Drug Abuse – Signs, Symptoms and Treatments
Having a loved one with a substance abuse disorder can be extremely devastating. It can affect their personal lives, their careers, and their families. There are a number of signs to look for, symptoms to know and treatments to consider.
Symptoms
Identifying signs of drug abuse can help prevent the progression of the problem. Drug use has a variety of effects on the body and mind. In some cases, long-term effects can be reversible through treatment. However, drug abuse can also cause serious harm to the user.
Drug abuse can also be difficult to recognize. Most people who abuse drugs are careful to hide their drug use. Often, family members are the best people to recognize the problem. The symptoms of drug abuse differ from substance to substance, but there are a few things to look for.
One of the most common signs of drug abuse is slurred speech. Other signs include a slowed or uncertain gait, decreased motor coordination, and slowed reflexes.
Drug abuse may also include poor judgment. The user may appear drowsy or irritable, and he may also experience hallucinations or confusion. Drugs that can cause these effects to include inhalants, stimulants, and benzodiazepines.
Drugs can also cause withdrawal symptoms. This may include headaches, insomnia, and anxiety. In severe cases, the symptoms may even mimic psychiatric conditions. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the cause of the symptoms.
Drugs can also affect the user’s family relationships. Those who abuse drugs may also neglect their responsibilities at home and work. It is also common for drug abusers to steal or rob to support their addiction.
Signs of drug abuse vary by substance and method of use. Some drugs, like alcohol, can temporarily boost the user’s mood. Other drugs, like opioids, are extremely addictive.
Drug abuse is often an attempt to numb painful feelings or solve problems in a relationship. It can also be a coping mechanism for depression. However, drug abuse can be fatal. The signs of drug abuse can be difficult to recognize, but identifying them can help you prevent the problem from progressing.
Learning to recognize the signs of drug abuse is an important first step in getting help. Once you learn to identify the signs of drug abuse, you can learn additional ways to help your loved one.
The signs of drug abuse may be subtle or obvious, but they can be helpful in determining if your loved one is in need of help.
Costs
Using administrative claims data, a study estimates the costs of drug abuse in the United States. The costs of drug abuse were calculated as the value of resources used during a one-year period. The study also considered non-health costs, including the cost of property lost to crime and criminal justice expenditures. The study included both prescription and heroin abuse.
The societal costs of substance abuse are estimated to be over $532 billion annually. These costs include disease, premature death, violence, and the loss of productivity. Approximately one-third of these costs were health care costs. The remaining two-thirds of these costs were associated with criminal justice activities.
The study used an apportionment method to estimate the spending on police protection, legal and adjudication costs, and correctional facilities. The study also calculated the costs of lost productivity by multiplying the number of wages lost due to opioid abuse by the proportion of opioid abuse. Using this apportionment method, the cost of police protection was estimated to be $1.5 billion.
The study found that the societal costs of substance abuse increased significantly during the past decade. In addition, the costs increased even when controlling for inflation. The increase in costs was not caused by an increase in abusers, but by increased social costs.
The costs of drug abuse are a major issue in the United States. According to the CDC, prescription opioid use has reached crisis levels. The total cost of drug abuse is estimated to be $98 billion annually. The costs of drug abuse include state and federal expenditures, as well as private costs.
The societal costs of substance abuse range from about 6 percent of the national income to over 9 percent of the national income. The costs of drug abuse are paid for by all of society. Everyone pays for the societal costs of drug abuse, including family members, coworkers, and friends.
The study estimated the economic costs of prescription opioid abuse from 2007 to 2007. It used data from various sources. It then used a consumer price index (CPI) to convert the data to 2009 USD. It estimated the total societal costs of prescription opioid abuse at $55.7 billion. The costs of prescription opioid abuse were separated into three categories: opioid abuse patients, opioid abuse caregivers, and health care costs.
Treatment options
Whether you’re struggling with drug abuse, or you’re concerned about a loved one’s substance use, there are options to help you. The first step is assessing the severity of the addiction and developing a treatment plan. There are several treatment options that can be considered, and each one can be tailored to the individual’s needs.
One of the most popular treatment options for drug abuse is counseling. Counseling aims to uncover the root causes of addiction and help the individual overcome the negative feelings associated with drug use. This type of treatment is provided in a one-on-one or group setting.
Counseling may also be combined with medication. Medication may help manage withdrawal symptoms and stabilize the mood, while also addressing mental health issues that are associated with substance abuse. Medication can also be used to help an addict shed dependency on the drug.
Inpatient treatment is also an option for those who may be in need of detox or need to address other emotional or physical issues. The duration of treatment will vary depending on the individual. Most patients stay in an inpatient facility for between 30 days and six months. This type of treatment may also require an aftercare plan to help reduce the risk of relapse.
Outpatient therapy can be another option for those who need treatment but are not in a position to attend an inpatient program. The length of treatment depends on the individual’s needs, but it may be necessary to stay home while the treatment is taking place. The outpatient option may be used in combination with other treatment options, such as counseling, work, or school.
The most comprehensive treatment plans are the most effective. This type of treatment program addresses the physical, emotional, and social needs of the individual.
During an intake assessment, the medical team will use tests to assess the extent of substance abuse, including the type of drug and the amount used. They may also refer the individual to specialists.
An aftercare program is also useful in helping a recovering addict avoid relapse. It may include group therapy, peer support groups, or support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). The outpatient option may also be useful for those who are employed and have outside obligations.
Prevention
Developing and implementing effective drug abuse prevention programs involves a variety of steps. First, a drug abuse prevention program must have a solid foundation of leadership, financial resources, and community support. Second, it must address the full range of issues surrounding drug abuse. For example, it should start early and involve the entire family.
Drug abuse prevention programs can help by developing protective factors and positive peer relationships that can reduce substance abuse. In addition, they can provide education, support, and recovery information. A good program should also empower the drug user to voice their concerns and share information.
Drug abuse prevention programs can also be community-based, such as in schools. Community-based prevention programs are typically integrated with mass media efforts. However, more research is needed to understand the effectiveness of media campaigns in preventing drug use. In addition, media campaigns must be powerful enough to counter intensive advertising campaigns.
Drug abuse prevention programs also need to target the pre-existing risk factors that increase the likelihood of substance abuse. Research on this topic is necessary to identify and measure modifiable risk factors and to design interventions to target them.
Substance abuse prevention interventions can include brief interventions, such as motivational interviewing, screening for substance use, and referrals to specialized treatment. These interventions can be used in various settings, including residential or outpatient treatment facilities. In addition, specialized treatment programs may also be provided in community-based settings.
School-based drug abuse prevention programs are important, especially during the teen years. Drug use during this time period can disrupt brain function, behavior control, and learning. In addition, it is important to develop anti-drug attitudes and drug resistance skills.
Parental supervision is also critical in adolescents. Parents must monitor their children’s activities and establish family rules. Good role models should also be provided, such as parents who don’t smoke or drink. In addition, they should have open communication with their children.
Drug abuse prevention programs should also address the effects of poverty and racism on drug users’ ability to cope with the consequences of their actions. Drug abuse prevention programs should also include community health workers. In addition, prevention programs should work with law enforcement to help prevent drug use.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
