What criteria do we say that a drug is being misused or abused

Sample Answer

Q1. By what criteria do we say that a drug is being misused or abused?

Drug misuse or abuse is not determined by the type of drug alone, but by a pattern of use that leads to significant problems or distress. The primary criteria are outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for what is now termed Substance Use Disorder. Key criteria include:

Impaired Control: The person uses the substance in larger amounts or for longer than intended, or has a persistent desire to cut down or control use but is unable to. They may spend a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance.

Social Impairment: The drug use leads to a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home. The person may continue using despite persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or worsened by the effects of the substance, and may give up or reduce important social, occupational, or recreational activities.

Q3. How does cocaine affect the brain?

Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that primarily affects the brain's reward circuit, particularly the dopamine system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, motivation, and movement.

Mechanism of Action: When a person uses cocaine, it blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of dopamine in the synapse (the space between neurons). This causes an excessive buildup of dopamine, which then overstimulates the receiving neuron.

Effects: This flood of dopamine is what produces the intense euphoria, heightened energy, and feelings of well-being associated with cocaine use.

Addiction: The brain, trying to compensate for this overstimulation, reduces the number of dopamine receptors and the amount of dopamine it produces naturally. This means that when the person stops using cocaine, they experience a dopamine deficit, which leads to depression, anhedonia (the inability to feel pleasure), and intense cravings. This cycle is a key factor in the development of addiction.

Other Neurotransmitters: Cocaine also affects other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to its mood-altering and stimulating effects.

Q4. What could be the various factors that are responsible for the effects of drugs on the mind and body?

The effects of a drug are influenced by a complex interplay of several factors:

Pharmacological Factors (The Drug Itself):

Dose: The amount of the drug taken. A larger dose generally produces a stronger effect.

Route of Administration: How the drug is taken (e.g., swallowed, injected, smoked). Injection delivers the drug directly into the bloodstream, resulting in a more rapid and intense effect compared to oral ingestion.

Purity and Potency: The concentration of the active ingredient and the presence of other substances (adulterants).

Individual Factors (The User):

Body Weight and Composition: The drug's concentration in the body is affected by body size and fat percentage.

Genetics: An individual's genetic makeup can influence how quickly they metabolize a drug and their susceptibility to addiction.

Psychological State: The user's mood, expectations, and mental health condition (e.g., anxiety or depression) can significantly influence the drug experience.

Tolerance: Previous exposure to the drug can lead to a reduced effect over time.

Environmental Factors (The Setting):

Social Context: The presence of others and the social atmosphere can influence behavior and the perceived effects of the drug.