The abuse of various
compounds for chronic illnesses may or frequently lead to a state of
dependency. Aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine were the most frequently abused
among chronic headache sufferers. Substance abuse and drug dependency have
multiple causes ranging from poor instructions from the physician, improper
diagnosis with gradual increase in amount consumed, a re-enforcement mechanism
and brain stimulation effects. For instance, cocaine acts directly on the
“pleasure centres” of the brain to release dopamine which triggers an intense
craving for more of the drug otherwise a painful withdrawal change persist. It
therefore produces pleasurable sensation of “reward” and physical dependence
(Oshodi, et al., 2011).
compounds for chronic illnesses may or frequently lead to a state of
dependency. Aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine were the most frequently abused
among chronic headache sufferers. Substance abuse and drug dependency have
multiple causes ranging from poor instructions from the physician, improper
diagnosis with gradual increase in amount consumed, a re-enforcement mechanism
and brain stimulation effects. For instance, cocaine acts directly on the
“pleasure centres” of the brain to release dopamine which triggers an intense
craving for more of the drug otherwise a painful withdrawal change persist. It
therefore produces pleasurable sensation of “reward” and physical dependence
(Oshodi, et al., 2011).
Nicotine, the psychoactive
ingredient in cigarettes is an addictive agent that can stimulate and relax the
user. Hence, some smokers self-treat negative moods with it. Approximately, 30%
of women from a study conducted in the United States, smoke cigarette during
pregnancy despite its deleterious effect on the mother and foetus. The
beverage, alcohol (ethanol) was so commonly consumed that it is seldomly
thought of as a drug. When consumed in small quantity, it induces a feeling of
well-being and relaxation while in large amounts, intoxication is produced. It
can therefore be used as a form of self-medication to achieve any of these
states. It may also be used to cope with perceived problem of sexuality (Olley,
2008).
ingredient in cigarettes is an addictive agent that can stimulate and relax the
user. Hence, some smokers self-treat negative moods with it. Approximately, 30%
of women from a study conducted in the United States, smoke cigarette during
pregnancy despite its deleterious effect on the mother and foetus. The
beverage, alcohol (ethanol) was so commonly consumed that it is seldomly
thought of as a drug. When consumed in small quantity, it induces a feeling of
well-being and relaxation while in large amounts, intoxication is produced. It
can therefore be used as a form of self-medication to achieve any of these
states. It may also be used to cope with perceived problem of sexuality (Olley,
2008).
The relationship between drug
abuse and drug dependency was explained with the drug abuse hypothesis of
addictive disorders defined by Khantzian as motivation of patients to seek a
specific drug (reinforcement mechanism) for relief of a particular set of
symptoms for adaptive purposes. However, not all cases of drug dependencies
follow this hypothesis because there are traits or changes which separate
various groups of drug dependent individuals. As a result, Khantzian revisited
his theory in 2013 and stated that there was growing clinical support for the
significant relationship between substance abuse disorders and psychiatric
disorders as opposed to simple personality. Hence, people who are not receiving
proper mental health care are attempting to self-medicate for their disorders
by using illicit substances (Chikere & Mayowa, 2011).
abuse and drug dependency was explained with the drug abuse hypothesis of
addictive disorders defined by Khantzian as motivation of patients to seek a
specific drug (reinforcement mechanism) for relief of a particular set of
symptoms for adaptive purposes. However, not all cases of drug dependencies
follow this hypothesis because there are traits or changes which separate
various groups of drug dependent individuals. As a result, Khantzian revisited
his theory in 2013 and stated that there was growing clinical support for the
significant relationship between substance abuse disorders and psychiatric
disorders as opposed to simple personality. Hence, people who are not receiving
proper mental health care are attempting to self-medicate for their disorders
by using illicit substances (Chikere & Mayowa, 2011).
