Peer Responses – Psychoactive Drugs Use

Peer Responses – Psychoactive Drugs Use

Responding to Peer 1

Hello,

This is a great informative post on the medical risks and withdrawal symptoms related to the usage of psychoactive drugs. Remarkably, you’ve highlighted the multiple ways in which drug addiction can harm a person’s physical and mental health, as well as their social and professional life. It is critical for society to be aware of the widespread impact of drug addiction, as this awareness can motivate efforts for prevention and support (Jones & Vigo, 2023). Your explanation of withdrawal symptoms sheds light on the difficult recovery process many people encounter. Furthermore, physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms can be extremely upsetting, and they are frequently a primary impediment to obtaining help and achieving long-term sobriety. Your highlights on the significance of comprehensive and compassionate addiction therapy are remarkable: it not only addresses substance use but also underlying physical and mental health difficulties by mentioning these points. Overall, your piece serves as an important reminder of the complexities of addiction and the critical need for help and education in this field. Great job!

References

Jones, L., & Vigo, D. (2023). Mental health and substance abuse. Sustainable Development Goals Series, 197–201. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33851-9_29

Responding to peer 2

Hello,

This is an excellent post. I acknowledge your thorough discussion outlining the various impacts and consequences of psychoactive substance use. Your thorough explanation emphasizes the complexities and gravity of the issues surrounding addiction, which are critical for both people and society to comprehend. Your discussion of the various problems and withdrawal symptoms linked with different drug types and individual health conditions underscores the importance of tailored and holistic addiction treatment techniques. The rise in disorders associated with substances such as heroin and methamphetamine is a serious trend that requires attention and help for those affected (Jones et al., 2021). Furthermore, your explanation of infectious disorders connected with injecting drug use highlights the possible public health consequences of addiction. Finally, your message serves as an important reminder of the complexities of addiction and the significance of seeking competent help for those affected. By disseminating this material, you help raise awareness of the difficulties that people with substance use disorders encounter and the vital role that comprehensive treatment and support play in their recovery.

References

Jones, C. M., Houry, D., Han, B., Baldwin, G., Vivolo‐Kantor, A., & Compton, W. M. (2021). Methamphetamine use in the United States: Epidemiological update and implications for prevention, treatment, and harm reduction. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.14688

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Peer 1: Dependence on drugs can create a number of dangerous and damaging complications, including getting an infectious disease, accidents, suicide, family problems, work issues, problems at school and legal issues. Drug users may experience difficulties with concentration and memory that impair learning. They can exhibit mood swings, impaired judgement, isolation, and depression, all of which can contribute to impaired driving, injuries, accidents, domestic or random violence, and sexual assault. The impact of addiction can be far-reaching. Health risks associated with illicit drug use may include Cardiovascular Disease, Stroke, Cancer, HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Lung Disease and various mental disorders.

Withdrawal symptoms from illicit drug use may affect a person’s mental and physical state. The notion of psychological withdrawal symptoms includes depression, anxiety, reduced motivation, difficulties experiencing pleasure, apathy, and even more serious symptoms such as the development of hallucinations and delusions. Physical withdrawal symptoms vary depending on the drug abused. Withdrawal symptoms from opiates include anxiety, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include irritability, fatigue, shaking, sweating, and nausea. Withdrawal from nicotine can cause irritability, fatigue, insomnia, headache, and difficulty concentrating.

References

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Peer 2: Psychoactive drugs have similar but different effects. These substances consist of opioids, stimulants, sedatives, and hallucinogens. All of which can have a profound impact on the human body. In addition, these drugs can have huge repercussions affecting the body, which can lead to complications and withdrawal symptoms when someone attempts to stop using them.
Based on the potency of said drug taken, complications can occur based on the specific drug type, the duration of use, and the individual’s health. There are general medical complications and withdrawal symptoms associated with psychoactive drug use. Medical complications can elicit cardiovascular issues. Stimulants like cocaine and amphetamines can lead to high blood pressure and even set the stage for heart attacks. Long-term use can cause irreversible damage to the cardiovascular system. “The percentage of people reporting alcohol use disorder decreased slightly from 25.6% to 20.5%. The percentage of people with heroin and methamphetamine use disorder rose from 10.8% to 25.8% and 6.4% to 29.4%, respectively. The percentage of people identified as having cocaine use disorder decreased by 11.9 percentage points” (Butler et al., 2022). Although there is potential for people to remain steadfast on their road to recovery, their stories are not always successful. That is why it is pivotal to seek professional help.
Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, leading to seizures and delirium tremens. Symptoms often include anxiety, tremors, sweating, and hallucinations. Many psychoactive drugs, including alcohol and some prescription medications, can strain the liver and kidneys, potentially causing liver and kidney damage. Opioids, including heroin and prescription painkillers, can depress the respiratory system. Overdosing on opioids can lead to fatal respiratory failure. However, the drug is so intensely addictive that the withdrawal symptoms can include intense cravings, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and muscle aches, which makes opioids hard to quit and relapse susceptible to happen. “Drug use and health reported that around 4.8 million Americans used herion at some point in their lives, which is 1.8% of all people aged 12or older in the country” (Alderson, 2019, p. 284).
Chronic use of some drugs, such as methamphetamine, can lead to significant neurological issues, including cognitive impairment and mood disorders, which activate neurological effects.
Infectious Diseases When Injecting drug use, common with opioids and stimulants, increases the risk of blood-borne infections like HIV and hepatitis due to shared needles.
It’s crucial to emphasize that the severity of medical complications and withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on the substance and the individual. Seeking professional medical and psychological support is vital when addressing substance use disorders. Treatment options, including detoxification, therapy, and medication-assisted treatment, can help individuals manage withdrawal symptoms and address the underlying causes of addiction.

Reference:
Butler, A., Nicholls, T., Samji, H., Fabian, S., & Lavergne, M. R. (2022). Prevalence of Mental Health Needs, Substance Use, and Co-occurring Disorders Among People Admitted to Prison. Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.), 73(7), 737–744. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.202000927

Alderson, K. G. (2019). Addictions counselling today: Substances and addictive behaviours. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.