Drug Addiction
In order to discuss drug addiction, there are some facts and terminology to get used to. First, let's begin with, what is a drug?
​
Drugs are a "substance other than food that when taken in small quantities alters one's physical, mental, or emotional state."
There are many different types of drugs such as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, prescription drugs, and controlled substances.
-
Over-the-Counter Drugs are "legal drugs that can be purchased without a physician's prescription." Some common types of these drugs are Advil, Tylenol, etc.
-
Prescription Drugs are legal drugs that can only be purchased with a physician's prescription. These drugs are regulated by the FDA, although can still be misused.
-
Controlled Substances are "regulated drugs that are subject to abuse and can produce dependence." Amongst controlled substances, there are categories ranging from Schedule I (highest risk of abuse) to Schedule V (lowest risk of abuse).
-
Common examples for Schedule I could be heroin, LSD, MDMA, etc.​
-
Common examples for Schedule II could be morphine, amphetamines, oxycodone, etc.
-
Example for Schedule III is ketamine.
-
Examples for Schedule IV may be Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, etc.
-
​Example for Schedule V could be certain cough syrups with limited amounts of codeine.
-
Emanuel, A. (2018, March 25). Introduction to Drugs. Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida.
Lopez, M. J., Preuss, C. V., & Tadi, P. (2023, July 30). Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Scheduling. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557426/#:~:text=The%20schedules%20range%20from%20Schedule,the%20lowest%20potential%20for%20abuse.
Drug Use, Misuse, Abuse, and Disorder
Drug Use: refers to any and all drug taking behaviors.
​
Drug Misuse: inappropriate use of prescription or non-prescription drugs.
​
Drug Abuse: use of a drug when it is detrimental to one’s health or well-being.
​
Drug Dependence: the user feels the drug is necessary for normal functioning.
-
Physical Dependence: brain/body will go through withdrawals when drug is stopped.
-
Psychological Dependence: the user feels the need to take the drug because without the drug, the user feels emotional unease or dissatisfaction.
​
Drug or Substance Use Disorder (SUD): a treatable mental disorder that affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications.
Emanuel, A. (2018, March 25). Introduction to Drugs. Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida.
Mclellan, A. T. (2017) Substance Misuse and Substance use Disorders: Why do they Matter in Healthcare?. Transactions of the American Clinical and Climatological Association, 128, 112-130. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5525418/.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2023, March). Substance Use and Co-Occurring Mental Disorders. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health#:~:text=Occurring%20Mental%20Disorders-,Overview,drugs%2C%20alcohol%2C%20or%20medications.
Factors that Contribute to Drug Use
Inherited Risk Factors:
Genetics
There has been research found highlighting that addiction has a hereditary component. Scientists have actually identified multiple genes associated with addiction. Some highlights include: genes ADH1B & ALDH2 play a role in metabolizing alcohol, genes GABRA2 & CHRM2 have been linked to Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), and even MAOA, SLC6A4, COMT & others have been associated with stress resilience.
Environmental Risk Factors:
Emanuel, A. (2018, March 25). Introduction to Drugs. Health Education and Behavior, University of Florida.
Mosel, S. (2023, August 29). Is Drug Addiction Genetic? American Addictions Centers.https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/addiction-genetic.
Drug Addiction:
Why is it important?
While there are many health issues that affect each community, I have chosen to focus on drug addiction and abuse because of the devastation it can have on individuals, families, and communities.
​
Between 2002 and 2013, 311,828 people died from overdosing on drugs in the United States. Highlighting the fact that in the past decade, the rate of drug-induced deaths has more than doubled.
​
In the year of 2020, among Americans aged 12 and older, 37.309 million had used illegal drugs within the last 30 days.
​
Drug addiction is taking lives at a faster rate than ever before and something needs to be done about it. Therefore, enter us.
Let's Be(come) Recovered, Ohio!
​
Please contact us if you would like to become more involved in our organization and the cause in general!
National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics. (2023). Drug Abuse Statistics. https://drugabusestatistics.org.
v
Swensen, I. D. (2015, February). Substance-abuse treatment and mortality. Journal of Public Economic. Vol 122. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpubeco.2014.12.008.
About Me
My name is Emma Straub
Howdy! My name is Emma Straub and I am a student at the University of Florida. For my capstone project in my minor, Health Education and Promotion, I researched the impacts of drug abuse within the Ohio community. After working all semester, this website is my final product culminating my research, my health program event(s), and my policy ideas.
I am incredibly passionate about working with individuals in recovery, seeking treatment, in active addiction, and every other aspect of the addiction spectrum. This health issue is near and dear to my heart because it has affected mine and my family’s lives deeply. Frankly, I would not be here today if it weren't for drug addiction recovery. I went into treatment at 19 years old and have been recovered ever since. I have, first hand, seen the impacts drug addiction can make on an individual and community and I am dedicating my life to helping others on their journey to being recovered.
