Looking at a drug addict, we often ponder what might get them addicted to such a lethal substance? Is their power so weak that they cannot leave something that might kill them in the long run? What is the cause of this faulty dependence?

We are still living in an antiquated system where a drug addict is viewed as being unethical and immoral, having no sense of being. Instead, we should try to realize that their struggles help them cope up with the problem. For doing so, we must first know the cause behind this gnawing addiction. 

 

Drug Addiction Causes

There is no single cause of drug addiction. The causes vary from a person’s personal grievances to the forceful imposition by others.

Childhood Trauma and Violence

A child may be exposed to trauma and domestic violence at an early age hence leaving behind a scar in their mindset. Even in their adulthood, such victims do not show the transparency of talking about their pain. Instead, they take up habitual alternatives like drugs to give themselves a sense of relief and happiness. With continued use, drug addiction becomes yet another problem that these individuals have to face.

 

 

In the adolescence period, drugs may come in as a ‘wave of newness.’ People resort to consuming medications in such a phase where they would be nagging from the peer pressure and negligence on the part of the parents.

Mental Illness

Mentally disturbed patients, like those dealing with obsession, bipolarity, quickly take the help of these drugs to soothe down the symptoms of their disorders. Sadly, this is only a temporary measure, which in the future comes back as a much higher price for them to pay. Drug abuse aggravates the problems of mentally imbalanced patients.

Lack of Individuality

A lack of individuality in a person can make him take up abusive substances, giving him a sense of power. To keep the continuous flow of this feeling, he consistently indulges himself in drug consumption. With time, the feeling subsides, and the person craves to get that same ‘high again,’ thus, pushing himself now, even more in this dark hole! 

Stress

Inability to cope up with stress is another potent reason for drug abuse. Due to the fast-moving era, people want to complete their jobs at an exceeding rate. Being exposed to drugs gives them the sense of that activeness to do all their work speedily. In that effect of the drug, they tend to overachieve. Over time, it so happens that these people are unable to do any work being sober. 

Personal Loss

The loss of a relationship or a loss of a loved one can be the darkest phase in one’s life. People after a breakup nowadays prefer not to choose the conventional method of finishing up a bucket of ice cream but instead dwell on the consumption of drugs. These ‘hallucinating evils’ do give a surge of dopamine overflow, yet, this is very temporary. The long-standing effects of drugs are fatal and not relaxing in any way.

Drug Addiction in India

 The changing cultural values, upcoming stresses of people concerning the economic uncertainties, have made India get caught in this vicious cycle of drug intake.

Did you know that there are 1 million registered addicts in India and over 5 million have not even been reported yet? 

 

The Effects of Drug Addiction

The glorification of drugs is only short-term. Let us see their long-standing effect;

• Drugs not only cause damaging effects to your physical and mental well-being but also possesses the potential to destroy your relationships. People under the influence of drugs can succumb to such an extent that they overlook people who care about them. Abusive relations come into existence, ultimately causing it to end.
• The misuse of drugs can lead to a callous attitude. Getting into accidents, not caring about oneself, having suicidal tendencies are all its devastating effects.
• Lung disease, liver disease, stroke, cancer, and seizures are some of the damaging effects of prolonged drug usage.
• Drug indulgent people might have consequences like confusion, disturbed sleep, slurred speech, mood swings, etc.

We have seen what drug addiction causes and its effects; they can destroy the one consuming it and the people around them. Please bring it to your duty to help such individuals. People wanting to quit this habit can contact the best Nasha mukti Kendra in India to receive the best care. The people who are already battling the situation can reach out to the best rehab centre in Delhi for help. Moreover, Hopecare India has given a new life to many people, so helping you too would make us more than happy. 

 

Dr. Deepak Raheja
Sr. Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist
President – Delhi Psychiatric Society
Director – Hope Care India