Drug Addiction (Marijuana, LSD, Cocaine, Opium) – Spiritual Meaning

Drug addiction is an extensive problem that significantly impacts addicted people as well as their families as a whole.

Also, drug addiction results in biological and behavioral health problems which affect families, individuals, and communities.

Statistics

Illicit drug use cost the United States economy more than $193 billion in 2007, according to a 2011 study done by the National Drug Intelligence Center (NDIC).

More than 90 percent of people with addiction began smoking, drinking, or using illicit drugs before the age of 18.

In the US, over 1 million adults age 65 or older had a substance use disorder in 2017.

In 2016, approximately 7.4 million people in the United States aged 12 and older had an illicit drug use disorder. Furthermore, about 100 people die every day from drug overdoses. This rate has tripled in the past two decades.

In 2017, 8.5 million people in the US adults suffered from both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder, or co-occurring disorders.

More than 11 million people inject drugs, of which 5.5 million with hepatitis C, 1.3 million are living with HIV and 1 million with both hepatitis C and HIV.

Symptoms

Drug addiction symptoms or behaviors include the following:

• experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug;
• feeling that you have to use the drug regularly – daily or even several times per day;
• failing in your attempts to stop using the drug;
• spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug, or recovering from the effects of the drug;
• driving or doing other risky activities when you are under the influence of the drug;
• doing things to get the drug which you typically wouldn’t do, like – stealing;
• continuing to use the drug, even though you know it is causing you psychological or physical harm or causing problems in your life;
• not meeting work responsibilities and obligations, or cutting back on recreational or social activities due to drug use;
• spending money on the drug, even though you can’t afford it;
• making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug;
• taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended;
• overtime, needing more of the drug to get the same effect;
• having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts.

Effects

Prolonged drug dependence interferes with just about every organ in the body. The following are some of the common conditions substance abuse can cause:

• risky sexual behavior;
• homelessness;
• financial trouble;
• strokes;
• incarceration;
• seizures;
• relationship loss;
• loss of employment;
• widespread brain damage which can interfere with attention, memory, and decision-making;
• liver failure;
• abdominal pain;
• vomiting;
• nausea;
• cardiovascular conditions, including collapsed veins and heart attacks;
• damaged immune system, which increases susceptibility to infection.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for drug addiction include:

Use of drugs that are highly addictive

Drugs like stimulants, cocaine, or opioids can cause addiction more readily than other substances. Also, smoking or injecting drugs can increase your risk of addiction.

Early use of drugs

Individuals who begin to use and abuse drugs earlier in life are at a higher risk for addiction.

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Lack of family support or involvement

If you lack family support, you have a higher risk of drug addiction. In kids, this is particularly true and extends to a lack of supervision.

Social pressure

Social pressure from friends and peers is a serious risk factor, particularly for young people in danger of starting to abuse drugs.

Adverse childhood experiences

Adverse childhood experiences like physical, emotional, or sexual abuse increase the risk of drug addiction.

Mental health problems

If you suffer from a mental health problem, you are at higher risk for addiction. Mental health problems include post-traumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar personality disorder, and depression.

Family history

Drug addiction runs through families. If you have a blood relative who is addicted, particularly a full sibling or a parent, you have a higher risk for drug addiction.

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Protective Factors

The following factors may be associated with a lower likelihood of future substance abuse issues:

• greater health literacy;
• emotional support;
• employment;
• strong neighborhood attachment;
• parental monitoring;
• strong academic influences.

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Spiritual Meaning Of Drug Addition (in general)

Drugs are often used for the following reasons: shame, despair, fear of the unknown and responsibilities, and extreme panic. The drug becomes a refuge, you protect yourself from yourself. Because you refuse to live and be responsible, your inner weaknesses risk leading you to drugs.

The first thing you need to do is to realize – why did you use these drugs? Whatever the reason, try to discover the real cause. Also, accept yourself for who you are and learn to express your needs.

Spiritual Meaning Of Opium Addiction

Opium brings a state of pleasure, sleepiness, laziness, and a false impression of inner peace.

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Spiritual Meaning Of LSD Addiction

The user is looking for strong sensations and expanding consciousness.

Spiritual Meaning Of Cocaine Addiction

Cocaine stimulates productivity and, therefore, the user seeks success, love, and recognition.

Spiritual Meaning Of Marijuana Addiction

You seek a world without problems, you are trying to escape.

Images credit – Getty Images

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232965/
https://www.drugabuse.gov/news-events/news-releases/2018/10/study