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Essay on Drug Abuse

Here we have shared the Essay on Drug Abuse in detail so you can use it in your exam or assignment of 150, 250, 400, 500, or 1000 words.

You can use this Essay on Drug Abuse in any assignment or project whether you are in school (class 10th or 12th), college, or preparing for answer writing in competitive exams. 

Topics covered in this article.

Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Essay on drug abuse in 250-300 words, essay on drug abuse in 500-1000 words.

Drug abuse is a global issue that poses serious risks to individuals and society. It involves the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse can result in addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and social and economic difficulties. Prevention efforts should focus on education, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is crucial for recovery. Strengthening law enforcement measures against drug trafficking is necessary to address the supply side of the problem. Creating supportive environments and opportunities for positive engagement can help prevent drug abuse. By taking collective action, we can combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.

Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, damage vital organs, and increase the risk of overdose. Mentally, it can cause cognitive impairment, and psychological disorders, and deteriorate overall well-being. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to social and economic problems, such as strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities.

Preventing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is vital to help individuals recover from substance abuse. Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and promoting international cooperation is also essential to address the supply side of the issue.

Community support and a nurturing environment are critical in preventing drug abuse. Creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to engage in positive activities and providing social support systems can serve as protective factors against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a significant societal problem with detrimental effects on individuals and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing support to those affected, we can combat drug abuse and create a healthier and safer society for all.

Title: Drug Abuse – A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Introduction :

Drug abuse is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the social and economic impact, prevention and treatment strategies, and the importance of raising awareness and fostering supportive communities in addressing this crisis.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Several factors contribute to drug abuse. Genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, and environmental influences play a role in initiating substance use. The availability and accessibility of drugs, as well as societal norms and cultural acceptance, also influence drug abuse patterns. Additionally, underlying mental health issues and co-occurring disorders can drive individuals to self-medicate with drugs.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse affects vital organs, impairs cognitive function, and increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are often associated with drug abuse. Substance abuse also takes a toll on relationships, leading to strained family dynamics, social isolation, and financial instability. The social and economic costs of drug abuse include increased healthcare expenses, decreased productivity, and the burden on criminal justice systems.

Prevention and Education

Preventing drug abuse requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs are essential in schools, communities, and the media to inform individuals about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and decision-making abilities can empower individuals to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide support and resources are crucial in preventing substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based addiction treatment is vital in addressing drug abuse. Treatment options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. Rehabilitation centers, support groups, and outpatient programs provide a continuum of care for individuals seeking recovery. Holistic approaches, such as addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and promoting healthy lifestyles, contribute to successful long-term recovery. Support from family, friends, and communities plays a significant role in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Effective law enforcement efforts are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle illicit drug networks. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial in combating the global drug trade. Additionally, drug policies should focus on a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Shifting the emphasis from punitive measures toward prevention and rehabilitation can lead to more effective outcomes.

Creating Supportive Communities:

Fostering supportive communities is vital in addressing drug abuse. Communities should provide resources, social support networks, and opportunities for positive engagement. This includes promoting healthy recreational activities, providing vocational training, and creating safe spaces for individuals in recovery. Reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse and encouraging empathy and understanding are crucial to building a compassionate and supportive environment.

Conclusion :

Drug abuse remains a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By addressing the causes, raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing quality treatment and support services, and fostering supportive communities, we can combat drug abuse and alleviate its impact. It requires collaboration and a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to build a society that is resilient against the scourge of drug abuse. Through education, prevention, treatment, and compassion, we can pave the way toward a healthier and drug-free future.

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 250 and 500 Words in English for Students

• Updated on  
• Apr 2, 2024

Drug abuse refers to the excessive and frequent consumption of drugs. Drug abuse can have several harmful effects on our mental and physical health. Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the USA, passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and initiated the War on Drugs . He said, ‘Let us not forget who we are. Drug abuse is a repudiation of everything America is.’

Consuming drugs not only harms the individual himself but also affects society as a whole. Studies have shown that people who consume drugs become addicted to it. This addiction turns into substance abuse, resulting in self-damage, behaviour changes, mood swings, unnecessary weight loss, and several other health problems. Let’s understand what drug abuse is and how to fight it.

Table of Contents

• 1 Essay on Drug Abuse in 250 Words
• 2.1 Why Do People Consume Drugs?
• 2.2 Why Is Drug Abuse Bad?
• 2.3 Laws in India Against Drug Consumption
• 2.4 Steps to Prevent Drug Addiction
• 2.5 Conclusion
• 3 10 Lines Essay on Drug Abuse

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 250 Words

‘When people consume drugs regularly and become addicted to it, it is known as drug abuse. In medical terminology, drugs means medicines. However, the consumption of drugs is for non-medical purposes. It involves the consumption of substances in illegal and harmful ways, such as swallowing, inhaling, or injecting. When drugs are consumed, they are mixed into our bloodstream, affecting our neural system and brain functioning.

The Indian government has taken significant steps to help reduce the consumption of drugs. In 1985, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act came into force. This act replaced the Opium Act of 1857, the Opium Act of 1878, and the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1930. 

Drug abuse can lead to addiction, where a person becomes physically or psychologically dependent on the substance and experiences withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop using it. 

Drug abuse can have serious consequences for the individual and society as a whole. On an individual level, drugs can damage physical health, including organ damage, infectious diseases, and overdose fatalities. Not only this, a person already suffering from mental health disorders will face more harmful aftereffects. Addiction disrupts our cognitive functioning and impairs our decision-making abilities.

To fight drug abuse, we need collective action from all sections of society. Medical professionals say that early intervention and screening programmes can identify individuals at risk of substance misuse and provide them with the necessary support services. Educating people, especially those who are at-risk, about drug abuse and its harmful effects can significantly help reduce their consumption.

Drug abuse is serious and it must be addressed. Drug abuse is killing youth and society. Therefore, it is an urgent topic to address, and only through sustainable and collective efforts can we address this problem.

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 500 Words

Drug abuse is known as frequent consumption. In time, these people become dependent on drugs for several reasons. Curiosity drives adolescents and teenagers, who are among the most susceptible groups in our society. Cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, etc. are some of the popular drugs consumed. 

Why Do People Consume Drugs?

The very first question about drugs is: why do people consume drugs? Studies have shown that more than 50% of drug addicts consider drugs as a coping mechanism to alleviate emotional or psychological distress. In the beginning, drugs temporarily relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, or trauma, providing a temporary escape from difficult emotions or life circumstances. 

Some consume drugs out of curiosity, some under peer pressure, and some want to escape the painful experiences. Some people enjoy the effects drugs produce, such as euphoria, relaxation, and altered perceptions. Recreational drug use may occur in social settings or as a form of self-medication for stress relief or relaxation.

Why Is Drug Abuse Bad?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that drugs can worsen our eyesight and body movement, our physical growth, etc. Marijuana, one of the most popular drugs, can slow down our reaction time, affecting our time and distance judgement and decreasing coordination. Cocaine and Methamphetamine can make the consumer aggressive and careless.

Our brain is the first victim of drugs. Drugs can disorder our body in several ways, from damaging organs to messing with our brains. Drugs easily get mixed into our bloodstream, and affect our neural system. Prolonged and excessive consumption of drugs significantly harms our brain functioning.

The next target of drug abuse is our physical health and relationships. Drugs can damage our vital organs, such as the liver, heart, lungs, and brain. For example, heavy alcohol use can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, while cocaine use can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Laws in India Against Drug Consumption

Here is an interesting thing; the USA has the highest number of drug addicts and also has strict laws against drug consumption. According to a report by the Narcotics Control Bureau, around 9 million people in India consume different types of drugs. The Indian government has implemented certain laws against drug consumption and production.

The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS), prohibits the production, sale, purchase, and consumption of narcotics and other illegal substances, except for scientific and medical purposes.

Also, Article 47 of the Indian Constitution states that ‘ The State shall endeavour to bring about prohibition of the consumption, except for medicinal purposes, of intoxicating drinks and drugs which are injurious to health.’

Quick Read: Essay on Indian Festivals in 500 Words

Steps to Prevent Drug Addiction

Several steps can be taken to prevent drug addiction. But before we start our ‘War on Drugs’ , it is crucial to understand the trigger point. Our social environment, mental health issues and sometimes genetic factors can play a role in drug abuse.

• Education and awareness are the primary weapons in the fight against drugs. 
• Keeping distance from people and places addicted to drugs.
• Encourage a healthy and active lifestyle and indulge in physical workouts.
• Watch motivating videos and listen to sound music.
• Self-motivate yourself to stop consuming drugs.
• Talk to a medical professional or a psychiatrist, who will guide you to the right path.

Drug abuse is a serious problem. The excessive and frequent consumption of drugs not only harms the individual but also affects society as a whole. Only a collective approach from lawmakers, healthcare professionals, educators, community leaders, and individuals themselves can combat drug abuse effectively. 

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10 Lines Essay on Drug Abuse

Here is a 10-line essay on drug abuse.

• Drug abuse can significantly affect our physical growth
• Drug abuse can affect our mental functioning.
• Drug abuse may provide instant pleasure, but inside, it weakens our willpower and physical strength.
• Educating people, especially those who are at-risk, about drug abuse and its harmful effects can significantly help reduce their consumption.
•  Drugs easily get mixed into our bloodstream, and affect our neural system. 
• Prolonged and excessive consumption of drugs significantly harms our brain functioning.
• In 1985, the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act came into force.
• The USA has the highest number of drug addicts and also has strict laws against drug consumption.
• Drug addicts consider drugs as a coping mechanism to alleviate emotional or psychological distress.
•  Adolescents and teenagers are the most vulnerable section of our society and are driven by curiosity.

Ans: Drug abuse refers to the excessive and frequent consumption of drugs. Drug abuse can have several harmful effects on our mental and physical health.

Ans: ‘When people consume drugs regularly and become addicted to it, it is known as drug abuse. In medical terminology, drugs means medicines. However, the consumption of drugs is for non-medical purposes. It involves the consumption of substances in illegal and harmful ways, such as swallowing, inhaling, or injecting. When drugs are consumed, they are mixed into our bloodstream, affecting our neural system and brain functioning.

Ans: Drug abuse is known as frequent consumption. In time, these people become dependent on drugs for several reasons. Adolescents and teenagers are the most vulnerable section of our society who are driven by curiosity. Cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin, etc. are some of the popular drugs consumed.  The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS), prohibits the production, sale, purchase, and consumption of narcotics and other illegal substances, except for scientific and medical purposes.

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Shiva Tyagi

With an experience of over a year, I've developed a passion for writing blogs on wide range of topics. I am mostly inspired from topics related to social and environmental fields, where you come up with a positive outcome.

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Essay on Addiction for Students and Children

500 words essay on addiction.

As we all know that excess of anything can be very dangerous, the same way, addiction of any kind can hamper the life quality of an individual. The phrase states that addiction is a family disease as one person uses and the whole family suffers. The above statement stands true in all its essence as the addict does not merely suffer but the people around him suffer greatly too. However, that does not mean they can’t be helped. Addiction is curable and we must not give up on the person who is addicted, rather help them out for a better life.

Cost of Addiction

Addiction comes at a great cost and we need to be able to recognize its harmful consequences to not let ourselves or anyone become an addict. Firstly, addiction has major health hazards. Intake of anything is bad for our body , and it does not matter what type of addiction it is, it will always impact the mental and physical health of a person.

For instance, if you are addicted to drugs or food, you will get various diseases and illnesses. Similarly, if you are addicted to video games, your mental health will also suffer along with physical health.

Moreover, people who are addicts usually face monetary issues. As they use that thing in excess, they spend loads of money on it. People become obsessed with spending all their fortunes on that one thing to satisfy their addiction. Thus, all these addictions of drugs , alcohol , gambling, and more drain the finances of a person and they usually end up in debt or even worse.

Furthermore, the personal and professional relationships of addicts suffer the most. They end up doing things or making decisions that do not work in their favor. This constraint the relationships of people and they drift apart.

Moreover, it also hampers their studies or work life. When you are spending all your money and time on your addiction, naturally your concentration levels in other things will drop. However, all this is not impossible to beat. There are many ways through which one can beat their addiction.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Beat Your Addiction

It is best to work towards beating your addiction rather than getting beat by it. One can try many ways to do so. Firstly, recognize and identify that you have an addiction problem. That is the first step to getting cured. You need to take some time and understand the symptoms in order to treat them. Motivate yourself to do better.

After that, understand that the journey will be long but worthwhile. Identify the triggers in your life and try to stay away from them as far as possible. There is no shame in asking for professional help. Always remember that professionals can always help you get better. Enroll yourself in rehabilitation programs and try to make the most out of them.

Most importantly, do not be hesitant in talking to your loved ones. Approach them and talk it out as they care most about you. They will surely help you get on the right path and help you in beating addiction for better health and life.

Q.1 What are the consequences of addiction?

A.1 Addiction has very severe consequences. Some of them are health hazards, monetary issues, relationship problems, adverse problems on studies and work of a person. It seriously hampers the quality of life of a person.

Q.2 How can one get rid of addiction?

A.2 A little help can go a long way. One can get rid of addiction by enrolling in rehabilitation programs and opening up about their struggle. Try to take professional help and talk with your close ones to become better.

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The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body

Signs of drug addiction, effects of drug addiction.

Drug addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease that involves complex interactions between a person’s environment, brain circuits, genetics, and life experiences.

People with drug addictions continue to use drugs compulsively, despite the negative effects.

Substance abuse has many potential consequences, including overdose and death. Learn about the effects of drug addiction on the mind and body and treatment options that can help.

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

Drug Abuse vs. Drug Addiction

While the terms “drug abuse” and “drug addiction” are often used interchangeably, they're different. Someone who abuses drugs uses a substance too much, too frequently, or in otherwise unhealthy ways. However, they ultimately have control over their substance use.

Someone with a drug addiction uses drugs in a way that affects many parts of their life and causes major disruptions. They can't stop using drugs, even if they want to.

The signs of drug abuse and addiction include changes in behavior, personality, and physical appearance. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s substance use, here are some of the red flags to watch out for:

• Changes in school or work performance
• Secretiveness 
• Relationship problems
• Risk-taking behavior
• Legal problems
• Aggression 
• Mood swings
• Changes in hobbies or friends
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Unexplained odors on the body or clothing

Drug Addiction in Men and Women

Men and women are equally likely to develop drug addictions. However, men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, die from a drug overdose, and visit an emergency room for addiction-related health reasons. Women are more susceptible to intense cravings and repeated relapses.

People can become addicted to any psychoactive ("mind-altering") substance. Common addictive substances include alcohol , tobacco ( nicotine ), stimulants, hallucinogens, and opioids .

Many of the effects of drug addiction are similar, no matter what substance someone uses. The following are some of the most common effects of drug addiction.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Body

Drug addiction can lead to a variety of physical consequences ranging in seriousness from drowsiness to organ damage and death:

• Shallow breathing
• Elevated body temperature
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Impaired coordination and slurred speech
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Tooth decay
• Skin damage
• Sexual dysfunction
• Infertility
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage and cirrhosis
• Various forms of cancer
• Cardiovascular problems
• Lung problems
• Overdose and death

If left untreated drug addiction can lead to serious, life-altering effects on the body.

Dependence and withdrawal also affect the body:

• Physical dependence : Refers to the reliance on a substance to function day to day. People can become physically dependent on a substance fairly quickly. Dependence does not always mean someone is addicted, but the longer someone uses drugs, the more likely their dependency is to become an addiction.
• Withdrawal : When someone with a dependence stops using a drug, they can experience withdrawal symptoms like excessive sweating, tremors, panic, difficulty breathing, fatigue , irritability, and flu-like symptoms.

Overdose Deaths in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose in 2021.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain

All basic functions in the body are regulated by the brain. But, more than that, your brain is who you are. It controls how you interpret and respond to life experiences and the ways you behave as a result of undergoing those experiences.

Drugs alter important areas of the brain. When someone continues to use drugs, their health can deteriorate both psychologically and neurologically.

Some of the most common mental effects of drug addiction are:

• Cognitive decline
• Memory loss
• Mood changes and paranoia
• Poor self/impulse control
• Disruption to areas of the brain controlling basic functions (heart rate, breathing, sleep, etc.)

Effects of Drug Addiction on Behavior

Psychoactive substances affect the parts of the brain that involve reward, pleasure, and risk. They produce a sense of euphoria and well-being by flooding the brain with dopamine .

This leads people to compulsively use drugs in search of another euphoric “high.” The consequences of these neurological changes can be either temporary or permanent. 

• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability 
• Angry outbursts
• Lack of inhibition 
• Decreased pleasure/enjoyment in daily life (e.g., eating, socializing, and sex)
• Hallucinations

Help Someone With Drug Addiction

If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing drug addiction, address your concerns honestly, non-confrontationally, and without judgment. Focus on building trust and maintaining an open line of communication while setting healthy boundaries to keep yourself and others safe. If you need help, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Effects of Drug Addiction on an Unborn Child

Drug addiction during pregnancy can cause serious negative outcomes for both mother and child, including:

• Preterm birth
• Maternal mortality

Drug addiction during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) . Essentially, the baby goes into withdrawal after birth. Symptoms of NAS differ depending on which drug has been used but can include:

• Excessive crying
• Sleeping and feeding issues

Children exposed to drugs before birth may go on to develop issues with behavior, attention, and thinking. It's unclear whether prenatal drug exposure continues to affect behavior and the brain beyond adolescence.  

While there is no single “cure” for drug addiction, there are ways to treat it. Treatment can help you control your addiction and stay drug-free. The primary methods of treating drug addiction include:

• Psychotherapy : Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family therapy , can help someone with a drug addiction develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
• Behavioral therapy : Common behavioral therapies for drug addiction include motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and contingency management (CM). These therapy approaches build coping skills and provide positive reinforcement.
• Medication : Certain prescribed medications help to ease withdrawal symptoms. Some examples are naltrexone (for alcohol), bupropion (for nicotine), and methadone (for opioids).
• Hospitalization : Some people with drug addiction might need to be hospitalized to detox from a substance before beginning long-term treatment.
• Support groups : Peer support and self-help groups, such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, can help people with drug addictions find support, resources, and accountability.

A combination of medication and behavioral therapy has been found to have the highest success rates in preventing relapse and promoting recovery. Forming an individualized treatment plan with your healthcare provider's help is likely to be the most effective approach.

Drug addiction is a complex, chronic medical disease that causes someone to compulsively use psychoactive substances despite the negative consequences.

Some effects of drug abuse and addiction include changes in appetite, mood, and sleep patterns. More serious health issues such as cognitive decline, major organ damage, overdose, and death are also risks. Addiction to drugs while pregnant can lead to serious outcomes for both mother and child.

Treatment for drug addiction may involve psychotherapy , medication, hospitalization, support groups, or a combination.

If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

American Society of Addiction Medicine. Definition of addiction .

HelpGuide.org. Drug Abuse and Addiction .

Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. Warning signs of drug abuse .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Sex and gender differences in substance use .

Cleveland Clinic. Drug addiction .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Drugs and the Brain .

American Heart Association. Illegal Drugs and Heart Disease .

American Addiction Centers. Get the facts on substance abuse .

Szalavitz M, Rigg KK, Wakeman SE. Drug dependence is not addiction-and it matters . Ann Med . 2021;53(1):1989-1992. doi:10.1080/07853890.2021.1995623

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. top 100,000 annually .

American Psychological Association. Cognition is central to drug addiction .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts .

MedlinePlus. Neonatal abstinence syndrome .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Treatment and recovery .

Grella CE, Stein JA.  Remission from substance dependence: differences between individuals in a general population longitudinal survey who do and do not seek help . Drug and Alcohol Dependence.  2013;133(1):146-153. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.019

By Laura Dorwart Dr. Dorwart has a Ph.D. from UC San Diego and is a health journalist interested in mental health, pregnancy, and disability rights.

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Drug Abuse Essay | Essay on Drug Abuse for Students and Children in English

February 14, 2024 by Prasanna

Drug Abuse Essay: Drugs are the new emerging trends in the world. Where knowledge and life values should be something that is inculcated in every mind, the drugs are taking their place and making life itself void. Drugs have positive uses too, but as it is human nature, we tend to bend towards the negative side of the use of drugs. We provide samples of Long and short essays with guiding pointers on this topic.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Long and Short Essays on Drug Abuse for Students and Kids in English

We are providing a Drug Abuse essay of 400-500 words and a short essay of 100 to 200 words on the topic of Drug Abuse.

Long Essay on Drug Abuse 500 words in English

Drug Abuse essay will be helpful for students in classes 7, 8, 9, and 10 for their assignments or as an examination essay reference.

‘Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven’. This statement defines the meaning of drugs accurately in one single line. You might think that not everyone takes drugs, but surprisingly this has become a lifestyle of some people. You might believe that this happens only in movies or with movie stars, but that is just a far-fetched reality. Drugs are very much a part of people who were normal once upon a time, due to many different reasons.

What exactly are drugs? Drugs are substances or a combination of substances that can alter the state of your mind in a way that you cease to see the reality about what is happening with your life. This is the most common reason for taking drugs most of the youngsters today.

What drugs do is change the basic way of your body or mind. As mentioned above, there are many different reasons why a person could want to take drugs. One of the frequent reasons is the curiosity to see what happens. The peer pressure makes you do things just to see how they work, and before you know you are hooked up.

The effects of drugs on the body and mind like the sudden boost of energy or the relaxed calmness is also why drugs are popular. Drugs are known to disguise realities and this helps them cope up with certain situations. Of course, this is just a way of running away from one’s self but people who are prone to drugs would never understand that. At last, there comes a stage when a person who takes drugs becomes dependent on them and has to keep on taking them due to avoid the pain of withdrawal symptoms.

The effects of drugs can vary in numerous situations as well. First and foremost being the mental wellbeing. A person, to cope up with situations tries drugs and due to the addicting effects doesn’t recognize reality. Drugs completely change the way they think and behave. This, in turn, affects whatever relationships they have in their life and the impact is mostly always negative.

Financial situations take a rough blow under the influence of drugs as they are not found easily and are expensive. If you had no criminal record, you surely will after taking drugs. Most of the addictive drugs are not found legally, and under a drug offense, it becomes hard to gain a job or even a minor loan.

Thus, Drug Abuse is a very well recognized problem for the new generation but still, it would take a lot of knowledge to steer clear of it. Taking Drugs can be overwhelming and indecisive, but it is a work of sheer will to overcome that disastrous addiction. 11.8 million deaths are the result of drug abuse each year. The will to not fall prey to such addictions in life is the only way to save ourselves from being prematurely dead.

Short Essay on Drug Abuse 200 words in English

Drug Abuse essay is useful for students in classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Drugs are nothing but certain substances that make you addicted to them and change your lifestyle. The change that comes within your lifestyle is mostly negative. It is known to alter reality in such a way that you forget your roots and become prone to succumbing to your bad habits. The main change comes into your mental and physical wellbeing. This gives way to financial problems and negative effects on family and even professional relationships.

Drugs are not to be taken lightly as a problem. They are something that is often taken lightly and are taken within but is soon found to be irreparable mistakes. Drug use is mostly opted for when you are trying to cope up in a situation where you are emotionally tired and you feel that taking drugs would free you of the pain. This is the reason why most of the young generation falls prey to this demon.

Drug abuse is the most problematic cause of death in the world. Around 350,000 die from overdoses of smoking, drugs, and drinking as well. It is high time that we understand the seriousness of drug abuse and stay as far as possible from it.

10 Lines on Drug Abuse Essay in English

• Drugs are substances that change the way a person acts, feels, and behaves.
• When drugs are taken in a form of overdose, the term drug abuse is applicable.
• Drugs are both legal and illegal.
• Most people use drugs illegally due to different reasons.
• Drugs are taken due to peer pressure, coping situations, or just for fun as well.
• Many times, taking drugs becomes out of control and this ruins the complete life.
• People are affected financially and legally as well.
• They tend to ruin relationships in life whether they are personal or professional.
• The most common reason to take drugs is to escape from reality.
• Escaping from drugs is a work of will where no changes can be taken or it proves fatal for one’s life.

FAQ’s on Drug Abuse Essay

Question 1. What are the short-term effects of Drugs?

Answer: The effects of drugs vary on the person’s size, gender, mood, fitness, diet, and age. The environment in which it is taken makes a difference. Some people become angry, depressed, or overly talkative.

Question 2. What are the symptoms of drug use?

Answer: Drug use includes a change in behavior, unnecessary anger, withdrawal from family and friends, suspicious activities, and deterioration in health.

Question 3. How can Drugs be avoided?

Answer: The safest option is not to accept the intake of drugs. If you are pressured to do so, you can remove yourself from the situation entirely.

Question 4. Who are easily prone to drugs?

Answer: Anyone can be prone to drugs, but mostly the cases found and proved are teenagers and adults ranging from 11-29 years of age.

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Drug Abuse and Addiction Essay

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Article Summary

Critical reflections.

In the following paper, I have my purpose to summarize the article “From an Attempted Suicide to Salvation, Then to Helping Others” by Mathew Warren printed in New York Times not long ago. In addition, I will offer my comments concerning selected aspects of the article’s importance and will explain my choice of this particular piece of information about the issues of substance abuse and addiction and families.

The article tells about Sheaneen Holimon, a courageous and spirited lady who knows well what the problem of drug addiction is about. After years of fighting with this serious problem, she was so distressed on the reason of her inability to quit this maleficent predilection that she wanted to commit suicide. Still, Ms. Holimon was able to see a miracle eventually as she believed in her future and valued her family.

Ms. Holimon explains that her father’s conduct made her a very unhappy child and caused her to take drugs at a very early age. By the age of fifteen, she was a serious drug addict; however, she succeeded to graduate from high school and find a job as a secretary. Nonetheless, Ms. Holimon did not manage to preserve her working place on the reason of becoming a heavy drunkard and drug addict. She had a small period of revival when she gave birth to her son. Sadly, this period did not continue for long, and she returned to her dangerous lifestyle. The same situation repeated after the birth of her daughter.

Once, she reflected on her entire life, her two little children, long years wasted on the reason of this disastrous lifestyle, and made a wakeup call of last hope to her mother. Then she joined a rehabilitation program. That was not a short experience and not an easy one. Ms. Holimon fought courageously, and eventually, she managed to have certain success. This, in turn, motivated her to help others. Nowadays, though Sheaneen Holimon is still under some rehabilitation therapy by herself, this spirited lady has a significant experience of helping others and overcoming a lot of difficulties for this sake including material ones. To conclude on this encouraging experience, it should be mentioned that Ms. Holimon has succeeded in reviving some of her family relations, and she is still putting a lot of effort to get ahead in this area to the fullest extent possible.

The primary purpose of this article seems to inform the readers about success that was achieved by a courageous lady who strives to conquer her drug addiction throughout her entire life and has managed to have certain achievements. I have chosen this article as I believe it contains an encouraging and powerful message for all people who want to conquer their exhausting battle with drug addiction. The article’s importance cannot be underestimated; every person facing such serious problem as drug addiction, or who has a relative or any other close person with such a terrible problem knows how vital it is to know from some other person’s experience that it is possible to win the fight with this evil.

The article raises the very serious issues that are rife with the problem of drug addiction and family ties. It teaches that the most terrible things in life can be overcome if only the person really wants it and works hard along with others who kindly offer their professional assistance.

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Essay on Drug Abuse in English

Table of Contents

Essay on Drug Abuse: Drug abuse involves compulsive and excessive intake of drugs over a period of time. Repeated use of drugs results in developing addiction that has harmful repercussions. It is a problem that directly impacts the structure and functioning of the brain causing grave damage to it. Drug abuse, a term used for obsessive and excessive use of drugs, is a common problem these days. Regular use of drugs is self damaging. It leads to addiction and causes behavioral changes. Drug abuse particularly impacts the brain and can also lead to other health issues such as kidney failure and heart problem.

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Long and Short Essay on Drug Abuse in English

Here are essays on Drug Abuse of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any drug abuse essay as per your need and interest:

Drug Abuse Essay 200 words

Drug abuse is the repeated and excessive use of drugs. It impacts a person’s mental as well as physical health negatively causing a major damage to the brain. Drug abuse hampers a person’s power to practice self-control and interferes with their ability to resist the urge to take drugs. Drugs are initially taken out of choice, however, it becomes hard to resist them sooner than you realize. It is difficult to recover from this problem and even those who do stand a high risk of developing it again.

People usually take to drug abuse in order to curb the stress caused due to the following:

• Family Issues
• Pressure at Work
• Growing Competition in Schools and Colleges
• Relationship Problems
• Financial Issues
• Feeling of Emptiness

Besides, it can also be a genetic problem. Whatever be the reason, it is essential to understand that drug abuse only aggravates the problems rather than solving them. It is thus wise to stay away from it. Those who have already fallen prey to this problem can seek expert guidance to overcome it. Proper medication, support from loved ones and strong will power can take one out of the dark world of drug abuse. The treatment for drug abuse is extended over a long period so as to ensure that the problem does not relapse.

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Drug Abuse Essay 300 words

Drug abuse refers to obsessive and excessive use of drugs. It impacts a person’s mental as well as physical health mainly causing damage to the brain. Drugs are initially taken by choice owing to different reasons. However, gradually it becomes difficult to resist them. There are different reasons why people take the road to drugs. Here is a look at these and also the ways to curb this problem.

Reasons for Drug Abuse

• Family/Relationship Problems

Many people have problems in their family. For them, drug abuse seems to be an easy escape from the stress caused due to those problems. Youngsters, particularly try to tackle their relationship problems by way of drug abuse.

• Work Pressure

Pressure at work place and competition at the school and college level is another major cause of drug abuse.

It is often seen that a person’s genes also play a significant role in him/ her turning addict. The problem usually, not necessarily, runs in the family.

The feeling of loneliness or emptiness can also force a person to turn to drugs.

Medication for Drug Abuse

Different types of medications are given to people suffering from different stages of drug abuse. Here is a look at these:

• Staying in Treatment

The patient’s brain needs to be trained to adapt to the absence of drugs. This treatment helps the patients control their craving for drugs.

• Withdrawal Treatment

People who stop using drugs can experience symptoms such as stress, anxiety, mood swings, etc. They are prescribed medications to overcome these symptoms.

• Prevent Relapse

There are many factors that can trigger a relapse. Medications are being developed to control these triggers.

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Drug Abuse is a common problem these days. Though hard to resist, the usage of drugs can be controlled with proper medication and guidance.

Drug Abuse Essay 400 words

Drug abuse is a chronic disease. Those who abuse drugs are unable to resist them despite being fully aware about their harmful consequences. Regular intake of drugs can damage the brain adversely and can also lead to various other health problems. Brain changes caused due to heavy intake of drugs can be persistent. Drug addiction is thus known to be a relapsing problem. Here is a look at the various causes of drug abuse and also the ways to overcome this problem:

Factors Causing Drug Abuse

The factors causing drug abuse have mainly been classified in three categories. Here is a look at each of these in detail:

• Environmental Factors

A person’s environment includes various factors such as his social status, family, friends, professional life, etc. Problems in the family, bad company, competition at work and lack of proper guidance and support from parents or teachers can often lead to drug abuse.

• Biological Factors

Drug abuse can also be a genetic problem. A child stands a high chance of falling prey to drug abuse if either of his parents has been under the influence of the same. Certain mental disorders can also cause a person to turn towards drugs.

Though drug addiction can develop at any age however those who begin taking drugs at an early age have a high chance of getting addicted. This is because those areas in their brain that are responsible for self-control, judgement and decision making are still in their development stage. This is the reason why teenagers are more prone to drug abuse.

Ways to Cure Drug Abuse

Though difficult, there are ways to cure the problem of drug abuse. Here is how:

• Expert Guidance

It is suggested to visit a doctor and seek proper medication to overcome this problem. Most of those who are suffering from this grave problem are recommended to join a rehabilitation centre to control it.

• Eat Right and Exercise

The damage caused due to drug abuse must be replenished in order to become physically and mentally fit and this can only be done by having a healthy diet. It is also suggested to exercise regularly in order to keep stress at bay.

Drug abuse, mainly caused in an attempt to overcome emotional upheaval in one’s life, can be self damaging. It is suggested to stick to a healthy lifestyle and steer clear of unhealthy practices such as dependence on drugs or alcohol to stay fit and active.

Drug Abuse Essay 500 words

Drug abuse is excessive, compulsive and repeated use of drugs. It is a chronic disease that can damage a person’s physical as well as mental health beyond repair. Initially, a person takes drugs by choice. However, after some time it becomes almost impossible for him/ her to resist them. Drug addiction is difficult to control and is often referred to as a relapsing disease. It mainly impacts the brain.

Why does this problem occur?

Different people get addicted to drugs owing to different reasons. Here is a look at some of the main reasons that lead to this problem:

Many people take to drugs to overcome the feeling of loneliness. Many a times, people feel that they have no one to share their joys and sorrows with and they eventually take to drugs in order to get rid of this feeling.

• Competition

Growing competition in schools, colleges and at work leads to pressure which is often difficult to handle. Many people turn to drugs in order to handle this pressure.

This is also a common reason for drug abuse. Youngsters often take to drugs in order to overcome the emotional upheaval caused due to failed relationships.

• Experimentation

Many people, mostly teenagers are just curious to find out how drugs taste as well as their after effects. Little do they know that this experimenting can lead to addiction before they would even realise.

Drug abuse is often hereditary. If any of the parents is addicted to drugs, the child has a high risk of incurring the problem.

How to curb this problem?

While it is difficult to get out of the dark world of drug abuse and it is highly likely for the problem to relapse, there are certain things that can help those trying to get rid of this problem. These are discussed below in detail:

• Expert Consultation

It is suggested to consult a doctor or better still join a rehabilitation centre in order to get rid of drug abuse. As easy as it is to fall prey to this problem, it is equally difficult to come out of it. The step by step approach followed at the rehabilitation centres is an effective way to curb this issue.

• Eat Healthy

Your mental as well as physical health deteriorates due to heavy intake of drugs. In order to replenish the lost nutrients, it is suggested to have a healthy diet.

Physical activities such as jogging, dancing, swimming, yoga, etc promote the growth of endorphins also known as the happy hormones. It is suggested to indulge in such activities to get rid of drug addiction as reducing the drug dosage can increase the stress level.

Drug Abuse is a grave problem. Especially common among the youth these days, it can be damaging for those who are addicted as well as the ones related to them. The sensitivity of the issue must be recognized and one must not start this practice in any case. Remember, there are better ways to handle problems such as loneliness, fear, anxiety and heart break.

Below are the list of related essay available at IL

Drug Abuse Essay 600 words

Drug abuse, the compulsive and excessive use of drugs, particularly impacts a person’s brain. It causes brain changes that make it difficult for a person to practice self-control and interfere with their power to defy the urge to take drugs. The changes in the functioning of the brain are inexorable and this is the reason why it often relapses. Even those who recover stand a high risk of returning to drugs even after years of recovery. However, this does not mean that the treatment is not effective enough. One must ensure that the treatment is not stopped. It is an ongoing process though the doctors alter the medication from time to time on the basis of the response received from the patients.

What causes Drug Addiction?

Different people fall prey to this self-damaging habit due to different reasons. Some of the key reasons for drug addiction are shared below:

Feeling of emptiness can be the worst feeling and is often difficult to handle. To get rid of these feelings, many people take the road to drugs. They feel that drugs will help them fill the void.

Many students begin taking drugs to overcome the study related stress. Similarly, there is so much pressure in the corporate offices these days that people are unable to cope up with it. They often turn towards drugs to deal with the stress and anxiety caused at work.

• Family/ Relationship problems

Many people also tend to begin taking drugs to overcome stress caused due to family issues or relationship problems and eventually become addicted to the same.

Teenagers often try drugs just for experimenting and get addicted to them before they even realise. Teenagers are more prone to get addicted to them.

Drug addiction can even be genetic. It is often seen that this problem runs in the families. So, there is a high risk of children getting addicted if their parents abuse drugs.

• Drugs Available on Prescription

Most drugs prescribed by the doctors are as addictive as the street drugs. Many people mistake them as safe and repeated use of these leads to addiction.

Measures to Overcome Drug Addiction

Overcoming drug addiction can be difficult. However, it is not impossible. With the help of medication, expert guidance and support from family and friends, one can overcome this problem. Discussed below are some measures to help you overcome drug abuse.

• Consult Doctor

It takes much more than a strong will power when it comes to getting rid of drug addiction. If you have taken the plunge to get out of the dark world of drugs then it is suggested to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Reducing drug dosage may result in increased level of stress. You can overcome this to a large extent by indulging in physical activities such as jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing and yoga among others.

Your physical health especially brain deteriorates because of regular intake of drugs. It is thus advised to have food that contains all the essential nutrients.

• Talk to Close Ones

Instead of keeping your feelings to yourself, it is suggested to vent them out. Talk to your family and friends about your issues. This is a good way to de-stress rather than relying on drugs.

Drug abuse is a growing problem, especially among the youths. There are many reasons that lead to this problem and the impact it has is extremely damaging. It is essential to spread awareness about the negative repercussions of drugs to discourage their use. Those gripped by this problem must consult a doctor and seek help from those close to them to come out of hellish world of drug abuse.

Essay on Drug Abuse FAQs

What is drug abuse in a short paragraph.

Drug abuse is the harmful use of drugs for non-medical reasons, leading to addiction and health problems.

How to write an essay on drugs?

Start with an introduction about drugs, discuss their effects and consequences, and end with a conclusion.

What is the definition of drug abuse in an essay?

Drug abuse in an essay is defined as the excessive and harmful use of substances that can lead to addiction.

How to write an essay on drug addiction?

Begin with what drug addiction is, describe its impact on individuals and society, and conclude with possible solutions.

What is a drug addiction paragraph in simple words?

Drug addiction is when a person cannot stop using drugs, despite knowing the harm it causes.

What is drug addiction short notes?

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.

What do you mean by drug abuse?

Drug abuse means using drugs in a way that is harmful to yourself or others.

What is drug abuse examples?

Examples of drug abuse include using prescription drugs without a prescription or taking illegal drugs like cocaine or heroin.

How can drugs affect you?

Drugs can harm your health, change your behavior, and impact your relationships and work.

What is drug abuse in India?

In India, drug abuse is a growing problem, especially among youth, leading to health issues and social problems.

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Essay on Drug Awareness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drug Awareness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Drug Awareness

Understanding drugs.

Drugs are substances that can change how your body and mind work. They can be legal, like medicine prescribed by a doctor, or illegal.

Effects of Drugs

Drugs can make you feel different. Some might make you feel happy for a short time, but they can also harm your body and brain.

The Risk of Addiction

Some people may start using drugs out of curiosity or to feel good, but it can lead to addiction. Addiction is when you can’t stop taking the drug, even if it’s causing harm.

Staying Safe

It’s important to say no to illegal drugs and only take medicines as directed by a doctor.

250 Words Essay on Drug Awareness

Introduction, the importance of drug awareness.

Drug awareness is essential to equip individuals with knowledge about the potential risks and consequences of drug use. It helps in understanding the difference between use and misuse, the signs of addiction, and the effects of drugs on physical and mental health. This knowledge can be a powerful tool in preventing drug misuse and addiction.

The Role of Education

Education plays a significant role in drug awareness. It is not only about imparting knowledge but also about fostering a healthy attitude towards drug use. Educational institutions, particularly colleges, hold a responsibility to provide students with accurate information, enabling them to make informed decisions.

In conclusion, drug awareness is a vital aspect of health education. It empowers individuals, especially college students, to make informed decisions about drug use, thus preventing potential misuse and addiction. The role of education in promoting drug awareness cannot be overstated, as it equips students with necessary knowledge and fosters a responsible attitude towards drug use.

500 Words Essay on Drug Awareness

The issue of drug abuse and addiction has become a global concern, with implications that transcend cultural, economic, and social boundaries. Drug awareness is a critical aspect in curbing this menace, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to resist drug use, and encourages a healthier, safer society.

The Prevalence of Drug Abuse

The prevalence of drug abuse is alarming, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 5.5% of the world’s population aged 15-64 years have used drugs at least once in their lifetime. This statistic underscores the urgency for effective drug awareness programs. It is essential to understand the factors contributing to drug abuse, which include peer pressure, curiosity, stress, and the desire for escapism. These factors, coupled with the easy accessibility of drugs, create a potent recipe for addiction.

Components of Effective Drug Awareness Programs

Effective drug awareness programs should be comprehensive, targeting various aspects of the drug abuse issue. Firstly, they should provide factual information about drugs, their effects, and the risks associated with their use. Secondly, they must equip individuals with the skills to resist peer pressure and make informed decisions. Lastly, these programs should provide support and resources for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing that recovery is possible and that help is available.

The Role of Society in Drug Awareness

Society plays a significant role in promoting drug awareness. Schools, workplaces, and communities can host awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars. The media can also play an influential role in disseminating accurate information about drugs and addiction. Moreover, government policies can support drug awareness initiatives, providing funding and resources for these programs.

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Essay on Drug Addiction

Drugs impact the body and brain adversely. Different kinds of drugs have been created to render different effects. These are all addictive and hard to leave. Drug addiction is a serious problem. It is easy to get addicted to drugs but extremely difficult to get rid of this addiction. The health issues caused by drug addiction can continue even after a person stops taking drugs.

Long and Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English

Here are long and short essay on Drug Addiction of various lengths to help you with the topic in your exam.

These Drug Addiction essay have been written using very simple and easy language to convey the facts on Drug Addiction among people.

After going through these essays you would be able to know what Drug Addiction is, how Drug Addiction is harmful to health, what are ways to overcome Drug Addiction, impact of Drug Addiction on human behaviour, etc.

Short Essay on Drug Addiction (200 words) – Essay 1

Drug addiction is a common problem these days. Vast number of people around the world suffers from this problem. Drugs offer an instant pleasure and relief from stress. Many people begin taking drugs as an escape from their painful reality. Others take drugs just to experience how it feels.

Yet others take it just to give company to their friends so that they don’t get left out. Whatever be the reason, before a person knows, he gets addicted to drugs and it is hard to get rid of this addiction. Short-term pleasure caused by the use of drugs can lead to serious long term problems. It can cause severe health issues and behavioural changes.

Some of the symptoms of drug addiction include loss of appetite, impaired coordination, and restlessness, loss of interest in work, financial issues, and change of social circle, secretive behaviour, frequent mood swings and anxious behaviour.

Many people argue that overcoming addiction just requires will power and determination. However, this is not it. It requires much more. Drug addiction alters the brain and causes powerful cravings. Will power alone cannot help overcome this strong urge. It is essential to seek professional help and take proper medication in order to get rid of drug addiction. It can take years to overcome this addiction and the chances of a relapse cannot be ruled out completely.

Essay on Drug Addiction: Harmful for Health (300 words) – Essay 2

Introduction

Drug addiction weakens a person’s immune system. It causes various mental and physical illnesses. The problems can be both short term and long term. The kind of drug a person consumes, how he consumes it, how much he consumes it and the period of time for which he takes it form the basis of different health problems.

Drug Addiction: Impact on Physical Health

Drug addiction can take a toll on a person’s physical health. It harms various parts of the body including brain, throat, lungs, stomach, pancreas, liver, heart and the nervous system. It can cause health problems such as nausea, heart problem, damaged liver, stroke, lung disease, weight loss and even cancer.

Drug addicts also stand a high risk of contracting AIDS. This is because they usually share needles to inject drugs. Driving or even walking on the road while you are under the influence of drugs can be risky. Such a person has a high chance of meeting with accident.

Drug Addiction: Impact on Mental Health

Drug addiction has severe impact on a person’s brain. Drugs interfere with decision making and impact a person’s psychomotor skills. They can cause mental health issues such as depression, Alzheimer, insomnia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, conduct problems and psychosocial dysfunctions. Drug addicts have suicidal thoughts and often attempt suicide.

Drug Addiction: Effect on Unborn Babies

Drug addiction can put the unborn babies in high risk. Pregnant women addicted to drugs can harm the fetus. Unborn babies are likely to develop birth defects and both mental and physical abnormalities. Drug addiction can also result in premature birth. Some babies even display behavioural issues later in life. It is highly recommended to get rid of drug addiction before planning a baby.

The overall health of a person weakens immensely due to regular dose of drugs. Such a person often loses touch with the reality and becomes delusional. He is also likely to catch infections much faster due to weakened immune system.

Essay on Drug Addiction – Ways to Overcome Drug Addiction (400 words) – Essay 3

People belonging to different age groups and varied walks of life fall prey to drug addiction. While some are able to overcome this addiction with some difficulty, others get thrown in the dark world of drugs forever. One needs to be truly willing to get rid of drug addiction and put as much effort to overcome this abuse.

Risks of Drug Addiction

While anyone can develop drug addiction some people have a greater chance of developing this. Here is a look at people who are at high risk of developing drug addiction:

• Those who have suffered some heart wrenching/ traumatic experiences in life.
• Those who have a family history of drug addiction.
• Those who have suffered mental or physical abuse or neglect.
• Those suffering from depression and anxiety.

Ways to Overcome Drug Addiction

Here are some of the ways to overcome drug addiction:

• List the Reasons to Quit

As you decide to quit drug addiction, make a list of the problems you are facing due to your addiction. This can include problems at work front, problems with your spouse, kids and parents, physical and mental health issues and more. Read this list everyday as you embark on your journey to quit this hazardous habit. This will motivate you to leave it.

• Enroll at a Rehabilitation Centre

This is one of the main steps to overcome drug addiction. Good rehabilitation centres have qualified and experienced professionals who know just how to deal with the addicts and help them get rid of their drug addiction. Meeting other drug addicts and seeing how hard they are trying to leave this addiction to get back to normal life can also be encouraging.

• Seek Support from Friends and Family

Love and support from our near and dear ones can play an important part when it comes to getting rid of drug addiction. It can help the drug addict stay determined and motivated to leave this detestable habit. So, do not hesitate to discuss this problem with them. They will be more than willing to help you get rid of the addiction.

As you stop the consumption of drugs, you may suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Medication is required to deal with these symptoms. Medication also helps in preventing relapse. Health issues that may have been caused due to drug addiction also need to be cured. Medicines will help cure them.

Conclusion 

Drug addiction can be extremely hard to leave. However, it is not impossible to do so. Strong determination and support from friends and family can help in getting rid of drug addiction.

Essay on Drug Addiction: Impact of Drug Addiction on Human Behaviour (500 words) – Essay 5

Drug Addiction impacts the physical health badly. It puts the addict at the risk of incurring health problems such as cardiac arrest, stroke and abdominal pain. It also causes mental health issues such as depression, insomnia and bipolar disorder to name a few. In addition to impacting a person’s health, drug addiction also impacts the human behaviour. All kinds of drugs including cocaine, marijuana and weed, impact the brain instinct and cause mood swings that result in behavioural issues.

Common Behavioural Issues Faced by Drug Addicts

Drug addiction messes with a person’s brain function. It interferes with the way a person behaves and the kind of choices he makes.

• Aggressiveness

A person who is under the influence of drugs can get highly aggressive. Drug addicts often get enraged on the smallest of things. This behaviour is not just seen when they are experiencing a high. Continual use of drugs somehow embeds aggressiveness in their personality. It is difficult to get along with such people. You need to be highly cautious around them as they can throw frequent bouts of anger and aggression.

• Impaired Judgement

Drug addiction bars a person’s ability to think rationally. Drug addicts are unable to take proper decisions. Their judgement is impaired. They can no longer distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.

• Impulsiveness

Drug addicts also display impulsive behaviour. They act and react without thinking much. This behaviour is usually displayed when they are feeling a high. However, they may even display impulsive behaviour when they return to their normal state. Drug addicts mostly take decisions that they regret later.

• Loss of Self Control

Drug addiction takes over the addict’s brain and they lose self control. They cannot control their actions even if they wish to. They grow strong craving for drugs and it is hard to resist even though they wish to. They also cannot control their reaction to things. Drugs overpower their decisions, actions, reactions and behaviour.

• Low Performance at Work

A person who grows addicted to drugs experiences a drop in performance at work/ school. He is unable to concentrate on his work and continually thinks about taking drugs. He feels lethargic and low on energy when he doesn’t get his supply. All this is a big hindrance to work.

• Hallucination

It has been noted that those under the influence of drugs often hallucinate. They see things and hear noises that do not really exist. The drugs that are particularly known for causing hallucinations include Salvia, Mescaline, LSD, Psilocybin Mushrooms and Ketamine.

In an attempt to hide their drug addiction from family and friends drug addicts often grow secretive. They usually avoid spending time with their parents/ kids/ spouse. They often socialize with other drug addicts and stop hanging out with other friends. This often makes them socially awkward.

Drug addiction can cause behavioural issues that can impact a person’s personal as well as professional life negatively. It is an addiction that one must get rid of as soon as possible. A person may struggle to make positive changes in his behaviour long after he has left drug addiction.

Long Essay on Drug Addiction: The Worst Addiction (600 words) – Essay 5

Drug intake releases large amount of dopamine that puts a person in an ecstatic state. People love experiencing this happy state and wish to get here time and again which is one of the main reasons of drug addiction. Initially most people take drugs voluntarily however it soon turns out to be an addiction. Drug addiction is the worst kind of addiction. It is hard to leave and the negative repercussions it has may last even after a person gets rid of this addiction.

Types of Drugs

Drugs have broadly been categorized into three types. These are depressant, stimulants and hallucinogens. Here is a look at the impact each one of them causes on a human mind and body:

• Depressants : Depressants include cannabis, opiates, benzodiazepines and alcohol. They are known to slow down the speed of the messages going to and from the brain and thus lower the ability to take charge of a situation. When taken in small amount, depressants can make a person feel relaxed. However, when taken in large quantity, these can cause nausea, vomiting and unconsciousness.
• Stimulants : Stimulants, on the other hand, speed up the messages going to and from the brain. They have the power to boost a person’s confidence level instantly. On the downside, they can cause high blood pressure, increase heart rate and cause restlessness, agitation and insomnia. Continual use of such drugs causes panic attacks, anxiety and paranoia. Stimulants include nicotine, caffeine, cocaine and amphetamines.
• Hallucinogens : Hallucinogens include LSF, PCP, cannabis, mescaline and psilocybin. These drugs cause hallucination and distort a person’s sense of reality. When taken continually, these drugs can cause high blood pressure, nausea, paranoia and numbness.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction

A person who grows addicted to drugs is likely to show the following signs and symptoms:

• Change in appetite
• Unexpected weight gain or weight loss
• Change in sleep pattern
• Slurred speech
• Change in friend circle
• Sudden bouts of anger
• Bloodshot eyes
• Loss of interest in work
• Low performance at work/school
• Secretive behaviour
• Being lethargic, distant and disinterested
• Frequent mood swings
• Lack of motivation
• Anxious behaviour

Drug Addiction Hampers Professional Life

Drug addiction has an adverse impact on a person’s brain. People lose their self control. They become so addicted to drugs that all they can think about is consuming them. This is the only thing that interests them. They are unable to concentrate on work and lose interest in it. Even if they try to work they feel lethargic and withdrawn.

Drugs have an impact on their cognitive skills, analytical skills and decision making power. This impacts their professional life adversely. Drug addicts also display irrational behaviour. They grow aggressive, develop impaired judgement and become impulsive. Such behaviour is unacceptable in an office setting. It puts them in a bad light and bars the chances of professional growth.

Drug Addiction Ruins Personal Relationships

A person addicted to drugs loves the company of those who take drugs and tries to spend most of his time with them. He is no longer interested in his family and friends. He often distances himself from them. He becomes irritable and aggressive. This leads to frequent arguments and quarrels which disturb his family life as well as his equation with his friends. A person addicted to drugs does not only spoil his own life but also of those around him.

Drugs can overpower a person’s ability to think and act. They can lead to several health hazards, behavioural problems and relationship issues. The safest bet is to stay away from drugs. People who get addicted to drugs have little chance to leave this addiction. They end up ruining their life and also cause a lot of suffering to their loved ones.

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Making Addiction Treatment More Realistic and Pragmatic: The Perfect Should Not be the Enemy of the Good

This essay was also published by Health Affairs on January 3, 2022.

Last year saw  drug overdose deaths  in the U.S. surpass an unthinkable milestone: 100,000 deaths in a year. This is the highest number of drug overdoses in our country’s history, and the numbers are climbing every month.

There is an urgent need for a nationwide, coordinated response that a tragedy of this magnitude demands.  Recent data  from 2020 shows that only 13 percent of people with drug use disorders receive any treatment. Only 11 percent of people with opioid use disorder receive one of the three safe and effective medications that could help them quit and stay in recovery.

The magnitude of this crisis demands out-of-the-box thinking and willingness to jettison old, unhelpful, and unsupported assumptions about what treatment and recovery need to look like. Among them is the traditional view that abstinence is the sole aim and only valid outcome of addiction treatment.

While not using any drugs or alcohol poses the fewest health risks and is often necessary for sustained recovery, different people may need different options. Temporary returns to use after periods of abstinence are part of many recovery journeys, and it shouldn’t be ruled out that some substance use or ongoing use of other substances even during treatment and recovery might be a way forward for some subset of individuals.

Reduced number of heavy drinking days is already recognized as a meaningful clinical outcome in research and medication development for alcohol addiction.  Clinical endpoints other than abstinence , such as reduced use, are now being considered in medication trials for drug use disorders. This could facilitate the approval of a wider range of medications to treat addiction, as well as open the door to medications that address symptoms associated with it, such as sleep disorders and anxiety. The existing medications methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone have proven to be effective at reducing relapse risk and improving other outcomes in patients with opioid use disorder, but more options could benefit more patients. And medications to treat other drug use disorders are needed.

Temporary returns to drug use are so common and expected during treatment and recovery that addiction is described as a chronic relapsing condition, like some autoimmune diseases. Yet these setbacks may still be regarded by family, friends, communities, and even physicians as failures, resetting the clock of recovery to zero. Patients in some drug addiction treatment programs are even expelled if they produce positive urine samples.

Healthcare and society must move beyond this dichotomous, moralistic view of drug use and abstinence and the judgmental attitudes and practices that go with it.

There are still many unknowns about the different trajectories that recovery may take, but stereotypes should not guide us in the absence of knowledge. Research in the field of  nicotine addiction  shows that a person’s first cigarette after a period of abstinence raises the risk of returning to their pre-treatment use pattern but does not always have that outcome. Research on the consequences of returning to opioid, stimulant, or cannabis use after a period of non-use is still needed, but there is little evidence to support the assumption—reinforced in movies and TV shows—that a single return to drug use following on a one-time loss of resolve will automatically lead the individual straight back to their former compulsive consumption.

Medicine can perhaps learn from the recovery world, where a distinction is increasingly made between a one-time return to drug use, a “slip” or “lapse,” and a return to the heavy and compulsive use pattern of an individual’s active addiction—the more stereotypical understanding of relapse. The distinction is meant to acknowledge that a person’s resolve to recover may even be strengthened by such lapses and that they need not be catastrophic for the individual’s recovery.

A return to substance use after a period of abstinence may also, in some cases, lead to less frequent use than before treatment. Such a trajectory has been identified in research on  drug and alcohol treatment outcomes in adolescents . For some drugs, any reduced use is  likely beneficial : Less frequent illicit substance use means less frequent need to obtain an illicit substance and fewer opportunities for infectious disease transmission or fatal overdose. It may also increase the likelihood that a person can be a supportive family member, hold a job, and make other healthy choices in their life.  

But as long as treatment is only regarded as successful if it produces abstinence, then even one-time lapses can trigger unnecessary guilt, shame, and hopelessness. If an individual feels like they are bad, weak, or wrong for taking a drink or drug after a period in recovery, it could potentially make it more likely for those slips to become more serious relapses. As it now stands, even a slip can produce a positive urine sample or force the honest patient to self-report a return to drug use, which can then trigger the judgment and punitive policies of their treatment program or the law as well as trigger the personal sense that they have failed again and there is no hope for their recovery.  

Another deleterious effect of equating treatment success with abstinence and drug use with treatment failure is that some people with SUDs are unready to give up substances completely. In fact, this is one of the main reasons people who could benefit from addiction treatment do not seek it. Although it may not be ideal or optimal, treating an opioid or methamphetamine use disorder even while a person continues to use cannabis or alcohol would be a net individual and public health benefit.

Realistically and pragmatically addressing addiction requires that we not let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Right now, we need all the good we can get. It also means offering supports for people with SUD that protect against the worst consequences of drug use. Syringe-services programs reduce HIV transmission and offer people an entry point into treatment; naloxone distribution to people who use opioids and their families reduces overdose fatalities. Neither of these measures increase drug use in communities that implement them, as critics often worry.

Other harm-reduction modalities being studied include personal drug-testing equipment like fentanyl test strips, as well as overdose prevention centers—places where people can use drugs under medical supervision, which are in operation in other countries and, as of late November, are available in New York City. Such services could potentially help mitigate some of the risks associated with lapses and relapses, such as heightened risk of overdose due to lost tolerance. The latter currently accounts for many fatal overdoses after people with an untreated opioid use disorder are released from prison, for example.  

Drug addiction is a chronic but treatable disorder with well-understood genetic and social contributors. It is not a sign of a person’s weakness or bad character. Continued or intermittent use of drugs, even by people who know they have a disorder and are trying hard to recover from it, must be acknowledged as part of the reality of the disorder for many who struggle with it. Just as we must stop stigmatizing addiction, we must also stop stigmatizing people who use drugs as being bad or weak, and instead offer them support to help prevent addiction’s most adverse consequences.

Dr. Nora Volkow, Director

Here I highlight important work being done at NIDA and other news related to the science of drug use and addiction.

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Drug Addiction Essay

In this Drug Addiction Essay , we had described drug addiction, its adverse effects; different types of drugs that are produced has different effects.

All these addictions are difficult to quit and has severe problem , health issues caused by drug addiction can persist even after a person has taken drugs.

In this article ‘ Essay on Drug Addiction ‘, we had provided the various essays in different word limits, which you can use as per your need:

Essay on Drug Addiction 200 words:

Drugs are a common problem this day, a large number of people worldwide suffer from this problem.

Drugs provide instant pleasure and stress relief; many people start taking drugs as an escape from their painful reality.

Few Peoples take drugs to experience how it feels or to give company to their friends before a person knows, it becomes addicted to drugs for him and it is difficult to get rid of this addiction.

Short-term enjoyment from the drugs can lead to serious long-term problems; this can cause serious health issues and behaviour changes.

Some of the symptoms of drug addiction include loss of appetite, impaired coordination and restlessness, lack of interest in work, financial issues and change of social cycle, covert behaviour, repeated mood swings and anxious behaviour.

Many argue that overcoming addiction simply requires willpower and determination; however, this is not the case, and it requires a lot.

To get rid of drug addiction, it is necessary to seek professional help and take appropriate medication.

This addiction can take years to overcome, and the possibility of relapse cannot be completely ruled out.

Drug Addiction Essay 300 words:

Intoxication weakens a person’s immune system; it causes various mental and physical illnesses; this problem can be short term or long term.

The kind of medicine a person consumes, how much he destroys it and the duration by which he takes it becomes the basis of various health problems.

Effect on Physical Health:

Drugs can affect a person’s physical health; it irritates various parts of the body, including the brain, throat, lungs, stomach, pancreas, liver, heart and nervous system.

It can cause health problems such as sickness, heart problems, damaged liver, stroke, lung disease, weight loss and even cancer.

There is a high risk of contracting AIDS by drug addicts because they usually share needles to inject drugs.

Driving under the influence of drugs or walking on the road can be risky because an accident is more likely to happen to such a person.

Effects on Mental Health:

Drugs have a severe effect on a person’s brain. Drugs delay decision making and affect a person’s psychosocial skills.

They can cause mental health issues such as depression, Alzheimer’s, insomnia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, conduct problems and psychosocial dysfunction.

Drug users have suicidal thoughts and often attempt suicide.

Effects on Unborn Babies:

Drug addiction can put unborn children at high risk. Pregnant women addicted to alcohol can harm the fetus.

Unborn babies are more likely to develop inherited disabilities and abnormal mental and physical abnormalities.

Intoxication can also lead to premature birth; some children also exhibit behavioural issues later in life.

Getting rid of drug addiction is highly recommended before planning a child.

Conclusion:

A person’s overall health becomes fragile due to regular doses of medicines; such a person often loses touch with reality and becomes confused.

Due to a nervous, immune system, he can catch infection very fast.

Essay on Drug Addiction 400 words:

People belonging to different age groups and from different walks of life are victims of intoxication.

While some can overcome this addiction with some difficulty, others are terrified into the dark world of drugs forever.

A person needs to be prepared to try as much as possible to get rid of drug addiction and to overcome this abuse.

Drug Addiction Risks:

While anyone can develop a drug addiction, some people are more likely to create it. Here’s a look at those who are at high risk of developing drug addiction:

People have had some heartbreaking/ painful experiences in life.

Those who have a family history of intoxication; also, suffers mental or physical abuse or neglect.

Those are suffering from depression and anxiety.

Ways to Overcome Drug Addiction:

Here are some ways to overcome addiction:

• Enrol in a rehabilitation centre.
• This is one of the main steps to overcome drug addiction.
• Good rehabilitation centres have qualified and experienced professionals who know how to deal with addicts and help them get rid of drug addiction.
• Meeting other drug addictions and seeing how hard they are trying to quit this addiction to regain a healthy life can also be encouraging.
• Seek help from friends and family
• Love and support from your near and dear ones can play an important role when it comes to getting rid of drug addiction.
• This can help determine dependency and may prompt you to give up this disgusting habit.
• Therefore, do not hesitate to discuss this problem with them; they will be more than willing to help you get rid of addiction.

As you stop the consumption of drugs, you may suffer from symptoms & medication is required to deal with these symptoms, it also helps prevent relapse.

Health issues caused by drug addiction also need to be corrected & medications will help cure them.

It can be challenging to give up the addiction; however, this is not impossible to do.

Strong determination and support from friends and family can help relieve addiction.

Drug Addiction Essay 500 words:

Intoxication affects physical health severely; this puts the addict at risk of health problems such as cardiac arrest, stroke and abdominal pain.

It also causes mental health issues such as depression, insomnia and bipolar disorder, etc.

Apart from affecting a person’s health, intoxication also affects human behaviour.

All types of drugs, including cocaine, marijuana, and weed, affect the brain’s instinct and cause mood swings, resulting in behavioural problems.

Common behavioural issues faced by drug addicts:

Intoxication falters with a person’s brain function; it interferes with the way a person behaves and the kind of choices they make.

Aggression:

A person who is under the influence of drugs can be highly aggressive. Drug addicts often get angry over trivial matters.

This behaviour is not seen only when they are experiencing high; the frequent use of drugs someway communicates aggression in their personality.

It is difficult to get along with such people; you need to be extremely vigilant around them as they can throw up frequent bouts of anger and aggression.

Poor judgment:

Drug addiction bars a person’s ability to reason; they are unable to make appropriate decisions.

They can no longer distinguish between what is right and what is wrong.

Drug users also display impulsive behaviour; they act and react without much thought. This behaviour is usually displayed when they are feeling high.

However, they may also exhibit impulsive behaviour when they return to their normal state.

Drug addicts mostly make decisions they later regret.

Loss of self-control:

Drug addiction dominates the minds of addicts, and they lose self-control.

They have an intense craving for drugs and are difficult to resist even if they want to.

Drugs dominate their decisions, actions, reactions and behaviour.

Low performance in work:

A person who is addicted to narcotics experiences a decline in performance at work/school.

He is unable to concentrate on his work and continually thinks about taking drugs.

When he does not get his supplies, he feels sluggish and low on energy; all this is a significant obstacle to work.

It has been noted that people under the influence of drugs often have hallucinations; they see things and hear noises that don’t exist.

Medications specifically known for hallucinations include salvia, mescaline, LSD, psilocybin mushrooms, and ketamine.

Venereal disease:

Trying to conceal your drug addiction from family and friends’ drug addicts often leads to underlying conditions.

They usually avoid spending time with their parents/children/spouse.

They often socialize with other drug addicts and stop hanging out with other friends; this often makes them socially awkward.

Drug addiction can cause behavioural problems that can negatively affect a person’s personal as well as professional life.

It is an addiction that the person should get rid of as soon as possible.

A person may struggle to make positive changes in his behaviour long after he has given up his intoxication.

Essay on Drug Addiction 600 words:

Large amounts of dopamine are released from the use of drugs, which puts a person in ecstasy.

People like to experience this blissful state and desire to come here again and again, which is one of the leading causes of intoxication.

Initially, most people take drugs voluntarily, but it soon becomes an addiction & it is the worst type of addiction.

It is difficult to quit and can also have negative consequences after a person gets rid of this addiction.

Drugs Type:

They are classified into three types.

Depressants: It includes cannabis, opiates, benzodiazepines, and alcohol.

They are known to slow the speed of messages going to and from the brain and thus reduce the ability to handle a situation.

When taken in small amounts, depression can make a person feel relaxed; however, when taken in large numbers, they can cause nausea, vomiting and fainting.

Stimulants: Stimulants, on the other hand, speed up messages going to and from the brain.

They have the power to boost a person’s confidence level immediately.

On the downside, they can cause high blood pressure, increase heart rate and cause restlessness, agitation and insomnia.

Frequent use of such drugs leads to panic attacks, anxiety and paranoia, stimulants include nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, and amphetamine.

Hallucinogen: Hallucinogen contains mescaline and psilocybin. These drugs cause hallucinations and distort the reality of a person.

When taken continuously, these medicines can cause high blood pressure, nausea, paranoia and numbness.

Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction:

A person who is addicted to drugs is likely to show the following signs and symptoms:

• Change in appetite.
• Unexpected weight gain or weight loss.
• Change in sleep pattern.
• Slurred speech.
• Switch to the circle of friends.
• Suddenly angry.
• Bloodshot eyes.
• Lack of interest in work.
• Underperformance at work/school.
• Dishonest behaviour.
• Feeling of dullness, distant and apathetic.
• Frequent mood swings.
• Lack of motivation.
• Disgusting behaviour.
• Drug addiction impacts professional life.

Drugs have adverse effects on a person’s brain; People lose their self-control; they become so addicted to drugs that everyone thinking about them is eating them.

They are unable to concentrate on work and lose interest in it; even if they try to work, they feel tired and withdraw.

Drugs have an impact on their cognitive skills, analytical skills, and decision-making power & adversely affects their professional lives.

Drug addicts also exhibit irrational behaviour; they become aggressive, develop impaired judgment and grow impulsive.

Such behaviour is unacceptable in an office setting & puts them in a bad light and prevents the possibility of professional development.

Drug Addiction Affects Personal Relationship:

A drug addict loves the company of drug users and tries to spend most of his time with them; he is no longer interested in his family and friends.

This often leads to arguments and quarrels that spoil their family life as well as their equation with their friends.

A drug addict spoils not only his life but also peoples around him.

Also, read 1. Terr orism Essay 2. Corruption in India 3. Child labour Essay 4. Blood donation Essay

In this Drug Addiction Essay, we had described the Drugs can strengthen a person’s ability to think and act; it can rise to many health hazards, behavioural problems and relationship issues.

The safest way is to stay away from drugs; people who are addicted to drugs have little chance of quitting the addiction.

It ruins their lives and causes deep sorrow to their loved ones.

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The effects of drug abuse and addiction on family and friends

Understanding your loved one’s substance abuse, recognizing drug abuse in a loved one, how to talk to someone about their drug abuse, supporting a loved one’s addiction recovery, setting healthy boundaries, taking care of yourself, helping someone with a drug addiction.

Does someone you love have a drug problem? Whether it’s illegal substances or prescription medication, you can’t force anyone to stop abusing drugs. But there are ways to support their recovery.

Witnessing someone you care about battle a substance use disorder can be extremely distressing and take a heavy toll on your own mental and emotional well-being. Whether the drug abuser is a close friend, spouse, parent, child, or other family member, it’s easy for their addiction to take over your life. It can pile stress upon stress, test your patience, strain your bank balance, and leave you racked by feelings of guilt, shame, anger, fear, frustration, and sadness.

You may worry about where your loved one is at any given time, their risk of overdosing, or the damage they’re doing to their health, future, and home life. You may be in debt from paying their living expenses, the cost of legal troubles resulting from their drug abuse, or from failed attempts at rehab and recovery. You may also be worn down by covering for your loved one at home or work, having to shoulder the responsibilities they neglect, or being unable to devote more time to other family, friends, and interests in your life.

As despairing as you may feel, you’re not alone in your struggle. A Pew Research Center survey in 2017 found that nearly half of Americans have a family member or close friend who’s been addicted to drugs. Across the Western world, the abuse of prescription pain relievers and tranquillizers has skyrocketed in recent years, creating a public health crisis. (Along with marijuana, they’re now among the most frequently abused drugs.)

Whether the problem is with recreational drugs or prescription medications, drug abuse and addiction can affect people from all walks of life, wrecking families, tearing relationships apart, and destroying lives. But there is help available. While you can’t force someone to tackle their addiction, your love, support, and patience can play a vital part in their recovery. With these guidelines, you can learn to support your loved one’s efforts, set the necessary boundaries to preserve your own health and welfare, and find some stability for both yourself and your loved one.

People start using drugs for a lot of different reasons. Many turn to substances to cope with the emotional pain of a mental health problem, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD. Known as self-medicating , some people may be aware they have a mental health issue but are unable to find healthier ways of coping, while others remain undiagnosed and use drugs to manage specific symptoms.

Other people turn to drugs to change how they feel, to fit in, or to alleviate boredom or dissatisfaction with their lives. Then there are those whose substance abuse develops from a doctor’s well-intentioned efforts to treat a medical condition. Of all the people prescribed opioids to relieve pain, for example, estimates suggest that more than a quarter will end up misusing the drug.

[Read: Opioid Addiction]

Whatever your loved one’s reason for starting, though, not everyone who uses drugs develops a problem. While the exact causes of addiction aren’t clear, genetics likely plays a role, along with environmental factors. While one person is able to use substances without detrimental effects, another finds even casual use quickly escalates into compulsion and addiction—a very dark hole from which they can feel powerless to emerge.

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It’s not always easy to recognize if a loved one is abusing drugs. In teens, for example, drug abuse can often resemble normal adolescent moodiness. Furthermore, there’s no specific amount or frequency of use that indicates someone’s drug use has become a cause for concern. Whether your loved one is using every day or every month, it’s the adverse impact their drug abuse has on their life that indicates a problem.

[Read: Drug Abuse and Addiction]

Signs your loved one may have a substance use disorder include:

Experiencing problems at work, school, or home . They appear high more often, for example, and take more days away from work or school to compensate. Their work performance or school grades suffer, they neglect their responsibilities at home, and encounter more and more relationship difficulties. They may even lose their job, drop out of school, or separate from a long-term partner.

New health issues , such as changes in sleep schedule, often appearing fatigued or run-down, pronounced weight loss or weight gain, glassy or bloodshot eyes, and forgetfulness or other cognition problems. Depending on the type of drug they’re abusing, they may also exhibit frequent sniffing, nosebleeds, or shaking.

Changes in their mood and behavior . Your loved one may be more secretive and lie about what they’re doing, where they’re going, or how much they’re using. They may be quick to anger or lash out, especially if you try to talk to them about their drug use. Heavy drug users often lose interest in old hobbies, lack energy, and become more moody, withdrawn, and sad. They may even neglect their appearance and personal hygiene, and suffer withdrawal symptoms if deprived of their drug of choice.

Recurring financial problems . Your loved one may run up credit card debt to support their drug use, seek loans, or ask to borrow money without any solid reason. They may even steal money or valuables to sell for drugs.

Drug paraphernalia to look out for

You may also be able to spot a loved one’s substance abuse through the new or increased presence of drug paraphernalia.

• Paper wraps, small pieces of cling film, and tiny plastic bags are used to store drugs.
• Rolling papers, pipes, bongs, or pierced plastic bottles or cans are often used to smoke drugs.
• Burnt foil, spoons, and syringes may indicate heroin use.
• Those abusing prescription medications may be renewing their prescriptions more frequently or have bottles of medication prescribed for someone else.

Starting a conversation with someone about their drug addiction is never easy, but it’s important you come from a place of compassion and understanding. Remember, no one sets out to become an addict. Drug abuse is often a misguided attempt to cope with painful issues or mental health problems. Stress tends to fuel addictive behavior, so criticizing, demeaning, or shaming them will only push your loved one away and may even encourage them to seek further comfort in substance abuse.

Discovering someone you love has a drug problem can generate feelings of shock, fear, and anger, especially if it’s your child or teen who’s using. These strong emotions can make communicating with a drug user even more challenging. So, it’s important to choose a time when you’re both calm, sober, and free of distractions to talk. Offer your help and support without being judgmental.

Don’t delay . You don’t have to wait for your loved one to hit rock bottom—to get arrested, lose their job, suffer a medical emergency, or publicly humiliate themselves—to speak out. The earlier an addiction is treated, the better.

Express your concerns honestly . Emphasize that you care for the person and are worried about their well-being. Offer specific examples of your loved one’s drug-related behavior that have made you concerned—and be honest about your own feelings.

Listen . Even when you don’t agree with the person, take the time to listen to what they have to say, without trying to argue or contradict them. The more your loved one feels heard, the more they’ll see you as supportive, someone they can confide in.

Offer them information about how they can address their drug problem—whether that’s calling a helpline, talking to a doctor or counselor, entering a treatment program , or going to a group meeting such as SMART Recovery, or a 12-step program like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) .

[Read: Overcoming Drug Addiction]

Be prepared for denial. Your loved one may become defensive or angry and refuse to discuss their drug use. Many people feel a sense of shame when confronted by their behavior and will try to deny they have a problem. Don’t argue with them, just revisit the issue another time.

Avoid trying to lecture, threaten, bribe, or punish the person. Getting angry or making emotional appeals will likely only add to the user’s feelings of guilt and reinforce their compulsion to use.

Don’t expect a single conversation to fix the problem. This will likely be the first of many conversations you’ll need to have regarding your loved one’s drug use. There’s no quick fix to overcoming addiction. It may take several conversations for them to even acknowledge they have a problem, the first step on the road to recovery.

Staging an intervention

Staging an intervention tends to be a last-ditch effort to make someone realize they need treatment. However, many addicts can react angrily when confronted by a group or feel their loved ones are ganging up on them.

If you decide to stage a family meeting or intervention, it’s important everyone involved comes from the same place of compassion and understanding. This is not an excuse for people to vent their grievances about the addict’s behavior or make them feel bullied or ashamed. The problem is the disease of addiction, not the person in its grip.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to overcoming an addiction to drugs, and it’s rarely a process that’s quick or straightforward. While you can support your loved one and encourage treatment , you can’t force them to change or control their decision-making. Letting your loved one assume responsibility for their behavior and choices is an important step on their road to sobriety.

Adjust your expectations . Everyone is different. Recovery for one person may mean total abstinence from drugs. For another, it could mean cutting back or staying mostly drug-free. Being too rigid in your expectations can lead to disappointment and a sense of failure, even if your loved one finds stability in their life again.

Encourage your loved one to seek help . While some people are able to quit drugs on their own, the more help and support a person has, the better their chances of success. Offer to sit with your loved one while they call a helpline or accompany them to a doctor’s appointment, counseling session, or peer support group meeting .

Ensure they address any co-occurring issues . The problems that triggered your loved one’s drug use in the first place will still be there once they get sober. If they turned to drugs to self-medicate a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression, they’ll need to find healthier ways of coping with these issues without resorting to substance abuse. To achieve long-term recovery, it’s vital they tackle both their addiction and their mental health issue at the same time.

[Read: Dual Diagnosis: Substance Abuse and Mental Health]

Help plan for triggers and cravings . Your loved one will need to find ways to cope with drug cravings and triggers . You can help distract them with other activities or encourage them to learn how to ride out the urge, but ultimately, they have to be responsible for their own sobriety.

Encourage them to explore new interests . Quitting drugs can leave your loved one with a lot of extra time to fill. To help them avoid slipping back into old habits, encourage them to develop new interests—ones that don’t involve drugs but do add meaning to their life. Think volunteering , taking up a new sport or hobby, enrolling in a class, or spending time in nature hiking or camping, for example—anything that doesn’t generate a trigger to use.

Accept the likelihood of relapse . Despite your efforts and your loved one’s best intentions, the truth is that recovery often involves relapse. If that happens, encourage the person to recommit to getting clean and support them as they try again. Try to stay patient. Each relapse is an opportunity for your loved one to learn from their mistakes and find a new way forward.

Treatment options

Treatment can take place at home, as a hospital outpatient, or in a residential facility or sober living community. While it can vary according to the type of drug your loved one is addicted to, their age, and any other issues they’re facing, most treatment plans include some of the following elements:

• Detox to purge the body of drugs, manage withdrawal symptoms, and achieve stability.
• Treatment for any co-occurring mental health problems.
• Counseling , whether it’s individual, group, or family therapy —or a combination of all three—to tackle the root cause of the drug use and learn better ways of coping.
• Medication to help with withdrawal or treat any co-occurring disorders.
• Ongoing peer support meetings, such as a 12-step program, to keep the recovery on track and maintain sobriety.

[Read: Choosing Drug Rehab and Addiction Treatment]

When someone you love has a problem with drugs, it’s easy to fall into the trap of shielding them from the consequences of their addiction. Referred to as “enabling”, you may cover up for the person, take over their responsibilities, put their feelings before your own or other family members’, rearrange your life to accommodate their addiction, or provide financial assistance when they’re unable to pay bills or get into legal trouble because of their drug use.

While it may seem that you’re being supportive, enabling your loved one will only help maintain their addiction—and damage your own health and well-being along the way. Of course, it can be extremely hard to say “no” to someone you love, especially if it’s your child, but protecting the person from the consequences of their drug abuse often means you’re removing the motivation for them to seek help and change.

To better help someone with a drug addiction, it’s often necessary to hold them accountable for their actions by establishing limits or boundaries for what is and isn’t acceptable behavior. Without boundaries, your loved one never has to face the consequences of their actions—and you’ll eventually feel burned out from all the attempts to cover up, excuse, or compensate for their behavior.

Establishing boundaries for a loved one abusing drugs could include:

• Not allowing drug use, drug paraphernalia, or other drug users in the home.
• Not covering up for them if they miss work or school, not lying to get them out of trouble, or not taking over any responsibilities they’ve neglected.
• Requiring they pay their share of rent and other bills on time.
• Refusing to give them money to pay off debts or cover legal expenses if they’re arrested.
• Insisting that they always treat you with respect, even when high.

How to set boundaries—and stick to them

• Talk to your loved one about boundaries at a time when you’re both calm and not under the influence of drugs. Clearly outline what behavior you will and will not tolerate and what the consequences will be if they break your rules.
• Follow through . It’s almost inevitable that someone with an addiction will test any limits you set, so be prepared to follow through. If you don’t enforce the consequences you’ve outlined, your loved one will know the boundaries are worthless and their destructive behavior will continue.
• Remind yourself why you’re doing this . No one wants to see someone they care about suffer, but a meaningful, respectful relationship cannot exist without boundaries. Having to face the negative consequences of their behavior could be the impetus your loved one needs to get clean.

Establishing financial boundaries

In addition to the heavy emotional costs, money problems can also mount for families of drug abusers. Heavy drug use can be expensive, as can the cost of rehab and resolving legal problems stemming from your loved one’s drug dependency. It’s not uncommon for spouses to lose their homes bankrolling their loved one’s addiction, parents to empty their retirement accounts bailing their child out of debt, or for other family members to max out their credit cards paying for costly rehab programs.

That doesn’t make cutting off your loved one any easier. When setting financial boundaries, it’s important to consider how far you’re willing go. For example, are you willing to see your loved one spend time in jail instead of covering their legal fees? Are you willing to see them evicted or living on the street instead of paying their living expenses?

While setting boundaries won’t cure your loved one of their drug addiction or guarantee they seek help, neither will spending money. If your loved one chooses not to address their addiction, it won’t matter how much money you spend trying to change that. Ultimately, all you can control is how well you look after your own health and welfare.

Your loved one’s recovery from drug addiction can be a long process and the negative impact on your own health, outlook, and well-being can multiply over time. It’s important you maintain a balance in your life to avoid burnout from all the stress and frustration that comes from helping someone get clean.

Find support . Expressing what you’re going through can be very cathartic, so look for support from trusted friends and family, or a peer support group for family members of drug addicts. Talking to others who are facing similar challenges can help you find comfort, reassurance, and new ways of coping.

Manage stress . The stress of witnessing someone you love battle addiction can take a heavy toll. You can reduce your stress levels by eating right, exercising regularly , sleeping well, and practicing a relaxation technique such as yoga, deep breathing, or meditation. Since stress levels can escalate when quitting drugs, you can even encourage your loved one to do the same.

[Listen: Eye of the Storm Meditation]

Practice acceptance . At some point, you’ve probably asked yourself “Why me?” or even blamed yourself for your loved one’s struggle with addiction. But dwelling on circumstances outside your control will only sap your energy and damage your mood. Instead of searching for someone to blame or asking questions with no easy answers, learning to accept the things you can’t change can help you focus on the things that you do have control over.

Maintain other interests and relationships . It’s easy for your loved one’s battle with addiction to become all-consuming. But you’ll find it easier to cope with a difficult situation when other areas of your life are rewarding. Set aside time in your day to pursue activities and relationships that bring you joy—and try to keep up with work, hobbies, and social plans.

Support for sufferers of substance use disorders

Call the  SAMHSA helpline  at 1-800-662-4357.

Find  NHS drug addictions support services  or call the  Frank helpline  at 0800 776600.

Download the PDF  Finding Quality Addiction Care from the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

Find support or call the  Alcohol and Drug Foundation  helpline at 1800 250 015.

Support for families and loved ones

For parents in the U.S.:   Get One-on-One Help to Address Your Child’s Substance Use  or call the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids helpline at 1-855-378-4373.

Nar-Anon , a 12-Step Program for Family & Friends of Addicts, with worldwide chapters and online support groups.

SMART Recovery  offers online and in-person support worldwide for family and friends.

Group and 12-step programs for your loved one (most have worldwide chapters)

SMART Recovery

Narcotics Anonymous

Cocaine Anonymous

Crystal Meth Anonymous

Marijuana Anonymous

More Information

• Intervention: Help a loved one overcome addiction - Tips on holding a successful intervention. (Mayo Clinic)
• Coping When a Parent Has an Alcohol or Drug Problem - Help for teenagers and adolescents. (TeensHealth)
• Step by Step Guides to Finding Treatment for Drug Use Disorders (PDF) - Guides for adults, teens, or those helping someone addicted to drugs. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
• Effective Treatments for Opioid Addiction - Medications used in the treatment of opioid addiction. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
• What is Substance Abuse Treatment? A Booklet for Families - Learn about treatment options and what you can do. (SAMHSA)
• How can prescription drug addiction be treated? - Treatment options for prescription drug addiction including addiction to opioid painkillers. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
• Overcoming Addiction: Find an effective path toward recovery - Special health report from Harvard Medical School. (Harvard Health Publishing)
• Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. (2013). In Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . American Psychiatric Association. Link
• O’Brien, C. P. (2011). Evidence-Based Treatments of Addiction. FOCUS, 9 (1), 107–117. Link
• Gramlich, J. (2017, October 26). Nearly half of Americans have a family member or close friend who’s been addicted to drugs. Pew Research Center . Link
• 2019 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) Releases | CBHSQ Data . (2020, September). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Link
• Magill, M., & Ray, L. A. (2009). Cognitive-behavioral treatment with adult alcohol and illicit drug users: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 70 (4), 516–527. Link
• Vowles, K. E., McEntee, M. L., Julnes, P. S., Frohe, T., Ney, J. P., & van der Goes, D. N. (2015). Rates of opioid misuse, abuse, and addiction in chronic pain: A systematic review and data synthesis. PAIN, 156 (4), 569–576. Link

More in Addiction

The different options and what they offer

Tips for treatment and recovery

A guide to help you cope with cravings and deal with relapse

A guide to alcohol addiction treatment services

Cutting down on alcohol doesn’t have to mean losing your social life

The health risks in young people and how to quit

The hidden risks of drinking

Binge Drinking

Help if you have trouble stopping drinking once you start

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• Special Events
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• Aug 24 01:06 PM

Nasinu town council steps up fight against drugs Share

August 24, 2024 12:13 pm

The Nasinu Town Council is working closely with the relevant stakeholders, youth group, and the police to combat the issue of drugs in the area.

This was stressed by Nasinu Town Council Special Administrator Chair, Felix Magnus, who believes that Nasinu is one of the hotspots of illegal activities as it is densely populated and has a high rate of unemployment and school dropout.

Magnus says that by addressing drug abuse comprehensively, the council can improve the quality of life for its residents, foster economic development, and build a stronger and healthier community.

“In order to solve this problem, we need a committed effort from both the government and the stakeholders on board. And we also need a commitment from individual families to talk to their children. They spend time with their kids at home, and they bring their kids up in the best way that they can.”

Magnus adds that to solve the prevalent issues, the council needs support from the government, parents, and religious institutions.

He says that by prioritizing the safety of children from drugs and illegal activities, we invest in their present and future well-being and contribute to a healthier, more positive society.

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Ex-Waverley councillor Sam Einfeld, who violently assaulted 81-year-old, tells court he was addicted to prescription medication

Topic: Crime

Former Waverley councillor and lawyer Sam Einfeld.

Former Sydney councillor Sam Einfeld has told a court he can "never forgive myself" for violently assaulting an elderly woman in her home. 

Margot Priday was left with cuts, bruises and a fractured finger after Einfeld rammed his car through the garage door of her Surry Hills home. 

What's next?

Einfeld will be sentenced next month.

A former Sydney councillor who violently assaulted an elderly widow in her home has told a court his time in custody gave him time to "think of the tremendous consequences" his addiction to prescription medication had on his life.

Margot Priday was left with cuts, bruises and a fractured finger after Sam Einfeld rammed his car through the garage door of her Surry Hills home in April 2022.

The former Waverley councillor and lawyer then attacked the 82-year-old as she lay cowering on the floor.

Einfeld, 45, took the stand at his sentencing hearing today and told the court he had been addicted to prescription medication for a decade and his most recent arrest forced him to "think of the tremendous consequences that had on my life" .

"I can never forgive myself for what I did and I'm sorry," he told the court.

"it's just horrible and I do understand and take responsibility for that."

Einfeld admitted he had not previously sought treatment for his addiction, despite being charged with separate assaults in 2017 and 2019.

He told the court his time in a rehabilitation facility since being granted bail in late 2022 had allowed him "time to be without the substances and realise I could function without them".

Violent attack 'changed my life forever', victim says

Margot and Polly Priday previously told ABC News in April they wanted Einfeld locked up again because they feared for their safety.

In a victim impact statement read to the court by Polly today, Margot Priday said the "violent, senseless and unprovoked" attack "changed my life forever".

Margot's injuries included a broken bone in her hand and extensive bruising. ( ABC News: Lia Harris )

"I am wary in public spaces and fearful in private spaces. I startle in my own home and struggle to sleep … the sleep I do have is aided and haunted with memories of that day," the statement said.

"The memory of fear and the sheer terror of wondering if I was about to die.

"I am fearful. Genuinely fearful for my life and safety and haunted by the possibility of another assault."

Mobile phone vision obtained by ABC News showed the moments after Einfeld, who was a longtime friend of the Priday family, crashed his car into her property.

He can be heard screaming "I see you" and "how dare you" as he made his way into her home, prompting Margot to scream.

Einfeld then chased the elderly widow through the house and kicked her repeatedly as she lay on the floor.

He later fled back out through the garage, where footage showed him trying to leave in the car before getting out and surrendering to police.

Polly (right) raced to help her mother after Einfeld made "threats" to drive his car into Margot's house. ( ABC News: Marcus Stimson )

He pleaded guilty to aggravated breaking and entering to commit a serious indictable offence, which was the assault on Margot.

He also pleaded guilty to two separate counts of common assault against Polly Priday and his own elderly mother.

Ms Priday today urged the judge to sentence Einfeld to more jail time.

"Life for me will never be the same, but I want to be able to live as long as possible, without the fear of Sam's misdirected and unpredictable temper and vitriol," her statement said. 

"Without the worry that I will end up a statistic in an article … one of the women that die each week at the hands of a male they know.

"Nobody has the right to do to another person, what you did to me and certainly not without consequence."

Delays in court process protracted 'excruciating period' for victim

Ms Priday also criticised the significant delays in the court process.

"I worry that the continuous delays have drawn out the process so much that they have diluted the perceived severity of your crime," she said.

"But these repeated delays have impacted my life tremendously … they have protracted this excruciating period of my life. It has been sheer torture."

Margot Priday had been longtime friends with Einfeld's mother and had known him since he was a baby.

In the lead up to the assault against Margot, Sam Einfeld was living with his elderly mother, who had dementia.

Einfeld was a promising graduate of a prestigious Sydney private school before being elected to Waverley Council in 1999, becoming one of the country's youngest local government representatives.