Navigation: Why Do People Take Illicit Drugs?, The Health Risks of Illicit Drug Abuse, Risk of Overdose, Drug Dependence and Withdrawal, Drug Addiction, Social Consequences, Treatment for Illicit Drug Addiction
Just as the name implies, illicit drugs are substances that are prohibited by law. Illegal or controlled substances are prohibited because of their potential for abuse and addiction.
These drugs are typically classified into different categories based on their pharmacological effects and potential for addiction. Common illicit drugs include stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine, depressants such as heroin, hallucinogens like LSD and psilocybin mushrooms, and synthetic drugs like MDMA (ecstasy) and synthetic cannabinoids. Take note that even prescription drugs can be considered illicit if used without a prescription. [1]
It goes without saying that these substances are dangerous, carrying significant risks to both physical and mental health. [1]
While in the short term, they can produce effects like euphoria, increased energy, and altered perception, these effects are often accompanied by negative consequences. People who take illicit drugs may suffer from paranoia, anxiety, hallucinations, and even overdose, which can be fatal.
The effects and their severity may vary depending on the type of substance taken, the duration of abuse, the method of administration, and the frequency of intake, among other factors.
Long-term use can lead to addiction, along with severe health problems like cardiovascular issues, respiratory problems, and liver disease.
Despite their allure and often glamorized portrayal in media, illicit drugs carry profound dangers that extend far beyond their immediate effects. Here we will talk about what makes illicit substances so dangerous.
Why Do People Take Illicit Drugs?
Before we dive into some of its most devastating consequences, we need to take a look at why people put themselves at risk in the first place. There are many reasons why people take illicit substances. Here are some of them:
Recreational Use
Some people choose to use illicit drugs for recreational purposes, and there are various reasons for that.
For some, it could be a means of seeking pleasure or euphoria, as many drugs can make you feel relaxed and uninhibited. It can give people heightened senses or even an altered perception of reality. Others use drugs to escape from the stresses and pressures of everyday life, temporarily forgetting about their problems. [2]
There are some people who are simply curious about the experience of taking drugs. They see it on TV or hear about it in their favorite songs, and decide to try it themselves. Simply put, one of the most common reasons why people abuse these substances is because they want to feel good.
Coping Mechanism
Another common reason for illicit substance abuse is because people want to deal with the various challenges and stresses in their lives. These substances can offer a temporary escape from emotional pain, trauma, or even mental health issues like anxiety or depression. [2]
The euphoric effects of drugs can provide a sense of relief or numbness, allowing users to momentarily forget about their troubles and worries.
This is also a common reason for abusing prescription medications, particularly painkillers. They think that because these drugs are given to them by their doctor that it is safe to misuse. Unfortunately, whether you are taking illicit drugs or abusing your prescription medications, the effects are usually temporary and the consequences are long-lasting.
Peer Pressure
Substance abuse tends to have a social aspect to it. This is why peer pressure is a significant factor driving individuals to experiment with illicit drugs. The desire to fit in and be accepted among peers can lead people to engage in behaviors they might not otherwise consider. [2]
Teenagers and young adults are particularly vulnerable to peer pressure because of their desire to fit in and expand their social horizons. They may also lack the ability to choose their peers wisely and establish their personal boundaries. This usually stems from a fear of rejection and isolation.
In social settings where drug use is normalized or even glamorized, people may feel compelled to participate to avoid feeling left out or to gain social status. There’s also the fear of being judged or ostracized by your peers. These can be powerful motivators that can push you into conforming to group norms, even if it means engaging in risky behaviors like drug use. [2]
Socioeconomic Factors
Not only does substance abuse have a social factor, it even has various socioeconomic factors. Economic inequality, lack of access to education and employment opportunities, and poverty are only a few of the socioeconomic factors that can influence illicit drug use.
These factors can create environments where people feel marginalized and hopeless about their future prospects. In such circumstances, some people may resort to drugs as a means of escape or coping mechanism for their challenges.
Additionally, limited access to healthcare and mental health resources may prevent some individuals from receiving proper support and treatment for their substance abuse, trauma, or mental health disorders. This creates a cycle of substance abuse and addiction.
We can therefore say that these socioeconomic factors play a significant role in shaping the patterns of illicit drug use within communities. This is why it is so important to address these social disparities to combat substance abuse effectively.
Genetic Predisposition
Another interesting thing about substance abuse is that some people are just naturally predisposed to it due to their genetics. The development of addiction is not solely reliant on environmental factors like peer pressure and lack of access to healthcare. There are also genetic factors at play.
Certain genetic variations can affect how the brain responds to drugs, influencing the likelihood of addiction. For example, variations in genes related to dopamine receptors, which regulate feelings of pleasure and reward, can make some people more prone to seeking out substances that stimulate these receptors.
Genetic factors can also contribute to underlying mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, or ADHD, which may increase the risk of substance abuse. If you have a family member who is struggling or has recovered from addiction, you may have an increased risk of developing it yourself in the future.
Keep in mind that just because you are exposed to these risk factors does not mean you are guaranteed to develop addiction at some point in your life. It only means you need to be more careful as you have an increased risk of it.
The Health Risks of Illicit Drug Abuse
It’s no surprise that illicit drug abuse poses significant health risks. In fact, it can affect a person’s physical and mental well-being.
Chronic drug abuse can result in long-term health complications. For instance, prolonged cocaine use can lead to cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Methamphetamine abuse can cause severe dental issues, often referred to as “meth mouth”, as well as skin sores and infections. [3]
Injecting drugs also increases the risk of contracting blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis C due to needle sharing.
There’s also the fact that drug addiction creates a lifestyle that involves poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and other unhealthy choices. These things can contribute to the development of other illnesses.
Risk of Overdose
In terms of the physical effects of substance abuse, one of the most immediate dangers is the potential for overdose. Drugs like opioids, cocaine, and meth can quickly overwhelm the body’s systems, leading to respiratory failure, heart attack, or stroke. [3]
Many illicit substances are produced in clandestine labs without any sort of quality control measures. This lack of regulation means that the concentration and purity of the drugs can vary widely from one batch to another.
The potency and unpredictability of street drugs increase the likelihood of overdose, as users may inadvertently ingest a much higher dose than intended. Furthermore, street drugs are frequently adulterated with other substances, ranging from harmless fillers to deadly additives like fentanyl, further increasing the risk of overdose. [3]
Drug overdose can lead to a range of symptoms from slowed breathing and loss of consciousness to cardiac arrest and death. A person’s susceptibility to overdose may also be influenced by their body weight, metabolism, and overall health.
Polysubstance use, where individuals consume multiple drugs simultaneously or mix drugs with alcohol, significantly heightens the risk of overdose. This may lead to respiratory failure and other life-threatening complications.
Drug Dependence and Withdrawal
Another dangerous effect of using illicit substances is drug dependence. Drug dependence occurs when a person develops a psychological or physical reliance on a substance to function normally. This dependence can lead to compulsive drug-seeking behavior.
Illicit drugs often hijack the brain’s reward system, flooding it with dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Over time, the brain may adapt to the repeated drug exposure by reducing its sensitivity to dopamine, leading to tolerance. As a result, the user may begin to require larger doses of the drug just to achieve the same effects. [4]
With higher doses comes an increased risk of overdose as well as other adverse health effects.
When a drug dependent person stops taking the substance or even just reduces their intake, they go into a state of withdrawal. Withdrawal involves a range of physical and psychological symptoms that manifest as the body adjusts to the absence of the substance. [4]
These symptoms can be highly unpleasant and, in some cases, life-threatening. For example, withdrawal from opioids like heroin or prescription painkillers can cause severe flu-like symptoms, intense cravings, and in some cases, respiratory depression.
Similarly, withdrawal from drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine can result in depression, fatigue, and intense cravings.
Drug dependence is typically treated using medical detox, wherein the patient’s intake is gradually reduced while medical professionals keep their withdrawal symptoms and cravings under control, typically using medications. [4]
Drug Addiction
On top of all these adverse effects and risks, illicit drugs pose a significant danger due to their addictive nature. This can have a profound impact on the brain and body.
Drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine hijack the brain’s reward system, flooding it with dopamine and creating an intense feeling of euphoria. This simple effect has a huge impact as it reinforces the behavior of drug use. [4]
Over time, the brain becomes accustomed to these high levels of dopamine, leading to a diminished response to natural rewards like food or social interaction. As a result, addicted individuals may become dependent on drugs to experience pleasure, leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior. [4]
Addiction is a complex medical condition that is characterized by this compulsive drug-seeking. Addicted individuals will keep on taking the drug even if it is already causing them problems in their health and relationships.
Social Consequences
Drug abuse and addiction not only affects the individual but also the people around them. It creates a ripple effect that impacts their loved ones as well as their communities.
Addiction often drives people to prioritize obtaining and using drugs over maintaining healthy connections with their friends and family members. This can lead to fractured family dynamics, strained relationships, and alienation from support networks. [5]
The behavior associated with drug abuse, such as lying, stealing, and erratic mood swings, can erode trust and breed resentment among their peers. This may even cause them to lose their job or miss out on career opportunities. [5]
It’s also a contributing factor to crime and violence. The illegal drug trade fuels a black market economy characterized by violence, exploitation, and corruption. Some individuals may resort to criminal activities to finance their addiction or to repay debts to suppliers.
These social consequences only prove that comprehensive approaches for substance abuse and addiction are urgently needed, not only by addicted individuals but also their communities.
Treatment for Illicit Drug Addiction
Treatment for illicit drug addiction typically involves a combination of medical detox and behavioral therapies. This is a multifaceted approach that addresses the physical, psychological, and social aspects of addiction.
While detox addresses the physical effects of substance abuse, therapy and counseling help patients understand the root causes of their addictive behavior. These techniques are usually necessary to address the underlying reasons for the addiction and to develop coping strategies for avoiding relapse. [6]
Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, are often used to help patients change their destructive patterns of thinking associated with drug use. [6]
Addiction treatment can be done in a medical setting where patients are closely monitored and may receive medications to ease their discomfort and cravings.
From the immediate health risks of addiction and overdose to its broader social consequences, the use of illicit substances exacts a heavy toll on individuals and their communities. If you or someone you love is struggling with substance use disorder, look for a rehab near you today and learn more about the specific programs they offer. The journey to recovery begins today.
Sources:
[1]: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/illicit-drug
[2]: https://www.turnbridge.com/news-events/latest-articles/why-do-people-use-drugs/
[3]: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/addiction-health
[4]: https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-dependence#definition
[5]: https://www.justthinktwice.gov/social-consequences-using-drugs
[6]: https://www.healthline.com/health/drug-abuse#treatment
Why Are Illicit Drugs So Dangerous? https://t.co/LSQ6SKhAfI #rehabnearme 855-339-1112
— RehabNearMe (@RehabNear_Me) June 23, 2024
