The reason people turn to drugs are varied. For some, illicit substances like cocaine, heroin, and ecstasy continue to be used for recreational purposes. But for many, drugs– in this case, medication– is a way to manage their illnesses. However, some some people abuse their medication.
Hydrocodone addiction continues to contribute to the rising number of opioid cases in the United States. Usually, this is prescribed to patients as a way to relieve severe pain. However, hydrocodone can be highly addictive.
There are a lot of reasons why people use hallucinogenic and dissociative drugs. Historically, plants with hallucinogenic properties were used for religious rituals. They induce the state of detachment from reality and precipitate “visions” that create mystical insight. This may include contacting someone from the spirit world or, in the same way, someone with a “higher power.”
Opiates are a class of regulated prescription medications produced from opium, naturally found in poppy plants and seeds. Generally, these medicines can treat moderate to severe pain in patients. Unfortunately, opioids come with a high misuse rate due to their highly soothing properties, which can cause addiction in so many circumstances.
Just like other addictive substances, methamphetamines can alter your perceptions. It can make you feel good, confident, and energized. As a result, some people end up overusing the drug. To help them totally withdraw from substance abuse, the would undergo meth addiction treatment.
Hallucinogens, or psychedelics, have been around for a very long time and have been used for various reasons. Historically, people use hallucinogenic plants in religious rituals to bring about “visions” that connect them to a spirit world and provide mystical insight.
People use drugs for several reasons because they want to feel good, perform better, feed their curiosity, or fit in their social circle.
The health and economic effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to destabilize most of what we know about our lives. The mobility restrictions, unemployment, insufficient access to health and social services, and other support systems created or worsened the mental strain that most face. In fact, in a recent study in 2020, 4 in 10 adults in the US reported having symptoms of anxiety or depression—a significant jump from 1 in 10 adults in 2019. This led to increased alcohol and drug consumption, cementing the link between COVID-19 and substance use.
Of the many mental health disorders out there, addiction can be one of the most dangerous. Medically speaking, substance abuse refers to the inability to stop using a substance even if it physically and psychologically harms you.
The uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 crisis cause tremendous stress in various areas of our lives. This led to more people consuming alcohol and substances. Last year, 12% of adults experience increased alcohol consumption or substance use. Although increased consumption of substances does not equate to addiction, it is still concerning. It can be hard to be objective when it comes to substance use. It will come to a point for an individual to seek for addiction help.