Addiction (original) (raw)

Tobacco smoke contains more than 4000 chemicals including nicotine. These chemicals enter the bloodstream directly by inhalation by those who smoke or are exposed to smoke. When nicotine reaches high concentrations in the central nervous system, addiction develops (7). 1.2. Alcohol The alcohol that is used for beverages is ethyl alcohol. It is among the most widely used psychoactive substances. Since alcohol can pass through fat molecules quickly, it affects the entire brain which contains a large amount of fat tissue. The presence of 1% of alcohol in human blood impairs voluntary movements, 2% causes loss of superego control, and the presence of 4-5% of alcohol leads to the appearance of coma symptoms and may result in death (8). ADDICTION Substance abuse also causes the following problems: a. Substance Intoxication: It is defined as an intoxication state, in which inappropriate behavioral or psychological changes occur due to the effect of the substance on the central nervous system, during or immediately after the use of one or more substances at high doses. Symptoms are temporary and vary depending on the type of substance used. b. Substance Withdrawal: A substance-specific syndrome developing due to reduction or termination of excessive and long-term substance use. c. Psychotic Disorders: The most common substance-induced psychotic disorders are schizophrenia, depression and mania. d. Mood Disorders: Depending on the type of substance and the context in which the symptoms occur, depressive mood, loss of interest, anhedonia, euphoria or irritable mood disorder may develop. e. Amnestic Disorders: In amnestic disorders, memory impairments occur. f. Permanent Dementia: In order for patients to be diagnosed with dementia, memory impairments must be present. In addition, symptoms of aphasia (speech disorder), apraxia (impaired performance of skilled motor acts, although there is no motor dysfunction), agnosia (inability to recognize or identify objects despite normal sensory functions), and deterioration of executive functions must be present. g. Anxiety Disorders: Depending on the nature of the substance and the context in which the symptoms occur, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessions or compulsions may be present. h. Sexual Disorders: Depending on the substance used, dysfunction, desire disorder, arousal disorder, anorgasmia or dyspareunia may occur. i. Sleep Disorders: Severe sleep disorders that require intervention may occur. Insomnia and hypersomnia are the most common types while parasomnia is rare. j. Delirium: The main feature of delirium is the presence of disorders of consciousness, attention, cognition and perception. It develops rapidly, usually over the course of a few hours or days, and fluctuates throughout the day.