Chapter 33, Problem 34A

Summary Introduction

To write: The meaning of someone being addicted to a drug.

Introduction: A substance when consumed by a person causes a change in his physiological or psychological behavior is referred to as drugs. Drugs consumption can be done by - smoking, injection, dissolution under the tongue, inhalation. Drugs are chemical substances that affect the function of the brain mainly central nervous system, altering mood, perception or consciousness of a person.

Explanation of Solution

Addiction means habit formed due to compulsive use of a substance or a physiological need for a substance such as alcohol, heroin, nicotine etc. When someone is addicted to drugs they become dependent physically or psychologically on an addictive substance. They become habituated or obsessive to a substance. Addiction to drugs is an urge to do something that is so hard to control or stop from using it.

Drug addiction may lead to any form of mental illness because mental illness is related to stigma. Excessive use of these substances may cause cardiovascular diseases, Stroke, Respiratory diseases, Anxiety and many more. Prolonged use of these substances can lead to Cancer. Moreover, Life expectancy of Drug users is often much lower in comparison to that of Non-users. Addiction leads to psychological inability to stop consuming drugs even though it is causing harm to that person mentally or physically. They find difficulties to cope up with their daily life or losing interest in activities as addiction reduce self-control.