HOW TO PREVENT DRUG ABUSE - STRATEGIES AND ADVICE FOR ADDICTION PREVENTION

Use and misuse of drugs like alcohol, nicotine, illicit drugs, and even prescription medications is an increasingly large concern. Addiction is the state of psychological or physical dependence on alcohol or other substances. Often, the term addiction is interchanged with substance use disorder or substance dependence. As drug abuse can lead to a variety of negative mental and physical health consequences, its prevention is a crucial part of promoting health and well-being. By implementing effective strategies, communities can help reduce the prevalence and impact of substance abuse on individuals, families, and communities. This article explores some key strategies and advice for drug abuse prevention.

Why do some people become addicted to substances while others do not?

Like other disorders, the risk of becoming addicted to a substance can vary between individuals and is not solely based on a particular cause or by any particular reason. Oftentimes, a combination of factors increases an individual's susceptibility to substance use disorder. While anyone can misuse substances, some individuals are at an increased risk for misuse and addiction. These reasons include genetic factors, environmental factors, or early use. While individuals with more risk factors are at a greater likelihood of becoming addicted, risk factors don't guarantee that an individual will experience addiction, especially if an individual is careful to avoid it.

Genetic factors

Addiction is highly heritable. That is, it is transmissible from parents to children. An individual with a parent or other family member who suffers from substance use disorders is thus at an increased chance of developing a substance use disorder themselves.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors can also raise the risk of addiction. Peer pressure and lack of parental supervision at younger ages, for example, can lead to greater risk-taking and experimentation with other drugs. Peer pressure, common in younger individuals, is pressure from friends or others of the same age or social group that pushes someone to experiment with substances to try to fit in with a group or appear "cool" to others.

Individuals who have experienced difficult life events like trauma, neglect, or abuse may also turn to substances to help cope with their emotions, as the effects of the substances may be numbing or may help them seek temporary relief from painful thoughts or memories.

Early use

The age at which someone begins experimenting or using a substance also influences their likelihood of developing an addiction. Individuals who use substances between the ages of 18 and 24 are more likely to engage in substance misuse and be addicted to substances. At younger ages, substances can influence brain development, increasing the likelihood of becoming addicted to other substances later in life.

Pre-existing mental disorders

Individuals who have pre-existing mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), for example, may be more vulnerable to substance use problems as they may attempt to self-regulate or manage symptoms from these conditions with other drugs or substances.

Moreover, individuals who are said to have an "addictive personality" may be at a larger risk for developing a range of addictions. Thus, even small doses and short-lived interactions with substances may lead someone to become addicted.

If taking drugs makes people feel good or better, what's the problem?

Often, a first-time user will feel good after using a substance. After repeated use, however, the body habituates to the substance, and individuals find that they need to take a larger quantity or dose of the substance to obtain the same effect as they initially did. Often, this is accompanied by intense cravings for the substance and withdrawal symptoms after a period without the substance. Cravings and withdrawal can become intrusive to daily functioning and can impair someone's ability to carry out their roles and expectations at work, school, or home - all of which are indications that the substance use has become problematic.

Long-term effects of substance use

Physiological addiction occurs in the brain after repeated use of drugs. Brain functions like emotional regulation, decision-making, and memory can all be affected. Moreover, there is a decrease in the production of neurotransmitters – brain chemicals that transmit messages.

Over time, frequent substance use can also take its toll on other organs in the body. Notably, the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs are put under a large amount of stress, which can ultimately lead to deterioration of an individual's physical health.

Prevention

The more risk factors people face, the greater the likelihood that they will become addicted. Protective factors can help reduce risks for individuals and prevent the development of addiction.

Early intervention plays a crucial role in preventing drug abuse. By identifying individuals who are at risk or showing signs of substance abuse, preventive measures can be taken to prevent them from developing a more serious addiction. Early intervention programmes can include education, counselling, and support to help individuals make informed decisions about drug use.

Substance abuse management

Parents and caregivers have a significant influence on their child's life decisions, including drug use. Encouraging open communication, setting clear boundaries, and monitoring behaviour can help deter children from experimenting with drugs. Parents should also model healthy behaviours, such as responsible decision-making and avoiding alcohol or drug use, to reinforce the message that drugs are harmful. For adults, parental authority may be less impactful, but similarly, family members and close friends can play an important role in the prevention and management of substance abuse.

Strong community support and resource availability are essential for drug abuse prevention. By fostering a sense of belonging and offering support to individuals and families struggling with substance abuse, communities can help reduce the isolation and stigma associated with addiction. Community programmes, such as support groups, counselling services, and addiction treatment centres, can provide individuals with the necessary resources and support to overcome addiction.

Drug abuse prevention requires a comprehensive approach that combines early intervention, education, and community support. By implementing these strategies, communities can take proactive steps to reduce the prevalence and impact of drug abuse on individuals, families, and communities.

If you suspect you have an addiction, reach out to your healthcare provider for help. They may recommend counselling, medications, or other treatment options. Support groups have proven to be very useful for substance use disorder treatment. Moreover, while some may benefit from informal programmes and day-patient care, other individuals may benefit more from formal treatment programmes in the form of residential treatment.

At The Kusnacht Practice, we provide the utmost quality of health and care excellence, providing an array of specialised mental health therapies and treatments suited to each individual with Psychotherapeutic care, Medical treatment and care, Biomolecular restoration, and Family systems therapy.

Our psychiatric and medical teams are dedicated to your well-being, providing personalised therapies tailored to your individual needs and goals. Whether it be to help prevent or manage a substance use disorder, our team is there to support you.

If you or a loved one is experiencing difficulty with substances or addiction, contact us for more information on how we can help.