Addiction is defined as a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is treated as a brain disorder, as it involves functional disturbances in brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Although those alterations can remain for a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.
People take drugs for many different reasons, such as fitting in (peer pressure), escaping or relaxing, relieving boredom, experimenting, becoming better athletes, etc. They think drugs are the solution, but eventually, drugs become the problem. The impacts of drug use are worse than the problem they are trying to solve. And these drugs then deteriorate a person physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. But here the question is what are the consequences of drugs on a person’s mental health?
We are aware that health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or illness. Whereas, a person’s mental health refers to a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own capabilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and can make a contribution to their community. Mental health is a fundamental part of a person’s health. Drugs influence a person’s mental health by affecting moods, feelings, thoughts, and behavior, and these are included in the short-term impacts of drugs. But frequent drug use is truly concerning and can have long-term impacts on a person’s mental health, such as:
· depression or anxiety
· hypertension and cerebrovascular accidents.
· Liver and pancreas problems.
· Development of certain types of cancer, for example liver cancer, bowel cancer and mouth cancer.
· Loss of motivation.
· Humor changes.
· Having episodes of drug-induced psychosis.
So the result of drug addiction is that it not only affects a person’s mental health, but also has an impact on other organs.
Above we have seen that one of the long-term impacts of drug addiction is psychosis. Psychosis is not a disease, it is a symptom that affects the way the brain processes information. It causes the brain to lose touch with reality during which hallucinations or delusions may occur. Mental illness, any physical injury, substance abuse, or trauma can cause this. There are different ways that drugs can affect mental health. For some people, taking drugs can lead to long-term mental health problems.
Continuous use of cannabis can increase the risk of anxiety and depression. Cannabis is also said to cause psychosis. Stimulant drugs, for example cocaine, can make one feel depressed, anxious and paranoid. This cocaine resorts to previous mental problems and triggers psychosis and schizophrenia. Hallucinogenic drugs like magic mushrooms worsen mental health conditions. They can cause flashbacks, which can be frightening or distressing. Some people may feel lethargic, anxious, or depressed after taking drugs because the drugs cause an imbalance in the body’s neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. (Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers in our body)
Some drugs can increase the production of these chemical messengers, while others can promote their release. Serotonin is that vital hormone that stabilizes our moods, feelings of well-being and happiness. And this hormone also helps sleep, eat and digest. Also, dopamine is a neurotransmitter and a hormone and is also called a “feel good” neurotransmitter. It is strongly associated with reward and pleasure. Harvard Publications has reported that when drugs are abused, they can stimulate the release of 2-3 times more dopamine than things like food or other pleasurable activities. This flood of dopamine causes a burst of euphoria that occurs when illicit drugs are abused. It can be a mood booster or we can say that it is very pleasurable, and by virtue of this mood-boosting function, people start taking the drug frequently. But repeated drug use can cause the brain to produce or transmit less dopamine, resulting in an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. Severe withdrawal symptoms and excessive cravings begin to set in with decreased dopamine production. And due to craving, an individual feels compelled to keep taking drugs over and over again.
Drugs have been linked to affecting mental health by causing psychiatric illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorders, forms of anxiety, and phobias. These health problems have been found to come into play when substance users experience withdrawal symptoms. So, it’s time for people to worry about our mental health. Make your health a priority. Drug addiction is dangerous as they have a drastic effect on a person’s health. There is a great need to change ourselves so that we can change the whole society. The amount of pocket money given to children should not be excessive or, if it is, how it is used should be tracked. Research has shown that the more pocket money, the greater the likelihood of drug abuse among students. Also, parents should keep an eye on their children’s peer group, as peer pressure influences addiction. If a person can give up drug addiction for one day, surely he can give it up for the rest of his life.
Let us all commit ourselves to saying no to drugs and yes to healthy living as we know “Jaan hai tou jahan hai” (life is more valuable than anything else).
(The author is pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing from AIHST Srinagar. She can be reached at: [email protected])
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