The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states defines Substance Disorder as disorders that occur due to uncontrollable use of drugs, alcohol, caffeine, cannabis and so on. This disorder is categorized into two types: Substance Abuse Disorder and Substance Induced Disorder. Substance Abuse Disorder is the excessive use of drugs, alcohol, cannabis and so on to a point where the person’s life is at stake. Substance Induced Disorder is the disorder in which the intake of certain drugs or the withdrawal of certain drugs could lead to mental illnesses like depression or mental disorders like psychosis. Most of the time, due to depression, anxiety, peer pressure and poor environment individuals resort to substance abuse. Drugs such as MDMA (ecstasy/molly), MDA (sally) induce the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters in the brain, providing a feeling of pleasure which most people refer to as a feeling of getting “high”.
In 2017, 166,000 direct deaths were caused because of substance abuse disorder. Yet, in India it is not taken as seriously. In India, the use of drugs is severely judged upon even if it is a major disorder. People suffering from this disorder, physically cannot contain themselves no matter how hard they try. Depression acts as a huge steeping stop towards the journey of Substance Abuse. Most individuals who suffer from depression, but are un-diagnosed resort to drugs to eliminate their sorrow. Diagnosed Clinical depression is treated by the use of anti-depressants. These anti-depressants are stimulants that increase the level of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine in the body. A common misconception people have is that anti-depressants instantly make a person happy. No, that is not how it works. It mildly takes away feelings of anxiety and symptoms of depression. An individual gets more in touch with their emotions by using anti-depressants. Drugs, on the other hand, provide a feeling of euphoria. They create a new world for a person, in this world the person does not suffer from any of sort of problem. This feeling of elation is what becomes a major issue. Substance abuse disorder becomes a coping mechanism for individuals who do not want to face the realities of their life, who do not want to suffer from anguish, sadness and pain.
Some symptoms of this disorder are as follows:
v They are unable to restrict themselves despite being fully aware of the consequences.
v They are unable to concentrate at school, home or at work.
v They may suffer from memory loss.
v Taking part in criminal activities to get their hands-on drugs – activities such as stealing, in extreme cases even homicide.
v Increased feelings of paranoia and confusion
v Vomiting
v Boost in blood pressure and heart rate
An important TED talk on Unlocking the Cure to Substance Use Disorder by Brad Finegood
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