Drug abuse or drug abuse is a pattern of behavior in which a person uses narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and additives that are not in accordance with their function. Drug abuse generally occurs because of a high curiosity, which then becomes a habit. In addition, drug abuse in a person can also be triggered by problems in his life or friends with drug addicts.
There are 4 classes of drugs that are most often abused, namely:
- hallucinogen,as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), phencyclidine and ecstasy (inex). The effects that can arise from the abuse of hallucinogenic drugs are various, including hallucinations, tremors, and easily changing emotions.
- depressant, as diazepam, alprazolam,clonazepam, and marijuana. The effects of the abuse of depressant drugs are the sensation of relaxation and diverting stress due to a thought.
- stimulant, as dextroamphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine (meth), and amphetamines. The sought-after effect of stimulant drug abuse is an increase in energy, making the user focus.
- Opioids,such as morphine and heroin which are actually painkillers, but are used to create a sense of pleasure.
If not stopped, drug abuse can lead to addiction. When the addiction experienced is also not treated, it has the potential to cause death from overdose.
Handling drug abuse, especially those who have reached the addiction phase, would be better done immediately. By applying for rehabilitation of their own volition and will, patients who have experienced drug addiction will not be ensnared in criminal acts.
Causes of Drug Abuse
Drug or drug abuse generally occurs because of a high curiosity. On the other hand, this condition can also be experienced by people with mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Someone who suffers from mental disorders can more easily abuse drugs that initially aim to relieve the symptoms they feel.
In addition to high curiosity and suffering from mental disorders, there are also several other factors that can increase a person's risk of drug abuse, including:
- Have a friend who is a drug addict.
- Having economic problems.
- Have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual violence including blood relations.
- Having relationship problems with a partner, relative, or family.
Phases and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
When drug abuse is not stopped and persists, it can lead to addiction. In this phase, the symptoms felt may include:
- The desire to use the drug continuously, every day or even several times a day.
- There is a strong urge to use drugs, which can even cloud other minds.
- Over time, the dose used will be felt to be less and the desire to increase it arises.
- It's a habit to always make sure that drugs are still available.
- Doing anything to get or buy drugs, even to sell personal items.
- Responsibilities in work are not fulfilled, and tend to reduce social activities.
- Continue to use drugs even though they are aware that the use of these drugs has a negative impact on social and psychological life.
- When they have no money or goods to sell, drug addicts begin to dare to do something unusual to get the substance they want, such as stealing.
- Doing harmful activities or harming others while under the influence of the drugs used.
- It takes a lot of time to buy, use, and recover from the effects of drugs.
- Always fail when trying to stop using drugs.
When the sufferer has reached the addiction phase and tries to stop using, he will experience withdrawal or withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the severity and the type of drug or drug used. If the drugs used are heroin and morphine (opioids), then the symptoms can be:
- Nasal congestion.
- Nervous.
- Excessive sweating.
- Hard to sleep.
- Frequent yawning.
- Muscle ache.
After a day or so, withdrawal symptoms may worsen. Some of the symptoms that can be experienced are:
- Diarrhea.
- Stomach cramps.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- High blood pressure.
- Often goosebumps.
- Heart beat.
- Blurred/blurred vision.
Meanwhile, if the abused drug is cocaine, then the withdrawal symptoms felt can be different. Some of them are:
- Depression.
- Nervous.
- The body feels tired.
- Feeling unwell.
- Appetite increases.
- Had a nightmare and it felt so real.
- Slow in activity.
The addiction phase to drug abuse that continues to be allowed, even the doses continue to increase, has the potential to cause death from overdose. Overdose is characterized by the appearance of symptoms such as:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Sleepy.
- The skin may feel cold, sweaty, or hot.
- Chest pain.
- Loss of consciousness.
Drug Abuse Diagnosis
A diagnosis of drug or drug abuse, especially if it has reached the addiction phase, will involve a psychiatrist. The criteria that exist in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-5) is used by psychiatrists as a basis for diagnosis.
Diagnosis can also use a series of tests, such as urine or blood tests. In addition to detecting substances contained in the body, these tests are also used to examine the patient's overall health condition.
Governance
Breaking free from drug or drug addiction is not an easy matter. The patient must establish intention and strengthen efforts in obtaining the desired result. Being open with family and relatives is highly recommended in order to facilitate the handling process that will be carried out.
Handling addiction due to drug abuse can basically be different for each person, depending on the condition and the drug being abused. This behavior must be treated immediately. Otherwise, it can be harmful to health and even potentially cause death.
Rehabilitation is an effort made to deal with drug addiction. Patients can apply for rehabilitation at Compulsory Reporting Recipient Institutions (IPWL) which are spread in many areas, consisting of hospitals, health centers, to special rehabilitation institutions. By applying for rehabilitation of their own accord and will, in accordance with Article 55 paragraph (2) of Law no. 35 of 2009 concerning narcotics, the patient will not be caught in a criminal act.
In Indonesia, rehabilitation has three stages, namely:
- Detoxification. Detoxification is the stage where the doctor gives certain drugs that aim to reduce withdrawal symptoms that appear. Before the patient is given symptomatic medication, the doctor will first examine his condition thoroughly.
- Therapycognitive behavior. At this stage, the patient will be assisted by an experienced psychologist or psychiatrist. The therapist will first conduct an examination of the condition to determine the appropriate type of therapy. Some of the goals of doing cognitive behavioral therapy, among others, are to find ways to overcome the desire to use drugs when relapse, and create strategies to avoid and prevent the relapse of the desire to use drugs.
- Build further. This stage allows the patient to participate in activities that suit their interests. Patients may even return to school or work, but remain under the supervision of the therapist.
Support from family and relatives is very influential. Patients are encouraged to be open to them, and don't hesitate to share what they want to complain about. This can help the patient in speeding up the recovery process.