Q 2: What are the risk factors for addiction disorders?

Risk factors are characteristics which increase the chances of developing a disease/disorder. Risk factors for addiction disorders include

1. Genetic vulnerability – if someone from family already has an addiction disorder
2. Stressors – hostile environment or circumstances may lead people to seek refuge in drugs to feel relaxed
3. Personality – certain personality traits are predisposed towards substance abuse
4. Social/ Culture – acceptance of certain substances at a cultural level leads to exposure at a comparatively younger age, thus risking development of addiction
5. Psychiatric disorders – like depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis etc
6. Easy availability
7. Peer group already having exposure to drugs

There is variety of reasons for initiating substances of abuse, like:
a) Peer pressure
b) Curiosity or experimenting
c) To relieve stress
d) For enjoyment to feel the “high”
e) To enhance physical performance
f) To enhance self esteem (maladaptive behaviour)

Q 3: How addiction disorders affects our brain and body?

These substances alter balance of various neurotransmitters in brain and lead to adverse
changes in thinking, behaviour and functions of the body. These substances change the way
in which our brain experiences “pleasure”. Over a period of time, our brain ceases to
experience “pleasure” from natural chemicals and depend on the abused substance to feel
“normal”. People develop intense craving for substance and make it hard to stop using it.
Lack of regular use of substance leads to reversal of its effects and produce uncomfortable
symptoms, called as “withdrawals”, which are specific to the substance being abused. Intense
craving and “withdrawals” are the prime reasons for continuation of abused substance by
patients despite abstinence for variable duration.

Q 4: How to identify possible use of drug addiction in family members?

There are various clues to identify if one is suffering from addiction disorder or is very close
to having one. People may have different symptoms from others, but if seen as a symptom
cluster, one is able to make out whether addiction disorder is present or not.
Some of the common clues suggestive of addiction disorder are as follows:
a) Behaviour change – being secretive, not allowing family members from entering
room or seeing closets; leaving home for long periods without information; preferring
to be alone, withdrawing from social gatherings or vacation plans etc
b) Poor self care – lack of interest in grooming, hygiene or looks, weight changes, lack
of adequate food intake
c) Absenteeism – dropping out of school/college/ or work place with significant loss in
performance
d) Monetary demands – frequent requests for more monetary requirement for various
reasons; missing money/ jewellery/ articles of value from home; borrowing money
from acquaintances
e) Mood changes – frequent fluctuation in mood like being irritable, snapping at minor
issues, anger outburst, breaking household articles; being “too happy” while under
influence of drug, etc
f) Physical signs – smell of used substance like, alcohol, smoking; redness of eyes,
stains of tobacco; recovery of paraphernalia like syringe, needle, foil paper, cigarette
butts, etc

Q 5: What are the symptoms of drug addiction?

A person may suffer from addiction disorder if he/she has the following conditions

a) Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
b) Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
c) Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
d) Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
e) Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
f) Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
g) Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or
recreational activities because of drug use
h) Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life
or causing you physical or psychological harm
i) Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
j) Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
k) Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the
effects of the drug
l) Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
m) Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

Q 6: What are the complications of drug use and drug addiction?

Dependence on drugs can create a number of dangerous and damaging complications,
including:
a) Getting a communicable disease. People who are addicted to a drug are more likely
to get an infectious disease, such as HIV, either through unsafe sex or by sharing
needles.
b) Other health problems. Drug addiction can lead to a range of both short-term and
long-term mental and physical health problems. These depend on what drug is taken.
c) Accidents. People who are addicted to drugs are more likely to drive or do other
dangerous activities while under the influence.
d) Suicide. People who are addicted to drugs die by suicide more often than people who
aren't addicted.

e) Family problems. Behavioral changes may cause marital or family conflict and
custody issues.
f) Work issues. Drug use can cause declining performance at work, absenteeism and
eventual loss of employment.
g) Problems at school. Drug use can negatively affect academic performance and
motivation to excel in school.
h) Legal issues. Legal problems are common for drug users and can stem from buying
or possessing illegal drugs, stealing to support the drug addiction, driving while under
the influence of drugs or alcohol, or disputes over child custody.
i) Financial problems. Spending money to support drug use takes away money from
other needs, could lead to debt, and can lead to illegal or unethical behaviors.

Q 7:What is the treatment of drug addiction?

The most important aspect of drug addiction to understand is that effective treatments for
addiction are available. Many patients do not seek treatment as they think the contrary to be
true.
The first step on the road to recovery is recognition of the problem. The recovery process can
be hindered when a person denies having a problem and lacks understanding about substance
misuse and addiction. The intervention of concerned friends and family often prompts
treatment.
A health professional can conduct a formal assessment of symptoms to see if a substance use
disorder exists. Even if the problem seems severe, most people with a substance use disorder
can benefit from treatment. Unfortunately, many people who could benefit from treatment
don’t receive help.
Because addiction affects many aspects of a person’s life, multiple types of treatment are
often required. For most, a combination of medication and individual or group therapy is
most effective.Treatment approaches that address an individual’s situation and any co-
occurring medical, psychiatric and social problems can lead to sustained recovery.
Dr Prannay Gulati runs licensed de-addiction treatment centre in mohali.
Medications are used to control drug cravings and relieve severe symptoms of withdrawal.
Therapy can help addicted individuals understand their behavior and motivations, develop
higher self-esteem, cope with stress and address other mental health problems. Treatment
may also include:
1. Hospitalization
2.Therapeutic communities (highly controlled, drug-free environments)
3.Outpatient programs

Q 8: How to help a friend or family member who suffers from drug addiction disorder?

Some suggestions to get started are as follows:
1. Learn all you can about alcohol and drug misuse and addiction.
2. Speak up and offer your support: talk to the person about your concerns, and offer
your help and support, including your willingness to go with them and get help. Like
other chronic diseases, the earlier addiction is treated, the better.
3. Express love and concern: don’t wait for your loved one to “hit bottom.” You may be
met with excuses, denial or anger. Be prepared to respond with specific examples of
behavior that has you worried.
4.Don’t expect the person to stop without help: you have heard it before - promises to
cut down, stop - but, it doesn’t work. Treatment, support, and new coping skills are
needed to overcome addiction to alcohol and drugs.
5. Support recovery as an ongoing process: once your friend or family member is
receiving treatment, or going to meetings, remain involved. Continue to show that you
are concerned about his/her successful long-term recovery.

Some things you don’t want to do about addiction disorders:

6. Don't preach: Don’t lecture, threaten, bribe, preach or moralize.
7. Don't be a martyr: Avoid emotional appeals that may only increase feelings of guilt
and the compulsion to drink or use other drugs.
8. Don't cover up, lie or make excuses for his/her behavior.
9. Don't assume their responsibilities: taking over their responsibilities protects them
from the consequences of their behavior.
10. Don't argue when using: avoid arguing with the person when they are using alcohol or
drugs; at that point he/she can’t have a rational conversation.
11. Don’t feel guilty or responsible for their behavior; it’s not your fault.
12. Don't join them: don’t try to keep up with them by drinking or using.