Illicit Drug Use Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Illicit Drug Use?
Illicit drug use is a growing problem in many countries across the world, and it can have devastating consequences for people’s health, safety, wellbeing and work performance. Illicit drugs are those that are not legally available under any circumstances. They include narcotics such as cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine; marijuana; hallucinogens such as LSD; stimulants such as amphetamines and ecstasy; synthetic drugs like K2 or Spice; and prescription medications misused for recreational purposes.The risks associated with illicit drug use vary depending on the type of drug being taken. Stimulants like cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy can cause physical dependence, while hallucinogenic drugs increase the risk of psychosis due to their effects on the brain’s chemistry. Long-term use of any drug also carries risks of addiction, physical damage to organs like the heart or liver, cognitive impairment and psychological changes that can lead to criminal behaviour or suicidal thoughts.The economic costs of illicit drug use are considerable both directly through lost productivity due to illness or death among users, as well as indirectly through increased policing costs for crime prevention initiatives targeting users in order to reduce supply. In addition to these economic costs there are also social costs associated with illicit drug use including an increased burden on public health services from treating addiction-related diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C which is spread through sharing needles used by intravenous drug users. There is also an increased risk of violence associated with illicit drugs since they tend to be illegal activities which attract organized crime groups who control their production and sale making them prone to turf wars between rival gangs looking for dominance in particular markets. To tackle this problem we need a multifaceted approach that focuses on prevention measures including education about the risks of using illicit drugs combined with early intervention strategies aimed at young people before they become entrenched in problematic habits. We must also ensure access to effective treatments so that those already addicted can get help before it’s too late including detoxification programmes backed up by counselling services designed specifically for recovering addicts as well as family support networks so that loved ones can provide vital assistance during this difficult time in someone’s life (e.g., by providing accommodation).