A REVIEW ON DRUG ADDICTION, DRUG ABUSE AND ITS TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Drug Addiction is a chronic illness and has become a worldwide problem, the leading cause of death. The global problem of drug addiction is responsible for millions of deaths and millions of new HIV cases every year. Drug abuse or substance abuse is a disorder characterized by excessive use of the habit-forming drugs and misuse of over-the-counter medicine, the illegal use of drugs which in turn leads to severe addiction and it refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Drug addiction causes long-term damage to the organs and drug addicts who use needles are also at a risk of contracting HIV and Hepatitis B and C infections. Economic burden, disturbed family, environment, violence and psychological problems are the main consequences of drug abuse in the family. The most common use of drug in India is alcohol, followed by cannabis and opiates.

Key words: Drug addiction; Drug abuse; cannabis; opiates.