What is drug dependence? Explain the stages which lead to drug dependence and also explain the warning signs of drug dependence.

Explanation

(a) Drug `"Addiction"//"Dependence"`. Drugs are chemical formulations used to treat, prevent, diagnose or cure discuses or otherwise enhance physical and mental welfare. These drug, are normally used as medicines , o heln patients cope with mental illnesses like depression, insomnia and so on. But when drugs are taken for a purpose other than their normal clinical use in an amount, concentration or frequency that impairs one.s physical, physiological and psychological function, it constitutes drug abuse. The prolonged use of drugs may lead to the dependence of body upon them. This state of psychological and physiological dependence of an individual to the intake of certain drug due to its repeated consumption on a periodic or continuous basis is called drug addiction in the absence of which body shows characteristic withdrawl syndrome. WHO (1964) has introduced the term drug dependence in place of drug addiction.
(b) Stages in Drug Dependence. Five stages are recognised-
(i) Experimental Use. Taking a drug, alcohol or smoking 1-2 times under group or peer pressure.
(ii) Recreational Use. Use of addictive substance out of wrong notion that it gives pleasure, intoxication or euphena.
(iii) Situational Use. Intake of drug, alcohol or smoking more than a few times but only in the company of others.
(iv) Compulsive Use. Regular use. With regular use, the tolerance level of receptors increases. With the change in response level, the receptors are fully activated with higher and inaher doses.
(v) Dependence. After an interval of regular use, a person becomes dependent and cannot do without `"drug"//"alcohol"//"smoking"`.
Warning signs of drug dependence include.
1. Depressed Mood. Cheer disappears. There is little interest in happenings in the family or work lace.
2. Impaired Concentration. The person is unbable to concentrate on any subject, topic or work.
3. Nervousness. There is a feeling of nervousness. Courage and confidence are lacking.
4. Restlessness. Inability to settle down due to feeling of uneasiness.
5. Irritability. The person becomes angry over the slightest pretext.
6. Insomnia. Sleeplessness or insomnia occurs.
7. Anxiety. An internai feeling of apprehension, uneasiness, fear agitation and uncertainty occurs.
8. Increased Appetite. Many persons develop a tendency to eat more.
9. Dryness of Throat. A feeling of dryness of throat occurs.
10. Disturbed Bowels. Irregularity in bowel movement and constipation are quite common.
11. Craving. There is a persistent internal urge to start taking the addictive substance.
12. Other Symptoms. Excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, tremors, cramps twitching and convulsiuns are other symptoms.