Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders is a big pain. When there is a substance abuse problem and a concurrent mental illness, it is called dual diagnosis. The predicament of a person identified with dual diagnosis is more than those who have only an addiction problem or just a mental disorder. The dual diagnosis treatment, touted among the best in the country, witnesses numerous such cases when an individual is both an addict and a mental patient.
Each drug has immediate and long-term effects. Here, we take a look at the effects of various drugs on the brain and psyche:
Cannabis: It is also known as marijuana, weed, dope or skunk, and is abused extensively by people. The short-term impacts of smoking marijuana include delusions and difficulty in remembering. It can also result in paranoia and anxiety attacks. What is taken as a means to get high often results in confusion and memory problem.
People abusing cannabis for over a period may end up with mental problems like schizophrenia, depression and psychosis. For those who have a family history of these mental conditions, cannabis can severely hasten things.
LSD and magic mushrooms: These drugs are highly hallucinogenic and capable of inflicting both long-term and short-term damage to an individual. Sounds and sights become blurry after taking LSD. Long-term abusers often experience psychosis and become victims of paranoia.
Crack cocaine: Instant gratification is what cocaine provides an abuser with. One feels highly energetic, with a sudden surge in adrenaline and confidence reaching over the top. However, long-term users might end up becoming dependent on it and de-addiction requires treatment in rehabs. Withdrawal symptoms for addicts can be excruciatingly painful and could also prove to be fatal when de-addiction is tried without supervision.
Heroin (smack, diamorphine): Heroin use can substantially reduce physical and emotional pain. That is the reason why people start using heroin in the first place. But an overdose can lead to death. De-addiction is quite painful and long-term addicts tend to become patients of depression.
Ecstasy: It is a highly popular stimulant which induces an instant feeling of relaxation. People feel high and motivated to party all night. Overdose can prove to be fatal at times. Long-term abusers might have sleep problems, depression, low energy level, drastic weight loss etc.
Ketamine: It is an anesthetic which makes one relaxed and high. It might also lower the body temperature and aggravate any existing mental condition. Long-term abuse may lead to memory loss and trigger psychotic symptoms.
Speed and crystal meth: It can result in an instant surge in energy quotient and confidence level of a user. But its side effects can cause panic attack, irritability and paranoia. Long-term users may experience memory loss, inability to think coherently and become incapacitated to solve problems or handling emotions in the right manner.
Tranquillizers (benzodiazepines): Tranquillizers like valium are often used for their effects of inducing relaxation and sleep. Long-term use of these drugs makes one resilient and crave for more. Addiction can be pretty quick and withdrawal becomes a colossal task. It is particularly dangerous for those who take a high dose of benzodiazepines. It is not advisable to detox without expert supervision.
Steroids: Immediate effects of steroids include muscle strength, violent behavior and a propensity to be sexually abusive. Depression, sleep problems and paranoia are other effects of steroids. Long-term abuse makes one dependent on the drug and corrodes the confidence level.
People who try to self-medicate, whether for physical pain or emotional turmoil, become addicts, which then calls for an external intervention to go sober. Using any drug, other than medically prescribed, certainly leads to trouble.
Barbara Odozi is associated with Florida Dual Diagnosis Helpline for many years. The Helpline provides assistance in finding dual diagnosis treatment. For more information call 866-337-7631.
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