Drug addiction, or substance use disorder—a very complex condition characterized by an individual having a compulsive craving for, and use of, narcotics—is a very common and serious modern health issue in Uganda, as anywhere in the world. The condition is known to be largely caused by prolonged use of, and dependence on, narcotics to perform. As it is, anyone is susceptible to becoming addicted to substances, commonly to bury oneself from the reality of the societal and financial punch, among other reasons.
That ‘harmless’ daily beer you love to sip on to relax, beautifully curling cloud from a cigarette puff that you like from a celebrity, or something as complex and hard as the heroine, cocaine, marijuana, ice, barbiturates, LSD, PCP, aerosols, morphine, etc; it could turn you into that “stoned” nuisance, and hold your hand to the grave.
A quick look on social media and into Uganda’s slums will show you just how deeply young people are engaged in intense, proud, unregulated and concealed drug use; with the invention of the vape and hookah drugs such as tobacco have become more fashionable to take. Meanwhile, young corporates are introducing drugs to the boardroom, using portable thermoses to mix drugs with beverages for confidence and innovation. Office washrooms now serve as secret smoking areas.
These drugs aside from being more attractive and cool today more than ever, are also more available and less restricted—in bars and clubs, house parties, brunches, schools, online; they could be delivered to your doorstep, or be bought from the boy next door. Your ‘introverted’ son or daughter might not be a natural introvert but one who is on drugs behind closed doors, so heavily that they have lost touch with people, and might be engaging in drug-stimulated sex which is so hyped now more than ever, risking STD/Is.
Before trying that trendy stuff your friends or social media idols are smoking, sniffing, injecting, or drinking, consider how badly it could damage your brain and ruin your life. Undoing the harm is nearly impossible—you don’t want to be the next person rambling on the streets.
The Neurobiology of Addiction
Studies show that drug addiction is not merely a behavioural issue but also a significant neurobiological condition that alters brain function and structure. The path to addiction typically follows several stages, beginning with initial use and potentially culminating in a state of full-blown addiction.
When drugs trigger dopamine release, they reinforce the behaviour, making continued use more appealing. Over time, this disrupts impulse control and creates dependence, making it hard to stop without intervention.
Steps of Addiction
The journey toward addiction typically follows several stages:
Initial Use: Often driven by curiosity, peer pressure, or easy access.
Misuse: Increased use in risky settings or with other substances.
Tolerance: The body adapts, requiring larger doses to feel the same effects.
Dependence: Physical reliance on drugs develops, with withdrawal symptoms when not using.
Addiction: Loss of control, with continued use despite negative consequences.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation for drug addiction typically involves several key steps aimed at supporting recovery.
Detoxification: Clears drugs from the body under medical supervision to manage withdrawal safely.
Counselling: Helps uncover root causes and build coping mechanisms, often through cognitive-behavioural therapy.
Medication: Tools like methadone or naltrexone manage cravings or co-occurring mental health issues.
Aftercare: Includes therapy, support groups, and structured environments to maintain sobriety.
Challenges in Rehabilitation
Despite these structured steps, rehabilitation faces numerous challenges that can impede progress:
Cravings: Intense urges to use drugs due to brain changes.
Emotional Struggles: Guilt and shame can complicate recovery.
Stigma: Fear of judgment may prevent seeking help.
Co-occurring Disorders: Mental health conditions like anxiety or depression need simultaneous treatment for lasting success.
Relapse
Relapse is a common aspect of recovery from drug addiction and can occur for various reasons. Understanding relapse involves recognizing its stages—emotional, mental, and physical—and developing strategies to prevent it from occurring again.
Emotional relapse occurs when an individual experiences feelings that could lead them back to substance use but has not yet actively sought drugs again. Signs include anxiety, irritability, or mood swings.
Mental relapse involves thoughts about using drugs again; individuals may romanticize past substance use or make plans to obtain drugs.
Finally, physical relapse is when an individual actually uses drugs again after a period of sobriety. Neuroimaging studies indicate that relapse is linked to reactivation of brain circuits involved in craving and reward processing. The interplay between stress-induced responses in the extended amygdala and impaired decision-making in the prefrontal cortex creates a vulnerability for relapse. This underscores the need for ongoing support and intervention throughout recovery.
Hence to promote long-term recovery and reduce the risk of relapse, individuals must adopt comprehensive strategies that address both psychological and physiological aspects of addiction:
Building a Support Network: Engaging with supportive friends, family members, or recovery communities can encourage during challenging times.
Developing Coping Skills: Learning healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stressors can help individuals navigate triggers without resorting to substance use.
Mindfulness Practices: Techniques such as mindfulness meditation or yoga can help individuals manage cravings and improve emotional regulation.
Regular Therapy Sessions: Continued participation in therapy after initial rehabilitation can provide ongoing support as individuals face life’s challenges without substances.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise routine, and sufficient sleep can improve overall well-being and resilience against cravings.
Drug addiction is a serious issue, driven by both neurobiological factors and societal trends. By understanding its complexities and addressing them through education, targeted interventions, and ongoing support, individuals and society can work toward lasting recovery and prevention.
By Mwesigwa Joshua
