Summary

In this study session you have learned that:

1. Addiction is a condition where a person has uncontrollable drug cravings and takes the drug compulsively, despite the negative consequences associated with the substance use.
2. People start using drugs for different purposes. When substances are taken frequently and excessively they may result in brain change. As a result addiction may occur and the addicts’ control of their substance use may become increasingly difficult.
3. People with substance abuse problems often need increasing amounts of drugs to achieve the same effect (tolerance) and they show withdrawal symptoms after decreasing or stopping the use of the drug.
4. Some of the immediate effects of popular substances are pleasurable. The drug can for instance have a relaxing effect (e.g. in the case of alcohol), or improve concentration (e.g. tobacco, khat). Long-term substance abuse, however, has serious adverse effects, including brain damage (alcohol), lung cancer (tobacco), depression and anxiety symptoms (khat) or paranoia and psychosis (cannabis).
5. Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and khat use can be identified by asking specific questions to the person and their family. People with substance abuse problems should be encouraged to stop using the drug by educating them about the negative effects and supporting them in making the necessary lifestyle changes.
6. In cases of serious withdrawal symptoms, severe medical conditions or mental health problems, the person with a substance use problem should be referred to the nearest health centre for further assessment and treatment.