Substance Abuse: Impacts & Strategies for Treatment - Research Paper

Introduction

In modern society, substance abuse has become a common trend among the growing population. This has caused many people to suffer from substance use disorder. Substance abuse disorder is a medical condition that is characterized by impairments in social function, health, and deliberate control over drugs (Cicero et al., 2017). In this paper, we shall, therefore, discuss various issues related to substance abuse.

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There exist a continuum of useful services and strategies that enable medics to identify, treat, and manage substance use problems and substance abuse disorders. Research has shown that the most effective way to assist an individual with a substance use problem is through physical examination. This examination through medical tests helps to intervene early before the condition worsens (Wagner et al., 2018). As a result, screening for substance abuse is being offered in the general health setting so that necessary interventions can be provided if required. Consequently, the addition of services to deal with substance abuse has extended the continuum of care, and it entails a variety of useful, behavioural therapies, evidence-based medications, as well as support services.

The United Nations has estimated that the prevalence of Psychoactive Substance Abuse across the globe to range from 0.3% to 0.4% of the total adult population (Heikman et al., 2016). Besides, some of the effects of intoxication are severe as they can cause damage to body organs. Also, it reduces the flow of blood to the gastrointestinal tract; this may lead to ulcerations and tears. On the other hand, some of the adverse effects of substance abuse are that they cause cardiovascular systems and heart to fail. The overdose of drugs has sent many of the users to seek emergency treatment, as it is linked with an increased rate of strokes, inflammation of heart muscles, and aortic raptures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, once an individual eliminates the use of addictive substance from the body, they often experience side effects. In most cases, the side effects are severe and dangerous (Heikman et al., 2016). The users tend to experience physical, emotional effects, depression, anxiety, and even mood swings. Thus, withdrawal symptoms may vary from mild to severe, depending on the type of drug and duration of use.

References

Cicero, T. J., Ellis, M. S., & Kasper, Z. A. (2017). Psychoactive substance use before the development of iatrogenic opioid abuse: A descriptive analysis of treatment-seeking opioid abusers. Addictive behaviours, 65, 242-244.

Heikman, P., Sundstrom, M., Pelander, A., & Ojanpera, I. (2016). New psychoactive substances as part of polydrug abuse within opioid maintenance treatment revealed by comprehensive highresolution mass spectrometric urine drug screening. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, 31(1), 44-52.

Wagner, E., Raabe, F., Martin, G., Winter, C., Plorer, D., Krause, D. L., ... & Pogarell, O. (2018). Concomitant drug abuse of opioid-dependent patients in maintenance treatment detected with a multitarget screening of oral fluid. The American journal on addictions, 27(5), 407-412.