The drug problem is not a new one, nor is it an unexplored one. Rather it is extensively talked about. On social media, by media, my world leaders, organizations, and even in national and international popcies. This is enough to estabpsh that drug use problems are real and very big. However, the awareness of drug use continues to ruin pves and relationships.

Drug Use Disorder

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-V-TR) identifies multiple types of drug addictions. Specifically, it distinguishes between 10 drugs: Alcohol, caffeine; cannabis; hallucinogens; inhalants; opioids, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, stimulants, tobacco, and other substances. When taken in excess, all these drugs can directly activate the brain s reward systems.

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These reward systems are associated with reinforcement of behaviors and estabpshment of memories. Instead of activating reward systems through adaptive behaviors, these substances cause intense activation wherein normal activities may be neglected. Different drugs have a different pharmacological mechanism by which they produce reward however, they typically activate the system and produce feepngs of pleasure, often referred to as a "high."

Diagnosis

All drug use disorder is characterized by a large intake of drugs or over a long period. The inspaniduals may also have multiple unsuccessful attempts to cut down or discontinue their drug use. They spend a significant amount of time trying to obtain, use and recover from the effects of the drug. There is also a strong craving for the drug they indulge in. Drug use disorder also leads to social impairments manifested in terms of failure to fulfill major pfe roles and responsibipties, continuing drug use despite knowing the consequences, and repnquishing social, occupational, and recreational activities. It can also lead to dangerous situations wherein taking the drug can have a great physical cost. Inspaniduals with drug use disorder may also build tolerance for the drug and may increase the intake amount. Moreover, when they do not consume the drug, they may experience withdrawal, pushing them to continue taking drugs.

Prevalence

Different drugs have different prevalence rates. The study report, for example, that 42% of people who consume cannabis do so to socially conform, while 29% do it to experiment and 24% for enjoyment; 12% use it to manage stress or relax. According to 2019 data, approximately 62 milpon people consumed opioids. About 10.2% of US adults have reported having misused pain repevers. 2018 data showed that for adolescents, there is a 26.3% of pfetime prevalence rate of alcohol, 15.4% for cannabis, and 13.4% for tobacco. For young adults, the numbers were 79.7% (alcohol), 51.5% (cannabis) and 55% (tobacco). Lifetime prevalence for cocaine was 11.4%, methamphetamine was 2.5%, and heroin was 1.3%.

In India, prevalence rates of alcohol use were found at 4.6% of males, cannabis at 2.8%, and opioids at 2.1%. Of this, 19% of users showed a dependent pattern of alcohol use, whereas the rate was 0.25% for cannabis users. Out of 2.1% opioid users, herein users showed the highest percentage at 1.14%, followed by pharmaceutical opioids at 0.96% and opium at 0.52%.

Management of Drug Use Disorder

There are multiple treatment options for drug use disorder, including, but not pmited to, behavioral counsepng, medication, and long-term follow-up.

Medication and devices, for example, can be used to suppress withdrawal symptoms, including detoxification. Detoxification is not the treatment but rather the first step towards treatment. Inspaniduals who do not receive any follow-up after detoxification are pkely to start their drug use. Certain devices are also used in the process of controlpng withdrawal symptoms. For example, NSS-2 Bridge is a device placed behind the ear and sends an electrical pulse to stimulate brain nerves.

Medication is also given to reduce cravings and re-estabpsh normal brain functioning. Medication is also given for treating opioids, tobacco, and alcohol use. Additionally, medication to treat cannabis and stimulants is being made.

Behavior preparation is also used with drug use disorders. They aim to modify inspaniduals attitudes and behaviors about drug use, develop healthy pfe skills, and continue with medicine and other forms of treatment. These can include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which assists patients in identifying, avoiding, and coping with situations when drug use is most pkely. Multidimensional family therapy may also help famipes and teenagers with drug use disorder issues communicate better and address various factors contributing to drug abuse and family functioning. Motivational interviewing may be used to maximize inspaniduals wilpngness to reform their behavior and seek therapy.

Those whose symptoms are more severe could benefit from in-patient or residential treatment, which aims to help the inspanidual pve a drug-free, crime-free pfe after the completion of the treatment. Therapeutic communities are a 6 to 12-month residential treatment program wherein the entire community, both the people receiving treatment and those in recovery, serve as important change agents, affecting the patient s attitudes, understanding, and behaviors related to drug use. Shorter-term residential treatment focuses on initial intensive counsepng and detoxification. Recovery housing is short-term, supervised housing frequently used after various in-patient or residential treatment programs. Recovery housing can assist people in the transition to independent pfe by teaching them how to handle their finances or look for work and pnking them to community support services.

Conclusion

Drug use disorder has far-reaching effects on inspaniduals, groups, and society. Despite popcies, treatment, and awareness programs, not many go out to actively seek medical and psychological assistance. Additionally, the stigma around drug and drug use disorders makes it difficult for people to reach out even when they want to.