce altered perception, relaxation, and changes in mood and cognition.

Inhalants are volatile substances that produce chemical vapors that can be inhaled to induce a psychoactive, intoxicating, or mind-altering effect. They are typically used for their quick, short-lived, and often dangerous high. Substances such as volatile solvents, aerosols, and nitrous oxide are examples of inhalants that can produce a psychoactive effect.

Dissociative anesthetics are substances like ketamine and PCP (phencyclidine) that can induce a sense of detachment from one’s body and surroundings.

Psychoactive substances can have various effects on people, ranging from a short-lived high to life-threatening consequences. The legality and regulation of these substances vary widely from one country to another.

It’s crucial to use such substances responsibly and, if necessary, under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

Psychoactive drugs affect the central nervous system and alter brain function. This means abusing these substances will inevitably cause problems.

Whether drugs are harmful or not depends on various factors, including the specific drug, its dosage, the frequency of use, and individual factors like genetics, mental health, and personal circumstances. But generally speaking, taking psychoactive drugs without medical supervision is associated with significant health risks. [2]

Some psychoactive drugs are legal and regulated, while others are illegal. Legal drugs, when used as prescribed and in moderation, may not be inherently harmful. Illegal drugs often carry more significant risks, not only due to their effects but also because of the unregulated market.

It goes without saying that using illegal psychoactive drugs can result in legal consequences, including arrest and criminal charges.

Many psychoactive drugs are used for legitimate medical purposes, such as pain management, anxiety, or depression treatment. When used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, these drugs can be beneficial. However, when used recreationally without medical supervision, the risks of drug dependence, addiction, and adverse health effects increase.

There is also the risk of drug overdose. Some psychoactive drugs, especially opioids and certain stimulants, carry a significant risk of overdose, which can be fatal.

When untreated, substance use disorders can increase a person’s risk of mortality. Aside from its potential health effects, it can also lead to personal, family, educational, occupational, and social consequences. For example, drug abuse and addiction are often associated with lost productivity and its resulting economic losses. Not only that: SUDs are also linked to increased healthcare expenditure, premature mortality, and costs related to criminal justice. [2]

The problem of substance use disorder is a lot more common than you may think. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 270 million people around the world had used psychoactive drugs in the previous year. Meanwhile, an estimated 35 million people are affected by drug use disorders. [2]

It’s important to note that there are varying degrees of harm associated with different psychoactive drugs. For example, substances like caffeine and alcohol can be used relatively safely by many people, while drugs like methamphetamine or heroin are associated with more severe risks.

So overall, the harm potential of psychoactive drugs is a complex and multifaceted issue.

Responsible use, informed decision-making, and seeking help for substance abuse and addiction are critical aspects of minimizing harm associated with these substances. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, it’s advisable to seek professional help and support.

People abuse drugs and alcohol for a variety of reasons. They take psychoactive substances to relax, to enjoy themselves, to fit in with a group, to experiment, to rebel, to satisfy their curiosity, or to avoid physical and psychological pain. [3]

Others abuse drugs to cope with their problems, to relieve stress, or just to overcome their boredom. Substance abuse is influenced by many different factors. Most of the time, people take drugs recreationally because they were only thinking about how good it was going to make them feel and not the potential consequences.

At the end of the day, no one takes drugs just to feel worse.

Some people take psychoactive substances for recreational or experimental use. They want to know what it feels like to get high. Others already know and want to experience it again for their enjoyment, either to enhance their mood or to bond with their peers. [3]

There are those who take drugs because of the situation. They do it out of shyness, stress, or peer pressure. Some individuals turn to psychoactive substances as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional pain. Substances like alcohol or drugs can temporarily alleviate these negative emotions and provide an escape from life’s challenges.

There’s also what’s called binging, which involves taking a heavy amount of a psychoactive substance to feel an intense effect.

Over time, a person may develop drug tolerance, dependence, and addiction, which may make it even more difficult for them to quit. At this point, they either crave the substance or they can’t function normally without it. Reducing their intake or quitting results in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can even be deadly.

This is why quitting cold turkey is not usually a good idea. Substance abuse often stems from a combination of factors. This is a complex issue, and no single reason can explain why people abuse psychoactive substances.

Even the process of developing addiction involves changes in the brain’s chemistry and function, which can make it difficult for people to stop using substances even when they want to quit. Proper addiction treatment in rehab is the safest way to get your addiction under control. Healthcare providers can give you proper support so you don’t put your life at risk while recovering from your addiction.

Because psychoactive substance abuse has many different effects, treatment methods may vary from one patient to another. In fact, addiction itself does not have a particular cure as it is a chronic condition. However, it is possible to manage it and live a long, sober life.

Rehab aims to help patients recover from addiction by regaining their sobriety and equipping them with the tools that they need to maintain it for the long term. Various treatment options can help patients overcome their addiction and stay drug-free. The exact methods used may depend on your symptoms, co-occurring disorders, and personal needs. [4]

Addicted individuals go through an assessment that will help health care providers develop an appropriate treatment plan based on their specific circumstances.

Detoxification or medical detox is often the first step in treating many substance addictions. It involves the process of safely removing the substance from the person’s system while managing withdrawal symptoms.

Detoxification is often done in a supervised medical setting, as withdrawal from some substances can be dangerous. Do take note that this can also be done in an outpatient setting, depending on the person’s condition and the severity of their symptoms.

The goal of medical detox is to allow the person to stop taking the addictive substance as quickly and safely as possible. [4]

Some substances, like opioids and alcohol, have medications approved by the FDA to help manage withdrawal and cravings. Examples include methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. This is called medication-assisted treatment or MAT.

In MAT, your healthcare provider will recommend certain medications that will help keep your cravings and withdrawal symptoms under control. While these medications will not cure addiction, they will help give you a speedy recovery. MAT helps you focus on other aspects of treatment such as behavioral therapy.

Counseling and behavioral therapies are essential components of addiction treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management are some of the most common therapeutic approaches used in rehab.

These therapies help addicted individuals identify the root causes of their addiction, as well as their triggers and stressors. Therapy helps patients develop coping strategies, and set goals for recovery.

Treatment programs for substance use disorder usually offer individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy sessions. They help people understand the nature of their condition, which prepares them for a life of sobriety by giving them the tools they need to prevent relapse. [4]

Aside from evidence-based treatments, there are also alternative treatments that provide a holistic treatment experience. While these therapies are more unorthodox, they can help address the mental and emotional effects of psychoactive substances. Different rehabs may offer different approaches like meditation, art therapy, dance therapy, music therapy, equine therapy, yoga, and exercise, which work best when used in combination with more traditional treatments. These programs help patients manage stress and get in touch with their creative side.

Participation in support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can also help with a person’s recovery by addressing the social aspects of addiction. These support groups provide a sense of community, helping people realize that they are not alone in this journey. They can learn from people who have gone through similar challenges and experiences.

Many self-help support groups use the 12-step model first developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, but there are other groups that use different approaches. [4]

Drug rehab may be done in an inpatient or outpatient setting. Inpatient treatment programs provide a highly structured and supportive environment for individuals with severe addiction. These programs offer 24/7 care, counseling, and therapy.

On the other hand, outpatient programs are less intensive and allow patients to live at home while receiving treatment. They are suitable for those with less severe addictions or those who have already completed inpatient treatment.

If an individual has both a substance use disorder and a co-occurring mental health disorder, it’s essential to address both conditions simultaneously through dual diagnosis treatment.

Rehab’s goal is to prevent relapse. This is why aftercare is another crucial part of the recovery process. Maintaining long-term recovery often involves ongoing support and relapse prevention strategies. Aftercare programs can include individual counseling, group therapy, and periodic check-ins.

Remember that when it comes to addiction treatment, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The most effective approach for an individual may vary, and treatment plans should be tailored to the person’s specific needs. Treatment may also need to be adapted as the person progresses in their recovery journey.

Seeking professional help from addiction specialists and healthcare providers is vital in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for the specific substance use disorder and individual circumstances.

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction to psychoactive substances, look for a rehab near you today.

Treatment is an addicted individualʼs best option if they want to recover. Beating an addiction not only requires eliminating the physical dependence, but also addressing the behavioral factors that prevent them from wanting to get better. Simply quitting may not change the psychological aspect of addiction. Some people quit for a while, and then take drugs or alcohol again, only to overdose because they did not detox properly. Recovery involves changing the way the patient feels, thinks, and behaves.

Sources:

[1]: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/types-of-psychoactive-drugs#types

[2]: https://www.who.int/health-topics/drugs-psychoactive#tab=tab_2

[3]: https://adf.org.au/insights/why-do-people-use-alcohol-and-other-drugs/

[4]: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/drug-addiction/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365113