Drug abuse is a worldwide issue that developing countries as well as developed countries face. According to, The Drug Abuse Working Network, drug abuse is defined as, “The nonmedical use of a substance for any of the following reasons: Psychic effects, dependence, or suicide attempt/ gesture.” Drug abuse come in many forms such as using prescription drugs in an inconsistent manner which is not accepted by medical practice, use of over the counter drugs in contradiction with the approved labelling or use of any other illicit substance (World Health, 2000).
Drug abuse generally starts off with acquisition and initiation of drug use, and with prolonged use vulnerable individuals become dependent on the drug, which is the addiction phase (Becker …show more content…
The first stage, which is, “Problematic use”, triggers adverse consequences to occur, in some instances, the direct link with substance use and the consequence is not visible to the individual. Some of the examples of these adverse effects are failure at school, relationship issues with peers or adults, injuries, motor vehicle accidents, legal problems and assaults. Also changes in behaviour patterns and peer groups are significantly noticeable at this stage but it is easy to treat individuals at this stage by adapting limited intervention. The second stage impairs school and social functioning, causes legal problems and persistent physical risks, due to maladaptive patterns of use over a prolonged period of more than 12 months, despite of the harm that the substance is causing. This is called the “Substance abuse” stage and dependence on the drug is not diagnosed at this stage. “Substance Dependence”, is the stage where compulsive use of substance can be seen as major characteristic of the disorder. The user, losses the control of the substance use and is often preoccupied with use of the substance. The patients at this stage show withdrawal symptoms and an intensive treatment is usually needed for treatment (Sanchez-Samper & Knight,
Drug abuse generally starts off with acquisition and initiation of drug use, and with prolonged use vulnerable individuals become dependent on the drug, which is the addiction phase (Becker …show more content…
The first stage, which is, “Problematic use”, triggers adverse consequences to occur, in some instances, the direct link with substance use and the consequence is not visible to the individual. Some of the examples of these adverse effects are failure at school, relationship issues with peers or adults, injuries, motor vehicle accidents, legal problems and assaults. Also changes in behaviour patterns and peer groups are significantly noticeable at this stage but it is easy to treat individuals at this stage by adapting limited intervention. The second stage impairs school and social functioning, causes legal problems and persistent physical risks, due to maladaptive patterns of use over a prolonged period of more than 12 months, despite of the harm that the substance is causing. This is called the “Substance abuse” stage and dependence on the drug is not diagnosed at this stage. “Substance Dependence”, is the stage where compulsive use of substance can be seen as major characteristic of the disorder. The user, losses the control of the substance use and is often preoccupied with use of the substance. The patients at this stage show withdrawal symptoms and an intensive treatment is usually needed for treatment (Sanchez-Samper & Knight,