"The Silent Epidemic: Unraveling the Overuse of Drugs"

Over 25000 Indians died as a result of drug overuse in 2020 alone. This is greater than the total number of lethal terrorist attacks in India in the past 20 years. Despite this, the drug pandemic destroying our youngsters receives little attention. This National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre statistic exposes a hidden issue that requires immediate action through education, awareness, and rehabilitation access. Because people's lives are at stake.

Drug overuse refers to consumption of drugs, whether legally prescribed or illegally, in quantities that exceed what is medically advised or socially acceptable. It contains items such as:

Taking more than the recommended dose of a prescription drug.

Taking pharmaceutical medications prescribed for someone else.

Using unlawful recreational drugs in amounts deemed excessive or abusive.

Overuse can be occasional or chronic, and it does not always indicate addiction. For example, a person may abuse pain relievers while recovering from surgery but then discontinue use once cured. Teens may dabble with binge drinking at parties but do not show signs of addiction.

While excessive usage can develop to drug addiction in sensitive people, not all excessive use meets the clinical criteria for a substance use disorder or addiction. However, in many circumstances, overuse is still deemed unsafe and harmful behavior.

There are numerous risks associated with drug abuse, ranging from health and legal issues to accidents and financial difficulties. distinct chemicals have distinct hazards, such as organ damage, mental symptoms, or overdose.

At large doses, opioids, a drug class that includes the illegal substance heroin as well as synthetic opiates such as pain medications, depress breathing centers in the brainstem, while sedatives reduce respiratory drive, resulting in deadly oxygen deprivation. Stimulants cause cardiovascular stress, which can result in heart attacks, strokes, and death. MDMA has the potential to raise body temperature to deadly levels.

Aside from the physical consequences, excessive use has a negative impact on work or school performance, relationships, and mental health. Addicts have high rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Addiction harms families and puts unintentional bystanders in danger.

Addiction changes the function of the brain, making quitting difficult and relapse common. For successful recovery, a multifaceted approach that includes medication, behavioral therapy, and social support is frequently required. Nature and nurture both play a role, with early use being a significant risk factor. Individual suffering and widespread societal harm result from overuse. Treatment often necessitates a multifaceted approach. Reducing youth exposure and access, in conjunction with evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies, is the best way forward for individual and public health.