Drug abuse can be defined as the use of legal or illegal substances in ways that should not be, usually more than the regular dose of pills or using someone else’s prescription. People abuse drugs to feel good, relieve stress, or to avoid reality. Drug abuse is seen in various age groups and in individuals from nearly all walks of life and socio-economic status.

When you are addicted to drugs, you can not resist the urge to use them, no matter how much harm the drugs may cause to your body. Drug addiction is not only related to cocaine or heroin, or some other illegal drugs. One can also get addicted to alcohol, nicotine, or some anti-anxiety medications. Cannabis and marijuana are the most widely abused drugs in the world.

Drugs are abused by people for various reasons which may include:

• Curiosity and peer pressure, especially among school children and young adults
• The use of prescription drugs that were originally intended to relief pain may have turned into recreational use and become addictive
• Recreational purposes
• As a means of obtaining inspiration

At first, you may choose to take a drug because you like the way it makes you feel, but over time these drugs change how the brain functions.

Some of the effects of drug abuse include: altered brain chemistry, health complications, infections, depression, personality disorders, having suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide, and even death.

You may also experience these signs:

• An urge to use the drug every day, or many times in a day
• Always having the drug with you
• Spending more time alone.
• Not taking care of yourself or caring about how you look
• Spending most of your time getting, using, or recovering from the effects of the drug

The earlier one gets treatment for drug addiction, the more likely they are to avoid some of it’s dire consequences. Treatments can be chosen based on substance being abused, level of care needed, mental health needs, and healthcare options that can be afforded.

First talk to your doctor, and get professional help. Recovery from drug addiction can take time, however it is well within reach to step up and ask for help and support.

Don’t Wait; Get Help Now.