4.5.15. Commonly Abused Substances

Addictive behaviour, whether it involves excessive intake of high calorie food resulting in extreme obesity or involving the abuse of substances such as alcohol or cocaine, is one of the most severe problems being faced by society today.

Substance abuse refers to the harmful use of substances (like drugs and alcohol) that can lead to addiction. This addiction affects an individual's physical health, mental well-being, and social relationships. The consequences of substance abuse extend beyond the individual, impacting families and communities as well.

Imagine a friend who used to be energetic and involved in sports. Over time, he starts drinking excessively. As a result, he withdraws from friends, fails to show up for practice, and his health deteriorates. This not only harms him but also disappoints his family and friends who care about him.

People who abuse alcohol drink large amounts regularly and rely on it to help them face difficult situations. Eventually, the drinking interferes with their social behaviour and ability to think and function well.

Alcohol is a depressant that affects the brain and can lead to poor judgment, emotional instability, and impaired motor skills. Regular heavy drinking can lead to tolerance, meaning a person needs more alcohol to achieve the same effects, and can result in withdrawal symptoms when they stop.

Think of alcohol like a crutch. Initially, it seems to help someone cope with stress or anxiety. However, over time, they rely on it more and more to function normally, like someone who is unable to walk without a crutch. Eventually, the crutch becomes a burden, and if taken away, the person struggles to stand without it.

Some of the commonly abused substances are given in Box 4.3.

• Alcohol
• Stimulants: dextroamphetamines, metaamphetamines, cocaine
• Caffeine: coffee, tea, caffeinated soda, analgesics, chocolate, cocoa
• Cannabis: marijuana or ‘bhang’
• Hallucinogens: LSD, mescaline
• Inhalants: gasoline, glue, paint thinners, spray paints, typewriter correction fluid, sprays
• Tobacco: cigarettes, bidi
• Opioid: morphine, heroin, cough syrup, painkillers (analgesics, anaesthetics)
• Sedatives, Hypnotics or Anxiolytics: sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medication

Various substances can be abused, ranging from legal substances like alcohol and caffeine to illegal drugs like heroin and LSD. Each substance has different effects on the body and mind and poses unique risks for addiction and health deterioration.

Think of a toolbox. Just as a toolbox holds various tools that can be used for different tasks, people use different substances to achieve different feelings — relaxation, excitement, or escape. However, just like using the wrong tool can cause damage, misusing substances can lead to serious harm.

Dependence may develop, so that cocaine dominates the person’s life, more of the drug is needed to get the desired effects, and stopping it results in feelings of depression, fatigue, sleep problems, irritability and anxiety.

Addiction involves a psychological or physical dependence on a substance. As dependence deepens, the individual feels compelled to use more of the substance to achieve the same effect. When they attempt to stop, they may experience withdrawal symptoms, making cessation difficult.

Imagine a video game player who is addicted to leveling up in their favorite game. Initially, they play for fun, but soon they feel they must play to avoid feeling bored or stressed. When they try to quit, they feel anxious and restless, akin to someone addicted to substances trying to stop their use.

Addiction affects not just the user but also families and communities, creating a wide ripple of issues that extend far beyond the individual suffering from substance use issues.

Substance abuse can severely disrupt family dynamics and community health. Addicted individuals may cause financial strain, emotional distress, and even lead to criminal activity affecting those around them, emphasizing the need for social support and intervention.

Just like a stone thrown into a pond creates ripples that spread out, substance abuse impacts everyone connected to the user. For example, the parent who drinks excessively not only affects their own health but also creates an unstable home environment for children and disrupts relationships with friends and family.

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