What is Drug Abuse?

The purpose of drug consumption is to produce pleasurable effects on the brain using chemicals. It is estimated that over 190 million people use drugs worldwide, and the problem has been growing alarmingly, especially among young adults under 30.

The use of needles by drug addicts is not only hazardous to the body, but also poses the risk of contracting diseases such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.

Reasons for drug use

People abuse drugs of abuse for a variety of reasons, including:

• Children and young adults are influenced by curiosity and peer pressure
• Originally intended for pain relief, prescription drugs may have become addictive when used recreationally
• Religious rituals and practices may involve the use of chemicals
• For recreational purposes
• Getting creative inspiration

Drug categories

Drugs of abuse fall into three groups and these include:

• Depressants: These affect the brain's faculties by causing depression, such as sleeping pills (barbiturates) and heroin.
• Stimulants: By stimulating the brain, they cause alertness and increased activity. There can also be behavioral changes including agitation, dilated pupils, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and dilated pupils. Cocaine and amphetamine use can lead to delusional psychosis in severe cases.
• Hallucinogens: The use of these medications can cause hallucinations and a feeling of dissociation from oneself that is "out of this world.". Another side effect might be depression caused by hallucinogens. LSD, ecstasy, and mescaline are examples.

The use of needles by drug addicts poses the risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C, as well as long-term damage to the body.

Examples of drugs are:

• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Cocaine
• Opium
• Hash
• Marijuana
• Heroin
• Ecstasy
• LSD

Administration

In addition to oral medications, intravenous injections, smoke, and snorting, drugs of abuse can be administered in several ways. For example, the substance can be inhaled in the form of smoke, or snorted so it can be absorbed into the blood vessels of the nose through snorting.

Epidemiology of drug abuse

Cannabis, marijuana and hashish are the most widely abused drugs in the world.?It is estimated that 141 million people consume cannabis around the world. Over 30 million people abuse stimulants like amphetamine and ecstasy. Out of these 141 million people, around 10 crore belong?to India.?Among states,?Uttar Pradesh?topped the ranking, followed by Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

A variety of different age groups and socioeconomic strata are affected by drug abuse. Drug abuse is more common among men than among women, among singles than among couples, and among urban dwellers than among rural dwellers. Drug abuse is also more prevalent among prison inmates, street children, and younger individuals.