Substance Use Disorder Psychology Essay Research Paper

00115446 Substance Use Disorder
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In this assignment, you will choose and write on the social and environmental and personal problems associated with the use of a specific psychoactive drug. You can choose from the list provided below. In constructing your paper, you can use examples to describe the effects, the social and economic problems, as well as the physical and psychological issues associated with the use of the drug.
Opioid analgesics are effective in relieving some forms of chronic non-cancer pain. However, long-term treatment is associated with tolerance, physical dependence, and risk of developing an addiction. Approximately 21% to 29% of those prescribed opioids abuse them in the US, with 4% to 6% transitioning to heroin use (National Institutes of Health 2020). Increased and unwarranted prescription of these drugs has caused serious problems. There has been increasing dependence on the drugs from an opioid overdose, and some look for cheaper alternatives such as heroin and heroin laced with the deadly fentanyl drugs.
Different factors are associated with addiction to opioids, such as individual susceptibility (genetic factors that influence the way the drug is metabolized, previous psychiatric disorders, and the biological effects of the substance in the body. In the US, areas where the drugs are more available, especially in poor areas, have most been affected. The number of pills prescribed, continued use of opioids, and high dosage are associated with a higher risk of misuse and addiction.
Social problems and access to opioids increase the risk of individuals using these drugs and getting dependent. McLean (2016) identifies deindustrialization as a risk environment for opioid misuse and addiction as such areas have been disproportionately affected. The study highlights that the risk environments were associated with hopelessness and the lack of opportunities. The most direct consequences of opioid addiction are the physical and psychological effects where there can be significant alterations in daily activities and behavior. Disruption of the professional, social, and family life is most prevalent in those who ...