Drug addiction is a serious problem plaguing our society from centuries. It affects people of all ages, races and gender. The drugs most often associated with this term include cocaine, opioids, methaqualone, cannabis, benzoidiazepines and alcohol to some extent. The use of these illegal drugs usually begins as a recreational activity, but in most cases slowly leads to a life-time fixation and dependency. A myriad of social, psychological and biological factors are responsible for developing a strong desire to use illicit drugs repeatedly. Frequent use of illicit drugs has far reaching profound effect on brain and nervous system, disrupting the normal communication patterns of the nerve cells. These toxic agents either mimic the natural neurotransmitter (chemical messengers found in the nerve synapse) action or act by overstimulating the reward system of the brain. Either ways, the long-term use of illicit drugs create persistent imbalance in the brain’s chemical system, thus compelling the abuser to seek out and use more of these substances in spite of being aware of the adverse effects. In the below infographic, we look at the current status of drug addiction and the deleterious effects on the body.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        – Dr. Mohammed Tauseef Ahmed