Drug Abuse

What makes one person abuse drugs to the point of losing their home, their family and their job, while another does not? There is no one simple reason. Drug abuse and addiction is due to many factors. A powerful force in addiction is the inability to get relief from untreated mental or physical pain. Other factors are:

Family history of addiction. While the interplay between genetics and environment is not entirely clear, if you have a family history of addiction, you are at higher risk for abusing drugs.

History of mental illness. Drug abuse can worsen mental illness or even create new symptoms.

Untreated physical pain. Without medical supervision, pain medications or illegal drugs like heroin can rapidly become addictive.

Peer pressure. If people around you are doing drugs, it can be difficult to resist the pressure to try them.

Different drugs have different effects. Some, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, may produce an intense “rush” and initial feelings of boundless energy. Others, such as heroin, benzodiazepines may produce excessive feelings of relaxation and calm. What most drugs have in common, though, is overstimulation of the pleasure center of the brain. With time, the brain’s chemistry is actually altered to the point where not having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful. This compelling urge to use, addiction, becomes more and more powerful, disrupting work, relationships, and health.

If you or a family member are having problems with drugs call the professionals at ARP. Our friendly staff is here to help the members and families of Operating Engineers, Local Union No. 3.