According to the World Health Organization, addiction is a state of interaction between a person and a drug, characterized by behavioural effects or other consequences involving physical and mental health.
Drugs can be categorized into 3 different groups
– stimulants such as cocaine, speed, amphetamines, methamphetamines, crack cocaine
– hallucinogens such as LSD, some types of mushrooms, ecstasy
– sedatives like opioids, heroin, prescription pills
The consequences of substance use and abuse are many and serious as they can cause cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, heart attack or cardiac arrest, lung disease, cancer, brain hemorrhage or severe strokes, and unfortunately often lead to death. The social and professional consequences are also devastating, often with destruction of the user’s life. Addiction is a chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide. Around 1 in 11 people have a problem with substance abuse, such as alcohol or drugs, but also with other daily activities such as the internet.
