Brian Keith
Drug addiction or substance abuse is a disease in which a person seeks and uses drugs compulsively, and that person can’t control such a condition. Though the drug-addicted person knows the harmful consequences of drug abuse, he is unable to prevent himself from that.
When does drug use become drug abuse?
Initially, people may consume the drugs for recreational purposes or owing to some prescription from a doctor. However, over time, repeated use of drugs becomes drug abuse that is not tolerable and creates problems in the daily lives of addicted persons.
Changes in the chemical system of the Brain
Not all drugs cause disease of drug addiction; however, the usage of some medications like opiates, cocaine, or methamphetamine leads to drug addiction. All such types of drugs share a standard function, and that is euphoria through alteration in the hormonal activity of our Brain. The Brain needs repetitional ingestion of such drugs because it memorizes the feelings of happiness from those drugs.
Factors influencing risks for addiction
People may develop a drug addiction if they have a family history related to drug abuse, psychological disorders, injecting drugs rather than common routes, or early consumption of drugs. However, all of the risk factors vary from individual to individual based on the genetic makeup.
Symptoms of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction causes short-term as well as long-term health consequences, and even death can occur due to the overuse of addictive drugs like opioids. Here are a few signs that show that a person is facing the disease of drug addiction:
a) When not using drugs leads to nausea, restlessness, shaking, depression, anxiety, etc.…
b) Spending excessive time just thinking, obtaining, and using drugs.
c) Isolating from the healthy activities and neglecting the responsibilities.
A Few facts and Myths related to drug addiction
It is a common myth that Drug addiction or substance abuse is a disease and nothing can be done to cure it; however, the fact is that it can be reversed through different therapies. The other myths related to this are that it is just a matter of willpower to control the addiction, opioid drugs are safe painkillers, there is no abuse using these medicines, and treatment does not affect the patient of drug addiction.
Cure of chronic disease of drug addiction; The word of God
Just like other chronic diseases, drug addiction can be cured with treatment, care, and psychological therapies. Although medical interventions play a significant role in the recovery of addicted persons, the power of faith and the Word of God heals from the disease of drug addiction. Such healing is lasting and irreversible. The word of God provides hope, restoration, and renewal to those fighting the addiction. It is a fact that God can deliver anyone from the bondage. The following verse written in the Bible reminds us that the power of God can break the chains of drug addiction,
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of the utter darkness and broke away their chains.”
Conclusion
Drug addiction or substance abuse is a disease that disturbs the behavior, body, mind, and spirit of the addicted persons. Medical therapies and treatments have some impacts on drug addiction; however, the lasting cure comes through faith. The power of God provides hope, strength, and renewal to overcome drug addiction. If someone suffers from this, he should never forget that the word of God heals.
