To begin with, the components of pharmacology are insightful as they relate to the scientific effects of drugs and chemicals on an addict’s physical body. Understanding this concept can enlighten mental health professionals, substance abuse workers, and family members of an addicted individual with a different perspective on the root cause of addiction and how to better assist them in recovery by studying these substances.

Second, to get a better understanding of addiction, the effects of a substance, and the physical and psychological effects of withdrawal, one must be knowledgeable of the different classes of drugs or drug schedules. “Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential. The abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and physical dependence. As the drug schedule changes– Schedule II, Schedule III, etc., so does the abuse potential– Schedule V drugs represent the least potential for abuse” (DEA. 10 July 2018).

Next, in using different types of drugs, there are also different routes to ingest the chemical. Drugs can be smoked, injected into the skin, sniffed, snorted, or taken orally. Most addicts who want the quick fix or quick high will take the drug intravenously into their veins. As a result, the chemical will reach the brain faster than most other methods. Overall, the preferred method of use mainly depends on the severity of the addiction, the outcome wanted, and the experience of the drug user.

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However, “One serious disadvantage of the intravenous method of drug administration is that it does not allow the body very much time to adapt to the foreign chemical, and thus the individual is at risk for a severe adverse reaction to the compound within seconds of it being administered” (Doweiko, 2019). No matter what route the person with the disorder consumes the substance, the main goal is to get high and get that euphoric feeling to escape reality. Yes, some ways of consuming the substance can be deadly and could lead to physical problems such as cardiac arrest, while unfortunately, other methods of using may not be as harmful.

More importantly, what can be learned is a greater understanding of those who struggle with addiction, chemical or behavioral. As a substance abuse counselor working in a Methadone clinic, there are individuals every day who struggle with opioid use disorder and other drug addictions. As we sit in the office having a counseling session, I have heard so many say the same thing out of their mouths. “I hate how people look at me when I come here or leave this place feeling stigmatized.” With the feeling of being unworthy because of a disorder, the individual has little to no self-esteem or self-worth. Sometimes, patients will not lift their heads while talking because they feel judged.

Finally, human service workers, counselors, therapists, and mental health workers must understand that this is mainly a disease of the brain or the medical model and, in some cases, may be defined as a moral failure depending on a worldview. In any case, addiction kills, robs, and destroys human life, the family unit, and everything that is connected to it. Understanding the scientific effects of drugs and chemicals on an addict’s physical body and brain will enlighten the treatment process in their recovery.

For more information for yourself, a friend or a family member please visit https://www.samhsa.gov/

References:

DEA. 10 July, 2018. Drug Scheduling. Retrieved from https://www.dea.gov/ information/drug-scheduling on 10 June, 2024

Doweiko, H. E. (2019). Concepts of chemical dependency (10th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage.