Ever wondered why some substances when consumed make people get hooked on them big time?

What are these substances, what are they called, and how do they affect a person's mental and physical health?

Abusive substances are the collective term for the aforementioned substances. Here below we shall have a look at what these substances are and the extent of their effects.

Often we come across people consuming drugs, alcohol and tobacco etc. Some succumb to it as the means to relieve mental stress, others fall a prey to it because of bad company and varying reasons. But everything has a cost, the consumption of abusive substances takes toll on the abuser's well-being; the likes of which can be observed in hospitals, emergency departments. 'Club drugs' another such term is referred to the heavy consumption of abusive substances by the youngsters and partygoers in clubs and parties alike.

Tentative measurements are taken by the government and the law holders to control the availability and intake of these abusive substances, however finding effective treatments have been quite a difficult job. According to studies, it has been found that the best way to curb this problem nationally is drug education and prevention subjected to children and adolescents as they are foretold about the hazards and fatalities of abusive substances which makes them aware so they may not fall victims to it.

Its effects are vast, the most common are known to be various forms of intoxication, thereby resulting in alternation of conscious judgment, perception, attention and the consumer losing physical control. Withdrawal from abused substances is also a feat hardly achieved; as it too can lead to mild anxiety, seizures and even hallucinations when put an abrupt stop to. Then there is also the phenomenon of developing tolerance, which makes it difficult for the consumer to get inebriated with the amounts of abusive substances that seemed enough in the earlier stages. In simpler words, larger amount of the drug is needed to produce the same level of intoxication.

Now, let us have a look at the brief descriptions of some commonly known abusive substances 

• Tobacco: It is consumed for reasons ranging from something as simple as seeking pleasure to relieving stress, curb hunger and maintaining weight.
• Cigarettes: Cigarettes contain Nicotine that causes addiction upon consumption. Hazards include strokes, heart diseases, lung cancer and many more.

• Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol may lead to stomach and esophagus cancer, and also contributes to inflammation of pancreas later leading to pancreatic cancer. Mild hazards include decrease in body muscle coordination, inebriation, inhibitions and speech slurring. It is most easily available.
• Marijuana: Extracted from the plant Cannabis Sativa, Marijuana is recorded to be the most commonly used illegal drug in the United states. Primarily smoked, this drug is edible too. The addictive ingredient in Marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol which associates with intoxication.
• Cocaine: Derived from the Coca plant, this drug can be consumed in several ways, be it smoking, injection, snorting or swallowing. Casual effects include paranoia, heart strokes, irregular heartbeat and severe depression. It may cause damage to the heart, lungs, brain and the kidneys.
• Heroine: Effective in causing drowsiness, pleasure and slowed breathing. It is normally consumed through injections which may lead to infections and Tetanus. Overdose of heroine can cause respiratory arrest and therefore death.
• Methamphetamine: Commonly known as Meth. It is similar to cocaine in ways of consumption and the harmful effects it exerts on the health of the consumer.

Club Drugs

• Ecstasy: It is a party drug used to improve mood and maintain energy. May lead to accelerated emotions, disrupted sleep patterns and pain.
• GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate): It is a date-rape drug. Used to spike drinks as it is tasteless, colorless and acts as a powerful sedative.
• Rohypnol (also called roofies, roche): This is also a type of date-rape drug. Hazards are low blood pressure, dizziness, abdominal cramps, confusion, and impaired memory.
• Ketamine (special K): A type of anesthetic, so it's basic function is to impair memory and attention. However large doses can lead to amnesia, hallucinations, depression and paranoia.
• PCP (Angel dust, hog, love boat): Also an anesthetic originally designed for veterinary medicine. It is stronger than Ketamine. So strong it can mask pain even as severe as that of broken limbs.

There are enough treatment available nationwide but its always hard for people to take the right decision, let our experts help you under no obligation for substance abuse help