Information
Recreational drug use is the use of a drug (legal, controlled, or illegal) with the intention of enhancing life (increasing euphoria, blocking unhappy memories, or creating pleasure). Some would also include creativity and religious growth among the effects of certain drugs (cannabis and the psychedelics). Understood broadly, this is recreation.
Usage of recreational drugs has been associated with various dispositions ranging from curiosity to boredom or low self-esteem, a want to be risky, to meditate, to escape from or cope with difficulties, to relax, to increase energy and decrease sluggishness, and to improve focus or concentration. Psychological disorders such as depression, trauma, social anxiety, and schizophrenia are also seen as promoters of drug use. Additionally, users seek positives such as a disinhibiting effect on socialization or an aphrodisiac effect.
Drugs commonly considered capable of recreational use include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and controlled substances within the scope of the United Nations' Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Recreational drug usage can lead to substance addiction and crime, and thus international and domestic law enforcement agencies are perpetually occupied with interdiction efforts against illegal drug usage, manufacture, and distribution.
Usage of recreational drugs has been associated with various dispositions ranging from curiosity to boredom or low self-esteem, a want to be risky, to meditate, to escape from or cope with difficulties, to relax, to increase energy and decrease sluggishness, and to improve focus or concentration. Psychological disorders such as depression, trauma, social anxiety, and schizophrenia are also seen as promoters of drug use. Additionally, users seek positives such as a disinhibiting effect on socialization or an aphrodisiac effect.
Drugs commonly considered capable of recreational use include alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and controlled substances within the scope of the United Nations' Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Recreational drug usage can lead to substance addiction and crime, and thus international and domestic law enforcement agencies are perpetually occupied with interdiction efforts against illegal drug usage, manufacture, and distribution.
Addiction
Drug addiction is a complicated problem. It is a chronic brain disease that compels a person to continue using a substance they know is harmful to them. Overcoming addiction is a challenge that often requires group support in an environment such as rehab. Common drugs that are used and abused are meth, cocaine, GHB, and even legal drugs like Xanax or DXM (cough medicine). The dangers of drug use are real. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how drug use and abuse affects your body, how to overcome addiction, and more.
Marijuana
Marijuana refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds from the hemp plant Cannabis sativa, which contains the psychoactive (mind-altering) chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), as well as other related compounds. This plant material can also be concentrated in a resin called hashish or a sticky black liquid called hash oil.
Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States. After a period of decline in the last decade, its use has been increasing among young people since 2007, corresponding to a diminishing perception of the drug’s risks that may be associated with increased public debate over the drug’s legal status. Although the federal government considers marijuana a Schedule I substance (having no medicinal uses and high risk for abuse), two states have legalized marijuana for adult recreational use, and 20 states have passed laws allowing its use as a treatment for certain medical conditions.
Marijuana is the most common illicit drug used in the United States. After a period of decline in the last decade, its use has been increasing among young people since 2007, corresponding to a diminishing perception of the drug’s risks that may be associated with increased public debate over the drug’s legal status. Although the federal government considers marijuana a Schedule I substance (having no medicinal uses and high risk for abuse), two states have legalized marijuana for adult recreational use, and 20 states have passed laws allowing its use as a treatment for certain medical conditions.
Designer Drugs
The very nature of designer street drugs makes them extremely dangerous. Their unknown and potentially unsafe ingredients, unpredictable side effects, and varying potency make them difficult to understand. Thus, addictions to these drugs can be complicated and problematic to treat.
As with most addictions, the first step is to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that treats not only the destructive behaviors of the addiction but also gets to the root of the causes of the addiction. Therefore, various aspects, such as psychological, physical, social, and mental factors must be considered. In addition, comorbidities, such as other addictions or mental health disorders, must be taken into account.
Once an effective plan has been established, the addict should undergo detoxification. Since the withdrawal symptoms of designer street drugs are often unknown or unpredictable, medically supervised detoxification is recommended. It is important to keep in mind that detoxification alone rarely leads to recovery, and the entire treatment plan should be implemented to ensure success.
After detoxification is complete, most treatment programs will initiate behavioral interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or counseling, to identify the underlying causes of the addiction and give the addict the tools to cope with potential relapse triggers of the addiction. Family therapy may also be recommended. In addition, self-help groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), may provide the addict with support.
Once the addict has recovered, follow-up drug testing and monitoring should be established to ensure continued abstinence, along with the establishment of a continuing care plan.
As with most addictions, the first step is to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that treats not only the destructive behaviors of the addiction but also gets to the root of the causes of the addiction. Therefore, various aspects, such as psychological, physical, social, and mental factors must be considered. In addition, comorbidities, such as other addictions or mental health disorders, must be taken into account.
Once an effective plan has been established, the addict should undergo detoxification. Since the withdrawal symptoms of designer street drugs are often unknown or unpredictable, medically supervised detoxification is recommended. It is important to keep in mind that detoxification alone rarely leads to recovery, and the entire treatment plan should be implemented to ensure success.
After detoxification is complete, most treatment programs will initiate behavioral interventions, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or counseling, to identify the underlying causes of the addiction and give the addict the tools to cope with potential relapse triggers of the addiction. Family therapy may also be recommended. In addition, self-help groups, such as Narcotics Anonymous (NA), may provide the addict with support.
Once the addict has recovered, follow-up drug testing and monitoring should be established to ensure continued abstinence, along with the establishment of a continuing care plan.
Prescription Drugs
If you take a medicine in a way that is different from what the doctor prescribed, it is called prescription drug abuse. It could be
Every medicine has some risk of side effects. Doctors take this into account when prescribing medicines. People who abuse these drugs may not understand the risks. The medicines may not be safe for them, especially at higher doses or when taken with other medicines.
- Taking a medicine that was prescribed for someone else
- Taking a larger dose than you are supposed to
- Taking the medicine in a different way than you are supposed to. This might be crushing tablets and then snorting or injecting them.
- Using the medicine for another purpose, such as getting high
Every medicine has some risk of side effects. Doctors take this into account when prescribing medicines. People who abuse these drugs may not understand the risks. The medicines may not be safe for them, especially at higher doses or when taken with other medicines.