Not all the drugs possess potential risks when abused for the first time. The impact of drugs on the brain of the abused makes the addicted more craving for frequent and high doses of the drug. It is then that the abused starts experiencing potentially harmful side effects of the drug.

Drug abuse triggers some behavioral and physical changes in the abused. These symptoms can help us to detect the drug abuse in early phase, thus eradicating the potential harms of long-term drug abuse. Though abuse of distinct drugs has some common signs like mood swings, decreased interaction with family members and friends, etc. There are some unique symptoms of each drug.

Marijuana abuse:- General symptoms of marijuana abuse include distorted perceptions of time and colors, feeling stoned or impaired from the surroundings, vivid sights and sounds, dried mouth and eyes, increased hunger and thirst, increased laughing, decreased motor abilities, lowered coordination skills, and clumsiness.

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Britannica Concise Encyclopaedia defines a drug as any chemical
agent that affects the function of living things. Some, including antibiotics, stimulants, tranquilizers, antidepressants, analgesics, narcotics and hormones, have generalized effects. Others, including laxatives, heart stimulants, anticoagulants, diuretics and antihistamines, act on specific systems. Although a drug can also refer to any type of medicine, in common parlance the term is used For recreational drugs or substances that are taken for enhanced experiences.

The most common addictive drugs include:

• Cannabis (delta 9 THC)

• Opiates (codeine, heroin)

• Amphetamines (stimulants)

• Cocaine

• Benzodiazapines (sedatives, relaxants)

• Methamphetamines MDMA (ecstasy, ice, speed)

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Prescription drugs’ easy availability and high addictive qualities not only ruin the lives of those who are addicted, but also those who love and care for them. One only has to look in the nearest medicine cabinet to find a plethora of pain, anti-anxiety and sleep medications to find a quick “fix” for any discomfort . The best way to handle body discomfort is to make sure you are eating correctly, getting enough sleep and daily exercise. However Americans today want instant relief which can very easily lead down the road of addiction. To throw into the mix of prescription drugs is Oxycontin, legally prescribed by doctors for pain management, now considered a gateway drug to heroin due to the similar effects it has on a person. This is truly frightening a person begins to take a medication for a real pain and weeks later finds themselves addicted. Knowledge is the best defense against addiction. Narconon Arrowhead has provided drug education to over 65,000 youth about the realities and consequences of drugs and alcohol along with an effective inpatient drug and alcohol rehab with a 70% success rate.

Phoenix has created organizations to help with the drug epidemic with the establishment of programs such as Arizona Substance Abuse Partnership (ASAP), Governor’s Division for Substance Abuse Policy, Drug Endangered Children (DEC) Program and the Parents Commission on Drug Education and Prevention to name a few. These are not rehabilitation facilities, these are preventative organizations dealing with substance abuse and how to avoid a life of addiction. For a person already caught in the cycle of addiction, inpatient rehab is the answer for that person to regain a drug-free, productive, responsible, ethical and happy life.

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