What Is Our Most Serious Drug Problem?

The Drug War continues to rage and a huge amount of effort and resources are being invested in trying to figure out a solution. There have been some successes in stopping or curtailing the use of illegal drugs, but the main ‘issue’ is still not fully understood or effectively dealt with. Is it the use of drugs in conjunction with other recreational activities? Is it the illegal supply of drugs? Or is it the fact that everyone’s doing it, so there’s no need to solve it?

The fact that there is not a single apparent answer to this most critical of problem explains why it remains so difficult to resolve. It is this inherent, intrinsic complexity that makes this problem so hard to overcome. Nevertheless, this guide outlines some of the most significant issues that are going on with drugs. It sheds light on how society deals with the fact that there are so many different “drug” problems, including possible solutions.

Introduction to Substance Abuse

It is commonly thought that substance abuse is linked to drug misuse. To put it simply, it is the use of a substance in an unwelcome or harmful way. A substance abuser may suffer adverse health, social, economic and criminal effects. There may be long-term harm for the individual in areas like family, health, work, and education, to mention a few. Many of these issues become chronic over time. We recommend you click the following link to find out legit and trusted narcan cases.

Effects of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse and addiction go hand in hand. Individuals who regularly use or have used illegal substances may become dependent. They may go to great lengths to obtain the substance. In the event that they become addicted, they may experience withdrawal symptoms when not exposed to the substance. There are long-term effects as well, including a lack of focus and energy, as well as an increased risk of depression, anxiety, violence, and suicide. The severity of addiction varies.

Health Risks

In addition to physically harming the body, drug abuse is psychologically damaging as well. Its consequences may include physical fatigue, weakness, forgetfulness, and disease. There could be health complications. These include kidney damage, liver damage, mental health issues such as suicide, and physical health problems such as high blood pressure and hepatitis. Substance abuse also puts the person at risk of injury. Injuries and accidents may be caused by being stoned, engaging in violence, or carrying dangerous amounts of a substance.

Social and Economic Effects

Drug abuse has both health and social costs. This condition can impair someone’s ability to work, keep a job, socialize with others, and form relationships. Further, drug abuse can disrupt an individual’s financial situation. Drug-related property and home losses are also common among drug addicts. People with drug addiction may also suffer from strained friendships, family relationships, and community relationships.

Opioids — Number One Local Drug Problem

State, federal, and local health officials agree that opioids are the most problematic drugs in society. Opioids, also known as narcotics, include natural and synthetic substances such as heroin, morphine, codeine, and Fentanyl. A wide variety of prescription drugs can be found here, which contain both synthetic and naturally occurring substances. Among these are opioid pain relievers such as OxyContin (oxycodone) and Hydrocodone.

In 2019, according to the CDC’s National Centre for Health Statistics, the total number of deaths associated with the use of illegal opioids in the United States was nearly 50,000. At the end of April 2020, the figure increased to 78,056. A year after, it skyrocketed 28.5%. In total, 100,306 people had died from a drug overdose, especially from synthetic opioids such as fentanyl and methamphetamine — psycho stimulants. Cocaine also contributed to the fatalities.

Pain relievers are often the first drug of choice for some people, which is why so many people die from opioid overdoses. Some people use it to self-medicate in order to feel better. Many more people take it illegally or without seeking medical help. Because of the low cost and ease of access, the medications’ popularity is growing in the United States and other parts of the world. Because it can be prescribed for a number of reasons, people may be unaware of the danger it causes.

However, that means that the individual who is abusing the substance could be at a disadvantage. They could be less careful and more prone to take it recreationally rather than for medicinal purposes.

How Detrimental is Opioid to the Populace?

The risk of accidental overdose is higher for people who use opioids. People who die from opioid overdoses often use opioids along with alcohol or other depressants. They also have a history of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety, which might increase their risk of overdose. These include heart disease, lung problems, hepatitis, epilepsy, pneumonia, stroke, tuberculosis, and asthma. Some other common conditions include chronic back pain, eye problem, rheumatoid arthritis, abdominal issue, and kidney damage.

Treatment Option for Drug Use Disorder

In the past, there was no effective treatment for drug use disorders. In modern medicine, however, there are effective and viable treatment options for substance abuse disorders. A combination of psychological counselling and medical treatment may be more effective than either of these methods alone.

Rehab facilities are needed to treat drug use disorders. There, the affected person will receive the necessary mental health services along with some counselling. The medical team typically comprises a psychiatrist, psychologist, physician, and other health professionals to handle drug abuse issues.

They may provide medicines and counselling to the person recovering from the disease. This should reduce the likelihood of relapses and reduce dependence. The main goal is to ensure that a person is clean from the use of drugs.

Conclusion

Despite the efforts of many individuals to put an end to the drug usage pandemic, it is unlikely to be solved any time soon. However, as the phrase goes, prevention is better than cure. This indicates that raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse will eventually reduce the number of individuals who abuse them. Rehabilitation programmes are necessary to address this problem and provide victims with a viable alternative.