The third week of November is Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week in the Philippines.
To raise public awareness against illegal drug use, this article answers:
What is drug abuse?
Drug abuse, also known as substance use disorder, is caused by the habitual intake of addictive substances which includes, but are not limited to:
Alcohol
Tobacco
Marijuana
Hallucinogens
Opioids
What are the consequences of drug abuse?
It can cause a variety of health conditions, which may include:
Weakened immune system
Heart conditions
Seizure and/or stroke
Lung conditions
Impairments in memory, attention, and decision-making
Drug abuse can also cause changes in behavior, which may include:
Aggressiveness
Paranoia
Impaired judgement
Loss of self-control
Without proper help and treatment, it can lead to intense cravings and compulsive drug use, leading to:
Drug dependence
Drug addiction
What are the steps to treating drug abuse?
The good news is substance use is treatable! Medical professionals can help you manage this condition through a variety of ways depending on the substance used:
Management of withdrawal symptoms
Outpatient medication management
Referral to a counselling, talk therapy, or behavioral therapies
Referral to support groups
References: Effects of Drug Abuse - Gateway Foundation
Comentarios