Illicit Drug Addiction and Abuse

Illicit drugs are highly addictive substances, such as heroin, marijuana, and meth, that are illegal to manufacture, sell, or consume. Illicit drugs contain a high potential to form a dependence, tolerance, and addiction in most users. These drugs are generally consumed for recreational purposes due to their ability to induce euphoric highs. The rate of illicit drug abuse among individuals between 18 and 25 are among the highest recorded.

Many illicit drugs give rise to adverse health risks, even when ingested in small quantities. Repeated use of any illicit drug can result in short- or long-term consequences. Compulsive substance use leads to dramatic changes in the brain, which can then hinder a person’s psychological well-being. These changes will drive a person to behave irrationally, eccentrically, or unusually, leading them towards self-destructive decisions such as driving under the drug’s influence.

Common signs of substance abuse are:

• Abrupt, unusual surge or depression of energy levels.
• Display of aggressive behaviors or violent mood swings.
• Occupied with purchasing and consuming the drugs.
• Secluded from friends or family.
• Developing friendships with the new, more suspicious type of people.
• Only willing to attend events where drugs are present.
• Continual use of the drug despite its physical risks.
• Exhibiting behaviors that violate personal morals to obtain or use drugs.
• Facing legal or professional consequences due to illicit drug use, such as getting arrested or losing a job.

The telltale sign of a substance abuse disorder is physical dependence, which can be recognized by the build-up of tolerance and dependence to the drug. Tolerance begins when an individual requires more and more of the drug to enjoy the desired effects. The formation of dependence may cause individuals to experience intense and severe withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit the habit or reduce their dosage.

Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include heart palpitations and seizures, depending on the type of drug ingested. Although some illicit drugs can cause the formation of psychological dependence or physical dependence, some hold the capacity to cause both simultaneously.

The addiction to illicit substances modifies the way a person’s brain functions, and as a result, alters an individual’s behavior and mentality.

Signs of stimulant abuse may include:

• Diseases related to vitamin deficiencies and malnutrition
• Skin disorders or ulcers
• Insomnia
• Increased blood pressure or body temperature
• Weight loss
• Depression
• Consistently dilated pupils

Signs of heroin abuse may include:

• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Nausea
• Drowsy or tired

Signs of hallucinogen abuse may include:

• Dilated pupils
• Unco-ordinated movements
• Nausea or vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Dizziness
• Suicidal thoughts
• Violent behavior

The risk of an overdose for certain illicit drugs is incredibly high, as they could lead to fatal consequences. Individuals who relapse after maintaining their sobriety tend to hold an increased chance of experiencing an overdose, as their body gradually adapts itself to no longer relying on the drug. The consumption of high doses as previously accustomed to can lead to an unfortunate overdose. This is generally the case for individuals who inject illicit substances. Heroin is one such drug that possesses a high potential to cause relapse and overdose. There has been a spike in the number of heroin and other opioid-related deaths in the last decade. From 2002 to 2017, the number of deaths related to opioids increased by four-folds.

• As estimated, 23.9 million Americans aged 12 or older (9.2 percent of the population) had indulged in an illicit drug in the previous month before a 2012 study. This rate of illicit drug use is the highest amongst individuals aged 19 to 25.
• A 2013 report identified a drastic increase of 19.8 million marijuana use in individuals who were 12 and above compared to 14.5 million in 2007.
• An estimation of meth abuse in the United States skyrocketed from 353,000 in 2010 to 595,000 in 2013.
• From the 2.8 million individuals who used illicit drugs for the first time in 2013, 54 percent were under the age of 18.

The initial stage of any addiction treatment is detoxification. Depending on the illicit drug used and the severity of one’s addiction, patients will under a detox option that is best suited for them. Medically assisted or the tapering down method is the two most common methods of detox for illicit drug addiction.

After the successful completion of detoxification, patients must undergo treatment at an inpatient or outpatient treatment center. Theses centers help patients overcome their psychological dependence on the drug. At a typical inpatient rehab center, mental health professionals will strive to discover the root cause of substance abuse, such as co-occurring mental health disorders. In addition, patients will also be educated on relapse prevention skills such as healthy coping habits that could help achieve long term recovery.

After the completion of inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, patients must seek aftercare programs or ongoing treatment programs to help maintain their sobriety and decrease their chances of a relapse.