Eating disorder

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Substance abuse is the repeated use of a substance by people in ways or amounts that are harmful to them or the people around them. Usually, this means using illegal drugs or using legal drugs in an inappropriate manner, such as using too much or using to obtain an unintended effect of the legal drug. (Mosby, 2001) Some people who abuse substances are addicts, but people do not have to be dependent on a substance to abuse it. Substance abuse occurs when alcohol or other drug use affects a person’s social life. Substance dependence occurs when the substance causes a long-term physical change. Examples of long-term physical changes are tolerance and withdrawal. It is possible to use drugs without developing substance-related disorders; however, it is extremely difficult to determine in advance who will use drugs responsibly and who will develop substance abuse or dependence. Substance-related disorders often accompany other mental disorders, making the study of substance-related disorders a significant aspect of psychology. This coexistence of disorders is called comorbidity. (Huffman, 2012) In the following, the effects of drugs, substance-related disorders, and substance abuse treatment will be discussed. Psychoactive drugs alter people’s states of consciousness. The psychoactive drugs accomplish this by affecting the nervous system in one of two ways. Some drugs are agonistic drugs, which improve the functioning of certain neurotransmitters. Others are antagonistic drugs, which do the opposite and hinder the ability for some neurotransmitters to function. (Huffman, 2012) Because the drugs affect brain and nervous system so intensely, they change the way the brain works. The extensive pleasure obtained through using substances c... ... middle of paper ... ... because their bodies have become dependent on the drugs to function. Abusers of each drug should be prescribed a specific medication proven to aid in the recovery from that substance. The most effective way to treat people with substance-related disorders is using both therapy and medication simultaneously. (Mack, Frances, 2003) The abuse of drugs can be extremely harmful to bodies and minds. The information in this paper explains how drugs affect the body and shows why they can become major problems. Although it is better for people to avoid illegal drugs and use legal drugs in an appropriate manner, many methods of treatment exist for people with drug problems. Wrongful drug use has always been present in society, but with the large amount of information and many treatments available today, it is possible to decrease the number of serious drug-related problems.

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