It is very important to drug-educate youngsters and adults alike so as to dissuade them from using it. There are a lot of myths regarding drugs floating around and you do not have to believe all of them. A lot of people tell you that drugs are bad. You know that already. But you need to further question why it is so bad? The answer is it is harmful because it is addictive. It makes you dependent on them. You just can’t do without it. How does this happen?
Addiction in the most lucid terms means an uncontrollable urge for more and more. Mood swings, difficulty in physical coordination and memory failings or distortion are some of the obvious symptoms of addiction. You may not even realize when you fall prey to the drug. However, once you do any kind of exercise to regain control may seem fallible. You never know when your simple curiosity for experimentation may lead to complex problem of addiction.
Some drugs may cause only physical dependence.
To explain simply, the drugs stimulate the pleasure sensors in the brain. These sensors release a chemical called ‘dopamine’ in the brain which is generally for feeling good. Thus whenever you take drugs, you get a feeling of elation. However, overtime you get used to the amount you are currently taking (i.e. develop a tolerance) and need more to achieve that level of elation. Therefore, with time, the quantity and the frequency increase. The urge to get more is extremely overpowering. You lose control on how much and when to use.
Some drugs may cause only physical dependence. Some cause both physical and psychological dependence. Emotional dependence is obvious when you associate drugs with the ability to achieve your goals. If you have to continuously keep taking the drug to get that euphoric feeling you know you are dependent. For example, considering that caffeine will help you stay awake and finish studying. Or you assumption that using certain drugs that prevent depression. If the usage is stopped the person develops extreme withdrawal symptoms which may again trigger the need to consume more and more.
Gradually, it changes the neural structure of the brain which makes the functioning without it nearly impossible.
Nick Hayes is a graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program in 2005. Nick takes much enjoyment in writing, and feels there needs to be more information about drugs and alcohol provided to the people of the world. He believes nobody should have to go through an addiction.