Drug addiction is one of the most serious problems of modern society. It destroys the health, psyche and social life of a person, affecting not only the addict himself, but also his loved ones. Drugs affect the brain, changing its functioning and, as a result, human behavior. Among the most well-known groups of drugs are opiates (for example, heroin), stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines), cannabinoids (marijuana), depressants (barbiturates, tranquilizers) and hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin). All of them, despite differences in the mechanism of action, disrupt the functioning of the nervous system, causing euphoria, decreased self-control and the formation of strong dependence.
How Drugs Affect the Brain
The effects of drugs are very serious for the body.
The brain of a drug addict — is a complex system that regulates emotions, memory, decision-making, and other aspects of human life. Drugs interfere with the work of neurotransmitters — chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells. For example:
- Dopamine: Stimulants such as cocaine and amphetamines dramatically increase dopamine levels, causing intense feelings of pleasure. However, this disrupts the body's natural production of dopamine.
- Serotonin: Hallucinogens such as LSD act on serotonin receptors, causing a distortion of reality perception.
- GABA: Depressants, such as tranquilizers, suppress the activity of the nervous system, causing a state of relaxation and calm, but at the same time inhibit normal brain functions.
Long-term drug use alters the functioning of areas of the brain responsible for:
- Pleasure. A dependence on the drug as the only source of pleasure is formed.
- Memory. The brain “remembers” the experience of use as a priority, which makes it difficult to quit drugs.
- Self-control. The ability to control one's actions is impaired, which makes a person more impulsive.
- Decision making. Analytical abilities and rational thinking deteriorate.
Why does addiction occur?
Addiction develops because drugs change the way the brain works, both chemically and structurally. Regular use creates a pathological craving that becomes stronger than any other motivation.
At first, addiction manifests itself as a desire to repeat pleasant sensations. However, over time, drug use ceases to bring pleasure, being replaced by the need to avoid withdrawal symptoms - a painful condition caused by the withdrawal of a substance.
It is important to understand that addiction is not only a psychological problem. Physical addiction manifests itself in the form of disturbances in the body's functioning, such as headaches, nausea, tremors, heart problems, and insomnia, when trying to quit drugs. This makes addiction treatment difficult and requires professional help. Narcological clinic “Renaissance-Kyiv” will help you get rid of addiction and return to a healthy lifestyle.
How Drugs Affect Behavior
Changes in the brain caused by drugs are reflected in human behavior. Consequences of drug addiction:
- Aggression. Drugs can increase irritability, provoking conflicts.
- Apathy. The addict loses interest in work, family and hobbies.
- Impulsiveness. Drug use reduces the ability to evaluate the consequences of one's actions.
- Depression. Regular use worsens the emotional state, leading to a feeling of hopelessness.
The social consequences of addiction are catastrophic: destruction of family relationships, loss of employment, financial problems and involvement in criminal activity. Addiction destroys trust, leaving the person isolated from society.
Long-term health effects
Drugs cause irreparable harm to the brain and the body as a whole. Among the most common consequences:
- Memory impairment. The ability to remember and process information is reduced, making everyday life difficult.
- Decrease in intelligence. Impaired cognitive function makes a person less effective at solving complex problems.
- Increased anxiety. Regular use leads to chronic stress conditions.
- Physical health. Opiates and stimulants damage the cardiovascular system, cause lung, liver and kidney disease, and suppress the immune system.
How to get rid of drug addiction? Clinic "Renaissance-Kyiv" drug addiction treatment offers comprehensive treatment for drug addiction, namely:
drug detoxification, drug therapy, psychotherapy and rehabilitation.
Professional help can minimize health risks and help restore quality of life.
