Drugs All Around Us

Impact of Drug Abuse

Economic Costs of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has a profound impact on the economy. In the United States, the economic cost of drug abuse was estimated at $193 billion in 2007. These costs encompass a range of consequences including labor force turnover, absenteeism, and impacts on school performance.

This financial burden affects not only individuals and families but also businesses and the national economy. Drug abuse leads to reduced productivity, increased health care costs, and higher crime rates, which collectively strain public resources and economic stability.

Decriminalization Effects in Portugal

Portugal's approach to drug decriminalization offers a contrasting perspective on drug policy. In 2001, Portugal decriminalized all drugs, shifting the focus from criminalization to public health. This policy change led to several significant outcomes:

• Drug use remained below the EU average.
• There was a substantial increase in people accessing treatment and other services.
• Drug-related HIV transmission dropped significantly.
• The number of people incarcerated for drug offenses fell by 44% from 1999 to 2008.

The decriminalization in Portugal highlights the potential benefits of treating drug abuse as a public health issue rather than a criminal one. This approach not only reduces the burden on the criminal justice system but also improves health outcomes for individuals struggling with substance use.

For more on the broader implications of drug policies and their impact on individuals and families, visit our articles on what is drug therapy? and my stepdad is on meth.

Drug Policies and Regulations

Understanding how institutions address substance use is key in confronting the reality that drugs are all around us. Universities, in particular, play a significant role in regulating drug use and implementing prevention programs.

University Regulations on Drug Use

Universities have stringent policies to manage and curb drug use on their campuses. For instance, the University of San Francisco (USF) strictly prohibits the illegal possession, manufacture, distribution, use, sale, or gift of any prescription or non-prescription drug. These regulations align with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 and the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989.

USF's policies on substance abuse and alcoholic beverages are outlined in section 6.2 of The Fogcutter, their official student handbook. This ensures that students are well-informed about the consequences of violating these regulations. Those seeking community drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, or re-entry programs are encouraged to reach out to hps@usfca.edu for more information.

Drug Prevention Programming

Effective drug prevention programming is essential in reducing substance misuse among students. At USF, several services work together to provide comprehensive prevention programs. These include Health Promotion Services, Student Housing and Residential Education, Counseling and Psychological Services, and Public Safety.

USF provides students with resources to get facts about the most commonly misused and abused drugs, including the option to download a commonly abused drugs chart. These resources are crucial for raising awareness and educating students about the risks associated with drug use.

For more information on how mental health intersects with substance use, visit our section on mental health and substance abuse.

By implementing these regulations and programs, universities play a vital role in addressing the pervasive issue of drug use within their communities. For families impacted by substance use, understanding these policies can provide a framework for seeking support and interventions. For more insights into the broader impact of substance abuse, explore our article on addiction and compulsive drug seeking.

Commonly Abused Drugs

Understanding the nature and impact of commonly abused drugs is essential for individuals and families affected by substance use. Below are some of the most prevalent substances, including hallucinogens, marijuana, and medications for anxiety and sleep.

Hallucinogens and Amazonian Tea

Hallucinogens are substances that cause profound alterations in perception, mood, and thought. A notable example is a tea made from the plant Psychotria viridis, containing the hallucinogen DMT, and the vine Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains an MAO inhibitor. This combination prevents the natural breakdown of DMT in the digestive system, enhancing serotonergic activity [4]. Historically, this tea has been used in Amazonian religious and healing rituals.

For more information on how drugs affect the brain, see our section on neuronal communication disruption.

Marijuana and Its Effects

Marijuana is derived from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa. The primary psychoactive component in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This chemical is responsible for the mind-altering effects commonly associated with marijuana use [4].

Marijuana use can lead to short-term effects such as euphoria and altered perception, but it can also have long-term consequences on brain health. For more details, visit our article on drug addiction and pregnancy.

Medications for Anxiety and Sleep

Medications used to manage anxiety and sleep disorders often work by slowing down brain activity. These drugs can be effective for their intended purposes but are also commonly abused due to their sedative properties [4].

The misuse of these medications poses significant health risks, including dependency and potential overdose. For additional information, check our section on health risks associated with drug use.

By understanding the effects and risks associated with these commonly abused drugs, individuals and families can make informed decisions and seek appropriate care. For those dealing with substance abuse, exploring drug prevention programming can provide valuable support and resources.

Drug Effects on the Brain

Neuronal Communication Disruption

Drugs significantly alter the way neurons communicate in the brain. Neurons are the cells responsible for transmitting information throughout the nervous system. When drugs are introduced, they change the balance of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow neurons to communicate. This disruption can lead to individuals behaving in ways they normally wouldn't [5]. The changes in neurotransmitter levels can affect an individual's mood, perception, and behavior.

Brain Areas Affected by Drug Use

Drug use impacts several critical brain areas. The basal ganglia, part of the brain's reward circuit, is heavily influenced by drug consumption. This area is involved in motivation, pleasure, and learning. When drugs are taken, they cause significant changes in the basal ganglia, leading to the brain "teaching" other parts to seek out the drug repeatedly.

Another critical area affected by drugs is the brain stem, which controls essential life-sustaining functions like heart rate and breathing. Alterations in this region can have severe consequences, including life-threatening conditions.

Dopamine Surges and Pleasure

One of the most significant effects of drug use is the surge of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. Drugs cause massive releases of dopamine in the basal ganglia, far exceeding the natural surges that occur in response to healthy activities like eating or socializing.

These dopamine surges create intense euphoria and reinforce the connection between drug consumption and pleasure. This reinforcement makes it challenging for individuals to prioritize healthy activities over drug use, leading to a cycle of addiction [6]. The intense euphoria produced by drugs compels the brain to prioritize drug-seeking behavior over other activities, making quitting extremely difficult.

Understanding the effects of drugs on the brain is crucial for addressing the broader issue of substance abuse. For more information on the consequences of drug misuse, visit our sections on drug addiction and pregnancy and what is drug therapy?.

Consequences of Drug Misuse

Reduced Ability to Experience Pleasure

Drugs can interfere with how neurons send, receive, and process signals via neurotransmitters, leading to abnormal messages being sent through the brain [6]. Over time, misuse of drugs can result in the brain producing fewer neurotransmitters in the reward circuit or reducing the number of receptors that can receive signals. This reduction leads to a diminished ability to experience pleasure from natural rewards. Individuals may feel flatness, lack of motivation, and depression, driving them to seek drugs to experience even a normal level of reward.

Health Risks Associated with Drug Use

Drug use can lead to significant changes in the brain that affect an individual's thoughts and actions, causing various medical issues. These include heart disease, cancer, lung problems, and mental health conditions like depression. Additionally, some drugs can result in severe consequences such as overdose, which can be fatal by affecting parts of the brain that control heart rate and breathing, like the brain stem. Opioids, for instance, can cause dangerously slow breathing, leading to overdose.

Addiction and Compulsive Drug Seeking

Addiction occurs when individuals can't stop using drugs despite wanting to stop. The brain has been conditioned to constantly crave the drug due to the release of dopamine in the basal ganglia. This persistent craving leads to continued drug-seeking behavior, often overriding other needs and responsibilities. Understanding addiction as a chronic disease can help in addressing the compulsive nature of drug-seeking behavior.

For more information on how addiction affects families, you can read our article on my stepdad is on meth and learn about treatment options in what is drug therapy?.

By recognizing these consequences, individuals and families can make more informed decisions about drug use and seek appropriate help when needed. For expectant mothers, it's crucial to understand the risks involved with substance use, as detailed in our articles on drug addiction and pregnancy and drinking and pregnancy.

Prevention and Intervention Strategies

Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse

Peer pressure significantly impacts both teens and adults, influencing their likelihood of substance use. Surrounding oneself with individuals who abuse drugs and alcohol increases the risk of succumbing to similar behaviors. Developing strategies to resist peer pressure and confidently saying no are crucial for staying drug-free.

Key strategies include:

• Asserting oneself with a firm "no" when offered drugs.
• Avoiding situations where drug use is prevalent.
• Building a supportive network of friends who do not engage in substance abuse.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Mental health and substance abuse frequently coexist. Conditions like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder can lead individuals to misuse drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. Seeking professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor can provide healthy coping strategies, reducing the need to resort to substance use [7].

Effective approaches include:

• Regular therapy sessions.
• Medication management for mental health conditions.
• Participation in support groups.

For more information on mental health support, refer to our article on what is drug therapy?.

Resisting Substance Use Temptations

People often turn to drugs and alcohol when they experience stress or when something is missing in their lives. Developing stress management skills and maintaining a well-balanced lifestyle can help individuals overcome stressors without resorting to substance use [7].

Practical tips include:

• Regular exercise and physical activity.
• Engaging in hobbies and activities that provide joy and fulfillment.
• Setting personal goals and working towards them.

Developing clear goals and dreams for the future can provide focus and motivation, emphasizing that drugs and alcohol can hinder progress toward these aspirations. For families facing challenges related to substance use, additional resources can be found in our articles on my stepdad is on meth and drug addiction and pregnancy.

Table: Evidence-Based Interventions for Substance Use

Figures courtesy National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Implementing evidence-based interventions can save society significant costs and help individuals remain productive members of society. These programs provide substantial returns on investment, highlighting the importance of preventive measures.

For more detailed tips and strategies, refer to our article on tips for straightening curly hair.

References

[2]: https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/explainers/why-we-need-drug-policy-reform

‍[3]: https://myusf.usfca.edu/hps/alcohol-drugs/commonly-abused-drugs

‍[4]: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/commonly-used-drugs-charts

‍[5]: https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/mind-matters/drugs-and-brain

‍[6]: https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drugs-brain

‍[7]: https://www.pvamu.edu/sa/drug-and-alcohol-abuse-prevention-program-daapp/tips-for-preventing-substance-abuse/