Everyone who tries drugs for the first time (even the lightest ones) is sure that they are not afraid of addiction. But there are other problems that can come before addiction. For example, some substances such as amphetamines, ecstasy and other stimulants can also cause epileptic seizures, activate latent (hidden) epilepsy. And so, let’s take a broader look at exactly how addiction is formed. The fact that it develops from casual use is due to several mechanisms:
- The first is the euphoric effect that comes after using the drug. Everyone expresses it differently. Some people have a frenzied energy, others “catch” hallucinations, etc. It all depends on what drugs are used. It all depends on what drugs were used.
- Reducing the effects of drugs. As soon as the effects of substances in the body stop, depression, apathy and fatigue often set in. Some fall into twilight sleep, others cannot fall asleep despite exhaustion.
- Suppression of other life content: addictive substances can be used to activate positive feelings and turn off negative feelings. This reduces the motivation to do it in a more laborious, time-consuming, but healthy way without addictive substances.
- Conditioning: previously neutral situations such as ending the day, eating, watching TV, going to the club, are now linked to drug use. The craving for an addictive substance is already triggered automatically on a subconscious level.
- Vicious circle: if addictive substances are used to escape from problems, a vicious circle often occurs – the drug use itself creates additional environmental problems. They reinforce the desire to escape from them with the drug.
- Habituation to the process. If a drug substance is used regularly, the body becomes accustomed to it. The user requires increasing amounts of the addictive substance to achieve the same effect. In addition, consumption becomes a natural part of life.
- Withdrawal symptoms. If physical or mental dependence occurs, withdrawal symptoms such as a strong desire for the addictive substance (craving), tremors, anxiety, sweating, depression, and fears occur. The addictive substance is no longer taken to achieve a positive effect, but to alleviate the withdrawal syndrome.
The same is true for legal drugs: those who are at greater risk are those who are in an environment where there is a lot of smoking or drinking and medication use.
This becomes especially challenging when the following factors are present:
- early use (young people who start using addictive substances at an early age are particularly at risk of becoming addicted);
- frequency and amount of use (anyone who rarely drinks alcohol or smokes pot will probably never cross the critical threshold to become addicted, but this is not the case with heavy or very frequent use.
It is unrealistic to get rid of addiction on your own, you need the help of specialists.