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    COUNSELLING AND FAMILY THERAPY

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    COUNSELLING AND FAMILY THERAPY

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    nicoleasabea.asante
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    3 views4 pages

    COUNSELLING AND FAMILY THERAPY

    Uploaded by

    nicoleasabea.asante

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    COUNSELLING AND FAMILY THERAPY

    SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ABUSE AND ADDICTION

    NAME ANY THREE SUBSTANCES THAT YOU KNOW AND EXPLAIN ITS EFFECT
    SOCIALLY, PSYCHOLOGICALLY AND BIOLOGICALLY

    JUDITH B. ASANTE (CERT/CFT/00152)

    The three substances that I know and often abused are:

    1. Alcohol - Alcohol is one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances


    worldwide. Alcohol abuse refers to the harmful or excessive use of alcohol, leading to
    destructive concerns on an individual's health, social relationships, and overall well-
    being. It can manifest in various ways, such as binge drinking, chronic heavy drinking, or
    alcohol dependency (alcoholism).

    2. Tobacco - Tobacco is mostly grown for its leaves, which are dried and processed for
    various uses, including smoking, chewing, and snuffing. Tobacco use is associated with
    numerous health risks. Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death
    worldwide, contributing to various diseases such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and
    chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Tobacco is very addictive due to its high
    nicotine levels.

    3. Opioids: Opioids are highly addictive substances because they interact with the brain's
    opioid receptors, which are involved in regulating pain, pleasure, and reward. This
    includes prescription painkillers like oxycodone and illegal drugs like heroine. Opioid
    abuse can lead to addiction and overdose. The misuse of opioids, particularly when taken
    in higher doses or through methods like injection, can increase the risk of overdose,
    which can be life-threatening. Despite these risks, the addictive nature of opioids can
    make it incredibly challenging for individuals to stop using them without proper support
    and treatment.
    Social Effects:

    1. Stigmatization and Social Marginalization: Society often stigmatizes individuals


    struggling with substance use, leading to social isolation, discrimination, and
    marginalization. This stigma can worsen the challenges individuals face in seeking help
    and reintegrating into society.

    2. Family and Relationship Dysfunction: Substance use can strain relationships with
    family members, friends, and romantic partners. It can lead to conflicts, trust issues, and
    breakdowns in communication. Family dynamics may become disrupted, and children in
    households affected by substance use may experience neglect or abuse.

    3. Economic Impact: Substance use can have significant economic consequences for
    individuals, families, and communities. Costs may include expenses related to purchasing
    substances, healthcare costs for treatment and rehabilitation, lost productivity due to
    absenteeism or unemployment, and legal expenses.

    4. Crime and Legal Issues: Substance use is often associated with criminal behavior,
    including drug possession, trafficking, and related offenses. Individuals may engage in
    illegal activities to support their substance use, leading to legal consequences such as
    arrest, incarceration, fines, and probation.

    Psychological Effects:

    1. Mental Health Disorders: Substance use disorders frequently co-occur with mental
    health disorders such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress
    disorder (PTSD). Substance use can exacerbate symptoms of these disorders and vice
    versa, leading to a complex interplay between substance use and mental health.

    2. Addiction and Dependency: Substance use can lead to addiction or dependence,


    characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences.
    Addiction hijacks the brain's reward system, leading to intense cravings and difficulty
    controlling substance use. Withdrawal symptoms can occur when substance use is
    reduced or discontinued, further reinforcing addictive behaviors.

    3. Cognitive Impairment: Substance use can impair cognitive functions such as memory,
    attention, decision-making, and impulse control. This can lead to poor judgment,
    impaired reasoning, and difficulty in fulfilling responsibilities at work, school, or home.

    4. Emotional Dysregulation: Substance use can disrupt emotional regulation, leading to


    mood swings, irritability, aggression, and emotional instability. Individuals may use
    substances as a means of coping with stress, trauma, or emotional pain, perpetuating a
    cycle of substance use and emotional dysregulation.

    Biological Effects:

    1. Neurochemical Changes: Substance use alters neurotransmitter systems in the brain,


    affecting mood, cognition, and behavior. Different substances interact with various
    neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, leading to changes
    in the brain's reward circuitry and reinforcing substance-seeking behavior.

    2. Neuroplasticity: Chronic substance use can induce neuroplastic changes in the brain,
    altering neural circuitry and synaptic connections. These changes can contribute to the
    development of tolerance, dependence, and addiction, as well as impairments in learning,
    memory, and decision-making.

    3. Organ Damage: Substance use can have detrimental effects on various organs and
    systems in the body. For example, alcohol can damage the liver, leading to liver disease,
    while inhalants can damage the lungs, heart, and central nervous system. Long-term
    substance use can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders,
    gastrointestinal problems, and other medical complications.

    4. Genetic Vulnerability: Genetic factors can influence an individual's susceptibility to


    substance use disorders. Certain genetic variations may predispose individuals to
    heightened responses to substances, increased risk of addiction, or difficulties in
    metabolizing drugs. Environmental factors, such as family history, childhood trauma, and
    peer influences, also play significant roles in the development of substance use disorders.

    Substance use has profound and multi-layered effects on individuals and society, spanning
    social, psychological, and biological dimensions. Addressing substance use disorders
    requires comprehensive approaches that address underlying factors contributing to substance
    use, provide access to evidence-based treatment and support services, and address the social
    determinants of health and well-being.

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