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Substance abuse is the improper use of chemicals that can alter the way ones mind and body functions (TCC). In most cases, these chemicals would be referred to as a drug. Substance abuse can and may lead to chemical dependency or addiction. Dependence is the development of tolerance to chemicals which leads to symptoms of withdrawal. Substance abuse is a process that reflects a complicated interaction between the individual, the abused substance, and society (wikipedia.
org). The leading cause of substance abuse or dependency is drug use in general. If you were to ask a drug user to tell you why they used drugs, they would most likely tell you that they use them to make themselves feel good. This could be a good explanation, for drugs act mainly on the limbic system in the center of your brain commonly referred to as the pleasure center. (freebie.
com p 1) Drugs are often ingested to alter ones feelings, or to help someone cope with a mishap, but the problem is, people cant stay high forever. For Instance, drug use does not change the situation. Sooner or later, a person must deal with their misfortunes. Some people use drugs to fit in or to hide their insecurities, but many do not realize that drug abuse can isolate them from their family and friends.
Certain people use them because they are bored and seeking excitement, while others just want to relax or escape stress. Drug use is not a successful way to escape ones problems, if anything, it makes them more intense. Once a person comes down, they still have the situation to deal p. 2 with, and whats worse is they are probably not feeling very good about themselves at the time they are forced to deal with it. Drugs date back from 3700 - 2000 B.
C. (Nash, date, p. 165) and were first used for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. They were also often used in religious ceremonies and rituals. Scientists started researching the effects of drugs and psychedelic substances on the mind and body well before the 1960 s. During these researches, it was found that drugs, illicit or not, are not always potentially harmful if they are used for the right reasons or illnesses.
For Instance, Dr. Peck states that a substantial number of cases entered in medical records have now established LSD as a competent agent in the cure of such physical ailments as, arthritis, partial paralysis, migraine headaches, hysterical deafness, skin rashes, and so on, while Marijuana has been found to relieve pain and nausea for cancer patients. (Psychedelics Encyclopedia, 1978 - 1992). Substance abuse is a very dangerous thing to get into. It can negatively affect a persons physical and mental health as well as hurt you socially and economically (IGBThealthchannel).
Drug use can create mental and physical illnesses and comes with many health risks, including dependency (need for more in light of the withdrawal effects of many party drugs, which include lethargy and depression). Other health problems associated with drug use may include heart attack, stroke, respiratory failure, heat stroke, exhaustion, severe dehydration, increased risk for anal bleeding, permanent nerve damage, unconsciousness, seizures, and most frightening death. There is also p. 3 the risk of contracting Hepatitis and other STDs such as HIV and AIDS through unsafe sex or sharing contaminated needles. Drug use is a good way to get incarcerated also, for most substances are illegal. The effects of chemical substances vary depending on the user, the amount used, and the reasons for being used.
The best way to avoid any complications related to substance abuse is not to begin using them in the first place. People should value themselves and their lives, and avoid these potentially harmful toxins altogether. References Psychedelics Encyclopedia, Stafford P. 1978 - 1992 Almanac of World Crime, Nash J. R. , 1981 web web
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Research essay sample on Substance Abuse And Chemical Dependency