Drug addiction
...l last until the next fix or ten days if the user is under going detoxification. As shown in the case study Michelle has pointed out that she is along term user of heroin, this will have physiological effects on her, physiological effects are the effects that the drug has on the body of the user. Because the drug is heroin she will become more tolerant towards the drug and will need more and more each time she uses. Michelle will need greater amounts of heroin each time in order for her to feel “normal”. This is also known as “Euphoria”, it is a state of feeling relaxed, calm and secure, this state can last up to six hours in the early stages of use. It is also a highly dependant drug and she will feel many side effects when she is free from it which means she will probably want to be using it continuously. Long-term use can cause pain intolerance, which means her endorphins, which are the natural painkillers in the body will not work effectively and she will feel pain easily and extensively. Physically she will not be able to function without the drug in her system. She will suffer from shakes, sweats and loss of appetite. Long –term use like Michelle’s can cause problems with her veins, they will eventually collapse after prolonged injecting. There is also the issue of drug related diseases, such as HIV/Aids and Hepatitis that can be transferred though body fluids. Last but not least the possibility of a drug overdose, because the amount needed goes up each time Michelle uses there is a probability that she will eventually overdose on heroin. There will also be psychological effects not only for Michelle herself but also for her children. Psychological effects are the emotional effects felt by the user of the drug. Because of the long-term use Michelle will have difficulties forming relationships with other people, hindering the possibility of support. She may find it hard develop and keep relationships with partners. Her behaviour will change because she will not be acting in a manner that was normal to her. Her character will change due to the effects of the heroin. As time progresses she will not be in control of her thoughts as the heroin will begin to take over her, psychologically all she will crave for is the drug and will do any thing to get it. Depression is also a factor and often mental health illnesses develop due to long term use, especially as she will feel that she can not face the day without heroin. A study carried out suggests that 55 per cent of people admitted to psychiatric words had a substance misuse problems. (Smith et al 1994) As previously mentioned her children will be affected Psychologically, they will be witnesses to some very disturbing scenes. Socially drug use is an unacceptable past time and is frowned upon by many in society, a user is often seen in a negative manner. Most are stigmatised and labelled as “junkies”. Because of the stereotypical attitudes towards drug users like Michelle they often develop negative attitudes towards themselves. They will believe they are worthless and have low self-esteem. Some will develop a self-fulfilling prophecy, meaning if they are told something enough times they will most certainly believe it and act in ways that is expected of them. (Buchanan & Young 1996) suggests that because of the harsh stereotypes imposed on users it will lead them to develop low self-worth. The social impact of Michelle’s drug use does not only effect her; the children and those around her will be affected by her drug use. Due to the long-term use of heroin Michelle will possibly loose touch with her surroundings, her reality will differ from a person who does not use drugs. Because she will be unable to function without the heroin she will alienate herself from others, mainly staying in contact with other users or dealers. In doing this she will socially exclude herself from those whom may support her. Due to the social exclusion Michelle will begin to believe that she has no other options in life but to remain a heroin user. She will have difficulty being accepted in mainstream society, as she will be seen as a “smack head”. This will mean that she will not interact with those in society that do not use drugs, which will mean that her children will be mainly around drug users which may influence them in later life. Because of the complaint she may now be at risk of loosing the children, she will be seen as a danger to them and that she can not look after them effectively. Michelle will find it difficult to secure employment or maintain a job if she had one. She may have problems with the upkeep of her house and there is the risk that her income will be spent on heroin. As pointed out in the case study Michelle lives in a local authority housing estate, studies have shown that most drug users come from run down, high crime rate housing estates, (Foster 2000). Many come from disadvantaged backgrounds prior to becoming involved with drugs, (Burgess 2001) states poorest communities are often the main places where drug activities take place. The case study does not include whether this is the case for Michelle, if it is then the underlying causes of her use may need to be addressed. Much focus has been put on the psychological and physiological issues of drug use; more emphasis needs to be placed on the social aspects as well. One of the most important ways of helping Michelle to confront her drug use will be through a holistic approach, dealing with all areas but starting at the social level will help Michelle find housing where she knows no users or dealers. Drug users like Michelle are often seen as burdens on society, they steal to feed their habit, which means the price of products go up to cover loses. They are seen as a strain on the health service, people don’t agree with them getting help when it’s their own fault they started taking the drugs in the first place. According to studies carried out economical and social cost of drug use is in the region of 4 Billion a year, (Quirk 1998). Legally Michelle has already got a criminal record for her convictions of possessing heroin. She also has convictions of theft, which is connected to her drug use and she will more than likely carry on stealing in order to feed her habit. ...