Drug Dependence - A Possible Path to Criminality

Abstract

For centuries, drugs have been utilized by people. In earlier times, although people were dependent on drugs to cure diseases, relieving pain, and worry, it was not considered as a social problem. But, with rapid industrialization and modernization, the misuse of the drugs has increased dramatically making it a serious social problem.

Addiction is an ‘umbrella’ term which means continued use of a substance that alters a person’s mood despite negative consequences or behaviors. A combination of physical and psychological symptoms are the characteristics of drug use disorders. Physical addiction is defined as when a person repeatedly uses a drug until one becomes so dependent on it that his/her body is unable to function without it. When the drugs are introduced in their body, the system compensates the drugs by creating its chemical reactions to counter its effects. Over a period of time, the body stops reacting to the substance in the way it did when they were first introduced into a person’s body as the body has developed tolerance against it. Persons who are physically dependent on a drug usually experience a set of withdrawal symptoms, when they abruptly stop or reduce the use of that particular drug. The withdrawal symptoms are characterized such as dilated/constricted pupils, nausea, vomiting, sweating, diarrhea, tremors, insomnia, etc. The drugs that can induce physical dependence in the person are alcohols, opioids, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates.