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Essay on Drug Addiction | Drug Addiction Essay for Students and Children in English

February 12, 2024 by Veerendra

Essay on Drug Addiction: Addiction refers to the harmful need to consume substances that have damaging consequences on the user. Addiction affects not just the body but also on the person’s mental health and soundness of mind. Addiction is one of the most severe health problems faced around the world and is termed as a chronic disease. A widespread disorder ranges from drugs, alcohol addiction to gambling, and even phone addiction.

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One of the most unfortunate yet common addictions that affect millions today is drug addiction. Also referred to as substance – use disorder, it is the addiction to substances that harm neurological functioning and a person’s behavior. The essay provides relevant information on this topic.

Long and Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English for Students and Kids

There are two essays listed below. The long essay consists of 500 words and a short essay of 200 words.

Long Essay on Drug Addiction in English 500 words

Drug addiction, also known as substance–use disorder, refers to the dangerous and excessive intake of legal and illegal drugs. This leads to many behavioral changes in the person as well as affects brain functions. Drug addiction includes abusing alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioid, painkillers, and nicotine, among others. Drugs like these help the person feel good about themselves and induce ‘dopamine’ or the happiness hormone. As they continue to use the drug, the brain starts to increase dopamine levels, and the person demands more.

Drug addiction has severe consequences. Some of the signs include anxiety, paranoia, increased heart rate, and red eyes. They are intoxicated and unable to display proper coordination and have difficulty in remembering things. A person who is addicted cannot resist using them and unable to function correctly without ingesting them. It causes damage to the brain, their personal and professional relationships. It affects mental cognition; they are unable to make proper decisions, cannot retain information, and make poor judgments. They tend to engage in reckless activities such as stealing or driving under the influence. They also make sure that there is a constant supply and are willing to pay a lot of money even if they are unable to afford it and tend to have erratic sleep patterns.

Drug addiction also causes a person to isolate themselves and have either intense or no food cravings. They stop taking care of their hygiene. Drug addiction affects a person’s speech and experience hallucinations. They are unable to converse and communicate properly; they speak fast and are hyperactive. Those addicted have extreme mood swings. They can go from feeling happy to feeling sad quickly and are incredibly secretive. They begin to lose interest in activities they once loved. Substance abusers also undergo withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms refer to the symptoms that occur when they stop taking the drug. Some withdrawal symptoms include nausea, fatigue, and tremors. They stop and starting using again, an endless cycle that could be life-threatening. Drug addiction can be fatal if not treated timely. It can cause brain damage and seizures as well as overdose, heart diseases, respiratory problems, damage to the liver and kidneys, vomiting, lung diseases, and much more.

Though chronic, treatment is available for drug addiction. Many techniques are used, such as behavioral counseling, medication to treat the addiction, and providing treatment not just for substance abuse but also for many factors that accompany addiction such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Many devices have developed to overcome addiction. There are rehabilitation centers to help people. After treatment, there are numerous follow-ups to ensure that the cycle does not come back. The most important is having family and friends to support the effect. It will help them build confidence and come over their addiction.

The United Nations celebrates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26th of June. Drug addiction impacts millions and needs to be treated carefully to prevent further harm to the individual and letting them live a better life.

Short Essay on Drug Addiction in English 250 words

Drug addiction refers to taking substances that are harmful to our bodies. They cause changes to a person’s behavior as well. Many people take these drugs to feel happier and better about themselves. These dangerous substances make the brain produce a chemical that makes us happy, called dopamine. Producing large amounts of these causes the person to take the drug consistently.

Some of the drugs include alcohol, nicotine, and other unhealthy substances. Taking these substances can lead to many symptoms. These include unable to think correctly, cannot remember things, and unable to speak clearly. They steal and keep secrets from their close ones. Those addicted cannot sleep; they become happy and sad quickly. They stop doing the activities that they liked doing. They are not aware of their surroundings. Taking these dangerous substances can cause many health problems such as vomiting, unable to breathe, brain, and lung damage. It also affects their family, friends, and work.

Drug addiction is life-threatening. However, people with this addiction can be treated and helped with therapy, counseling, and taking medicines along with rehab centers. They do follow-ups to ensure that they never retake these drugs. They must have their family and friends to support them as they recover.

10 lines About Drug Addiction Essay in English

• Drug addiction refers to taking harmful substances that affect a person’s brain functions and behavior. It involves taking legal and illegal drugs, and the person is unable to stop using them. It is also referred to as substance- use disorders
• Harmful drugs include alcohol, cocaine, heroin, opioids, painkillers, nicotine, etc.
• The harmful drugs cause an excessive release of dopamine or the happy hormone, which causes the person to take more.
• Drug addiction can affect mental cognition, including decision making, judgments, and memory. It also causes speech problems.
• It can cause anxiety paranoia and increased blood pressure. They have erratic sleep patterns and isolate themselves. It causes problems in their personal and professional relationships.
• Those addicted become moody, hyperactive, and hallucinate. They also engage in reckless activities.
• They experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using substances. These include nausea, fatigue, and tremors.
• It can have many effects on the body, such as brain damage, seizures, liver and kidney damage, respiratory and lung issues.
• Treatment is available. It includes behavioral therapy, medication, rehabilitation, as well as a follow-up to prevent relapse.
• The United Nations celebrates International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26th of June.

Frequently Asked Questions on Drug Addiction Essay

Question  1. What is drug addiction?

Answer: Drug addiction, also known as substance – use disorder, refers to the dangerous and excessive intake of legal and illegal drugs. This leads to many behavioral changes in the person as well as affects brain functions.

Question 2. Why does drug addiction occur?

Answer: People become addicted to these drugs because they want to feel happier. The drugs cause a chemical called dopamine, which induces happiness to be released. The brain starts to increase dopamine levels, and thus the person becomes addicted to the drug to match the increasing levels.

Question 3. What is the difference between dependence and addiction?

Answer: Dependence and addiction vary. While dependence is an intense craving for the drug by the body, addiction also refers to the changes in behavior and bodily functions due to repeated use of the drug, which has severe consequences.

Question 4. Can we treat drug addiction?

Answer: Yes, drug addiction can be treated. The various treatment methods are behavioral counseling, medication, and treatment of anxiety and depression. There are rehabilitation centers available. This is followed by a check-up to prevent relapse.

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Essay on Drug Addiction in English (150, 200, 250, 500 Words)

Here, we’ve presented essays on “Drug Addiction” in 150, 200, 250 & 500 word samples. All the essays will be helpful for students of all classes i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & class 12.

Table of Contents

Essay on Drug Addiction in 150 Words

Introduction.

Drug addiction is a pressing issue affecting individuals globally. It refers to the compulsive and harmful use of substances, leading to physical and psychological dependence. The consequences of addiction extend beyond the individual, impacting families, communities, and societies at large.

Impact on Health and Well-being

Drug addiction has severe repercussions on physical and mental health. Substance abuse damages vital organs, leading to chronic conditions and increased mortality rates. Moreover, addiction disrupts brain chemistry, causing mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric illnesses.

Social and Economic Consequences

The ramifications of drug addiction are not limited to health but also extend to social and economic realms. Addicts often struggle to maintain employment, resulting in financial instability and poverty. Additionally, substance abuse fuels crime rates, strains healthcare systems, and burdens social welfare programs.

In conclusion, drug addiction is a multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. Addressing this problem requires a comprehensive approach encompassing prevention, treatment, and support services. By prioritizing education, rehabilitation, and community engagement, we can mitigate the adverse effects of drug addiction and foster healthier societies.

Drug Addiction Essay in 200 Words

Drug addiction remains a significant societal concern globally, characterized by the compulsive use of substances despite adverse consequences. Its prevalence underscores the need for effective prevention and intervention strategies to mitigate its impact on individuals and communities.

Physical and Psychological Effects

Drug addiction inflicts profound harm on both physical and psychological well-being. Prolonged substance abuse damages vital organs such as the liver, heart, and brain, contributing to chronic health conditions and increased mortality rates. Furthermore, addiction alters brain chemistry, leading to mood disorders, cognitive impairment, and psychiatric illnesses.

Social and Interpersonal Challenges

Beyond its health implications, drug addiction engenders social and interpersonal challenges. Addicts often experience strained relationships with family members, friends, and colleagues due to their erratic behavior and inability to fulfill responsibilities. Moreover, substance abuse can isolate individuals, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and alienation.

Economic Burden

The economic burden of drug addiction is substantial, affecting individuals, communities, and economies. Substance abuse impedes productivity and employability, leading to income loss and financial instability. Additionally, governments incur significant healthcare expenditures and law enforcement costs in addressing drug-related crimes and healthcare needs.

In conclusion, drug addiction poses multifaceted challenges that demand a comprehensive response. Efforts to combat addiction should encompass prevention, treatment, and support services, coupled with initiatives to address underlying social and economic determinants. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and prioritizing evidence-based interventions, societies can mitigate the adverse effects of drug addiction and promote holistic well-being.

Essay Writing on Drug Addiction in 250 Words

As of 2023, drug addiction continues to be a pervasive issue globally, with approximately 269 million people estimated to have used drugs at least once in the previous year. This concerning trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to address addiction’s complex nature and its impact on individuals and societies.

The Neurobiology of Addiction

At its core, drug addiction is a neurobiological phenomenon. Substance abuse alters brain chemistry, hijacking the brain’s reward system and leading to compulsive drug-seeking behavior. Neuroimaging studies reveal structural and functional changes in areas associated with decision-making, impulse control, and memory, perpetuating the cycle of addiction.

Socioeconomic Implications

Drug addiction exerts significant socioeconomic burdens on individuals and communities. According to the World Health Organization, substance abuse contributes to over 500,000 deaths annually and costs billions in healthcare expenditures and lost productivity. Moreover, addiction fuels crime rates, strains social services, and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality.

Stigma and Barriers to Treatment

Despite efforts to increase awareness and access to treatment, stigma remains a formidable barrier for individuals seeking help for drug addiction. Discrimination and misconceptions surrounding addiction deter many from seeking treatment, exacerbating the health and social consequences of substance abuse.

Addressing the Root Causes

Effectively addressing drug addiction necessitates a multifaceted approach that goes beyond symptom management to address underlying factors such as trauma, poverty, and lack of social support. By investing in evidence-based prevention programs, expanding access to treatment and recovery services, and addressing social determinants of health, societies can create environments conducive to recovery and well-being.

In conclusion, drug addiction presents complex challenges that require comprehensive and compassionate responses. By addressing the neurobiological, socioeconomic, and societal dimensions of addiction, we can strive towards a future where individuals are supported in their journey towards recovery and communities are empowered to thrive.

Writing an Essay on Drug Addiction in 500 Words

As of 2023, drug addiction remains a formidable global challenge, affecting millions of individuals and communities worldwide. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), approximately 35 million people suffer from drug use disorders globally, with devastating consequences for health, social cohesion, and economic development. This essay explores the multifaceted nature of drug addiction, its impact on individuals and societies, and the imperative for comprehensive interventions.

The Physiology of Addiction

Drug addiction is a complex neurobiological phenomenon characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite adverse consequences. Substance abuse disrupts the brain’s reward circuitry, altering neurotransmitter levels and impairing decision-making processes. Research indicates that repeated drug use leads to neuroadaptations in the brain, reinforcing addictive behaviors and making it challenging for individuals to abstain from drugs.

Global Trends and Epidemiology

Epidemiological data underscores the global scope of drug addiction. The World Drug Report 2022 highlights that opioids, cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines are among the most commonly abused substances worldwide. Moreover, the report identifies a concerning rise in the non-medical use of prescription opioids, contributing to opioid-related morbidity and mortality.

Health Consequences

The health ramifications of drug addiction are profound and wide-ranging. Substance abuse increases the risk of infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis, particularly among injection drug users. Furthermore, chronic drug use can lead to cardiovascular complications, respiratory disorders, mental health disorders, and overdose fatalities, imposing significant burdens on healthcare systems.

Social and Economic Implications

Drug addiction reverberates beyond individual health outcomes, affecting social cohesion and economic stability. Substance abuse strains relationships, disrupts families, and contributes to social alienation and stigma. Additionally, addiction correlates with higher rates of unemployment, poverty, and involvement in criminal activities, exacerbating social inequalities and hindering economic development.

Treatment and Prevention Strategies

Effective responses to drug addiction require a combination of prevention, treatment, and harm reduction initiatives. Prevention efforts aim to reduce substance abuse initiation through education, community mobilization, and policy interventions. Treatment modalities encompass behavioral therapies, pharmacological interventions, and holistic approaches that address the underlying factors contributing to addiction.

Policy and Legal Frameworks

Policy and legal frameworks play a crucial role in shaping responses to drug addiction. Evidence-based drug policies prioritize public health approaches, emphasizing harm reduction, access to treatment, and human rights protections. Decriminalization and alternative sentencing strategies for non-violent drug offenses are gaining traction as a means to reduce incarceration rates and promote rehabilitation.

In conclusion, drug addiction poses significant challenges to individuals, communities, and societies at large. Addressing this complex issue requires a coordinated effort across multiple sectors, including healthcare, law enforcement, education, and social services. By implementing evidence-based interventions, fostering international cooperation, and addressing the social determinants of addiction, we can mitigate the harms of drug addiction and promote health, well-being, and equity for all.

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Substance Abuse — Impact of Drug Addiction on Society

Impact of Drug Addiction on Society

• Categories: Drug Addiction Substance Abuse

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Published: Feb 12, 2024

Words: 904 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

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Drug Abuse and Its Negative Effects Essay

Introduction, works cited.

One of the consequences of using drugs is, eventually, an individual becoming addicted. Addiction refers to a neuropsychological disorder that involves persistently feeling an urge to engage in particular behaviors despite the significant harm or negative effects. The psychology that explains addiction covers many areas, such as an illness or personal problem, an effect of someone’s lifestyle, family history, or socioeconomic demographics. This paper aims to highlight what the field of psychology says about the negative effects of drugs and why people continue using despite the consequences.

Using drugs once does not necessarily mean someone will never consume them again. In most cases, the drugs contain elements that can cause a person to become addicted. From a psychological perspective, it is important to understand how people enter into addiction. At the root of addictive behavior is a level of emotional stress deeply hidden within someone’s subconscious mind, and addressing it becomes a challenge. To relieve stress, pleasure is discovered in excess (Bechara 100). An example is when people choose to drink alcohol to ease their pain and ultimately find fun.

Stopping the behavior is a danger to someone’s mental state as they fear returning thoughts of the initial source of emotional stress. When a person is addicted, it suggests they lack healthy coping methods for the problem. The only mechanisms are distracting as well as unhealthy such as substance usage. Individuals dealing with addiction do not care about what matters since what is important to them is the desire to do something when that stress appears (Bechara 101). Some can stop their behaviors as their emotional stress does not manifest as among the addictive behaviors. Meanwhile, for others, their drug usage indicates an issue they may not have known and needs treatment. This leads to associative learning, which refers to learning to do something according to a novel stimulus.

Associative Learning

It is regarded as associative learning when an individual finds and takes drugs and ultimately gets high. The concept can be further explained using Ivan Pavlov’s experiment, where he rang a bell to call a dog and then rewarded it with food (Fouyssac and David 3015). A specific part of the brain controls associative learning, which it does via a neurotransmitter named dopamine. Dopamine is produced naturally by the brain when an individual does something rewarding or pleasurable.

The dopamine effect is a survival mechanism whereby eating or drinking feels good. It ensures continuity of life, family, and species in general. The element’s production is among the key drivers behind sex since, as much as the act is rewarding and pleasurable simultaneously, it is needed for survival (Fouyssac and David 3015). The main effect is that it creates a memory of the experience, which pushes people to seek the feeling again. People forget about the negative effects of drugs due to the moments of pleasure. As mentioned earlier, it is most likely that someone who uses the drug once will consume it again. The feeling established, regardless of how long, is enough to convince a person to forget everything they know concerning the negative effects and pursue a minute or two of a great time.

The paper has highlighted what the field of psychology says about the negative effects of drugs and why people continue using despite the consequences. It has been established that, in most cases, individuals experience addiction due to the pursuit of stress relief. Using the logic of the dopamine effect, once someone experiences something pleasurable or rewarding to them, they are most likely to pursue that feeling again. Eventually, it becomes impossible to convince them against the drugs as their desire to end their problem is more than the need to remain healthy.

Bechara, Antoine, et al. “A Neurobehavioral Approach to Addiction: Implications for the Opioid Epidemic and the Psychology of Addiction.” Psychological Science in the Public Interest, vol. 20, no. 2, 2019, p. 96–127.

Fouyssac, Maxime, and David Belin. “Beyond Drug‐Induced Alteration of Glutamate Homeostasis, Astrocytes May Contribute to Dopamine‐Dependent Intrastriatal Functional Shifts That Underlie the Development of Drug Addiction: A Working Hypothesis.” European Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 50, no. 6, 2019, p. 3014-3027.

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Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.

What Is drug addiction?

Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.

It's common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn't mean that treatment doesn’t work. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and should be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatment plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs.

Video: Why are Drugs So Hard to Quit?

What happens to the brain when a person takes drugs?

Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit," causing euphoria as well as flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. A properly functioning reward system motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy behaviors like taking drugs, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.

As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug to try and achieve the same high. These brain adaptations often lead to the person becoming less and less able to derive pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food, sex, or social activities.

Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well, affecting functions that include:

• decision-making

Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes, many people who use drugs continue to take them, which is the nature of addiction.

Why do some people become addicted to drugs while others don't?

No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:

• Biology . The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person's risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction.
• Environment . A person’s environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction.
• Development . Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including trying drugs.

Can drug addiction be cured or prevented?

As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isn’t a cure. However, addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery.

More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective for preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Although personal events and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people view drug use as harmful, they tend to decrease their drug taking. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

Points to Remember

• Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.
• Brain changes that occur over time with drug use challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. This is why drug addiction is also a relapsing disease.
• Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop. Relapse indicates the need for more or different treatment.
• Most drugs affect the brain's reward circuit by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy activities, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.
• Over time, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine, which reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug, trying to achieve the same dopamine high.
• No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.
• Drug addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed.
• More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

For information about understanding drug use and addiction, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction

For more information about the costs of drug abuse to the United States, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics#costs

For more information about prevention, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/prevention

For more information about treatment, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/treatment

To find a publicly funded treatment center in your state, call 1-800-662-HELP or visit:

• https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

This publication is available for your use and may be reproduced in its entirety without permission from NIDA. Citation of the source is appreciated, using the following language: Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.