Mountain Monkeys

All drug abuse not only effects the community in general, but the drug abuser themselves; it has the effects of altering thoughts, behavior and feelings. Drugs directly affect the brain and the central nervous system (CNS). Feelings are affected and altered when the drugs affect the neurotransmitters and the intercellular communications; every organism seeks a balance between inhibitory and excitatory functions, which is called homeostasis. Specific drug action depends upon the route of administration, the dose taken, if there’s other drugs involved, and the state of mind of the individual. Basically, drug effects can be classified by their primary action on the CNS.

The effects of these drugs, as mentioned above, altered perception, thought and feelings cannot be experienced without taking drugs, except maybe in dreams, and to keep up these altered states, physical dependence will develop and if the drug is discontinued, withdrawal symptoms will occur, which again affects the central nervous system. The withdrawal symptoms are a rebound effect in the physiological systems, which were modified by the drug, such as when alcohol depresses the CNS, withdrawal stimulates the CNS. In studying the effects of withdrawal, look for the opposite effect that the drug was initially used for, e.g., amphetamine is used to stimulate and energize, so amphetamine withdrawal causes depression and reduces energy output.

For most drug users, development of physical dependence is gradual, it can occur over weeks, months, or even years of chronic abuse. Tolerance and physical dependence develops after chronic abuse. With increasing tolerance, the drug user needs more of the drug to acquire the same effects. The nerve cells structurally and chemically counteract the drug’s psychoactive effects, causing tolerance to grow and dependency to develop. The effects of tolerance leaves the chemically dependent drug abuser to crave more of the drug; they become obsessed with obtaining more of the drug to maintain a sense of well being. Despite these adverse consequences, the chemically dependent abuser becomes inflexible in their behavior toward the drug. The need for the drug will intensify and will become overwhelmingly all consuming and they will be totally preoccupied with the drug. This is what leads many to seek treatment from one of the many drug rehab centers across the country.

This preoccupation with drugs in general affects society, effects and strains any relationships, affects the drug abuser’s finances, and health. The impact of drug abuse on all of society is so huge a problem, it even effects government to take action by creating legislation to constantly find ways to stop this overwhelming, growing issue.

Tags: drug addiction | drug rehab | drug rehab centers | effects of drug abuse