The reversible and irreversible consequences of illict drug addiction following rehabilitation

Abstract

The ever increasing trend of drug abuse across the globe raises major concern around this topic. Academic disciplines tend to focus on the short-term consequences of illicit drugs. Notwithstanding that these set the foundation for various treatment approaches, research about long-term effects of illicit drugs is relatively underdeveloped. In order to elucidate this vagueness, a collection of literature aims to put in light the available data whilst highlighting the gap in knowledge and relevant concerns. This is achieved through a compilation of secondary data, from which pertinent information is extracted that could contribute to the topic at hand. This study discusses drug addiction from the stance of it being a disorder rather than something one can grow out of, hence featuring chronic elements. It is initiated by putting forward a general background on illicit drugs, focusing on the most popular psychoactive drugs, namely: Heroin, Cocaine, Marijuana, MDMA and Methamphetamine. Each bearing severe repercussions. It carefully excavates the debilitating consequences of these drugs and investigates whether these can be reversed or not, and to what extent. These are interpreted, discussed and compared with other data in the way they are executed and the yielded findings. The potential aftermath of drug addiction are looked into, with special focus on individuals who underwent rehabilitation. Significant side effects that might linger despite protracted abstinence are laid out, especially in respect to neuro toxicity in the brain. This topic is just the tip of the iceberg and should be investigated further. Overall, it is observed that inconclusive claims and findings outweigh conclusive ones. Such findings are tentative and need further research due to limitations, thus, this dissertation identifies weaknesses with regards case studies and experiments whilst creates the need to develop new ones. It also clarifies and helps the reader to gain insight about areas that are deemed as poorly understood. In an effort to decipher ambiguities and uncover fundamental aspects, key factors are disclosed and these influence the degree of transiency of the long-term effects. These include: age and onset of drug use. In turn, these can hinder abstinence and lead to relapse. This touches up on recovery research which plays a key role. This raises the need to address the impacts of a permanent nature by implementing advanced treatments and interventions. Notably, these strategic proposals are still in their infancy. Ample background research will allow for this goal to be reaches. Above all, this will spark further interest into this area of research and push for better awareness to promote deterrence from drug abuse.