DRUG INDUCED ANXIETY

DRUG INDUCED ANXIETY

The word “anxiety” has been taken from Greek word which means grab the sensation of tightness physically. We are living in the age of uncertainty, quick life and technology which leads us to anxiety, fear and depression. To get rid of these feelings people start taking drugs, alcohol. In scientific language anxiety is known as fight/flight response. In  many times anxiety is normal and a part of human living but if it is more than the normal level it will affects our daily activities and then it becomes a disorder. Normal anxiety is a protective response. Anxiety affects the body both physically and mentally. Anxiety disorders  are terms which covering several different forms of abnormal and pathological fear and anxiety which only came under the  psychiatrist at the very end of the 19th century, explains that anxiety disorders are classified in two groups: continuous symptoms and episodic symptoms. Current psychiatric diagnostic criteria recognize a wide variety of anxiety disorders. 

The term anxiety covers four aspects of experiences an individual may have: mental apprehension, physical tension, physical symptoms and dissociative anxiety. Generally, anxiety disorder is divided into generalized anxiety and panic disorders; each of disorder has its own characteristics and symptoms and they require different treatment. The emotions present in anxiety disorders range from simple nervousness to bouts of terror.  Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)  is a common chronic disorder characterized by long-lasting anxiety that is not focused on any one object or situation. Those who are suffering from generalized anxiety experience non-specific persistent fear and worry and become overly concerned with everyday matters. Generalized anxiety disorder is the most common anxiety disorder to affect older adults. A diagnosis of GAD is made when a person has been excessively worried about an everyday problem for six months or more. A person may find they have problems making daily decisions and remembering commitments as a result of lack of concentration with worry. His or her appearance looks strained, skin is pale with increased sweating from the hands, feet and maxillae while in panic disorder,it is espspecially for  person who are suffering from brief attacks of intense terror and apprehension, often marked by trembling, shaking, confusion, dizziness, nausea, difficulty breathing. These panic attacks defined as fear or discomfort that abruptly arises and peaks in less than ten minutes, it can last for several hours and can be triggered by stress, fear, or even exercise; the specific cause is not always apparent. In addition, to recurrent unexpected panic attacks, those who are suffering from panic disorder experience symptoms even outside specific panic episodes. 

Commonly , normal changes in heartbeat are noticed by a panic sufferer, leading them to think something is wrong with their heart or they are about to have another panic attack. In some cases, a heightened awareness (hyper vigilance) of body functioning occurs during panic attacks, wherein any perceived physiological change is interpreted as a possible life-threatening illness. 

Oftenly, drugs has been recognized by the health proffesional as main causes for this anxiety disorder, such as Cocaine, Phencyclidine (PCP), Caffein, and Amphetamines. Cocaine  is extracted from the coca plant, which grows in Central and South America. The substance is processed into many forms for use as an illegal drug of abuse. Cocaine is dangerously addictive, and users of the drug experience a "high"—a feeling of euphoria or intense happiness, along with hypervigilance, increased sensitivity, irritablity or anger, impaired judgment, and anxiety. In addition to their stand-alone use, both cocaine and crack are often mixed with other substances. Cocaine also may be mixed with methcathinone to create a "wildcat." . Either cocaine or crack used in conjunction with heroin is called a "speedball." Cocaine used together with alcohol represents the most common fatal two-drug combination.The person who are  suffering this cocaine-induced anxiety disorder will experienced intoxication or withdrawal from cocaine within a month from the time he or she begins to experience anxiety, panic attacks, obsessions, or compulsions. Panic attacks are discrete episodes of intense anxiety. Persons affected with panic attacks may experience accelerated heart rate, shaking or trembling, sweating, shortness of breath, or fear of going crazy or losing control, as well as other symptoms. An obsession is an unwelcome, uncontrollable, persistent idea, thought, image, or emotion that a person cannot help thinking even though it creates significant distress or anxiety. A compulsion is a repetitive, excessive, meaningless activity or mental exercise which a person performs in an attempt to avoid distress or worry. 

Meanwhile, Phencyclidine (PCP) is a street drug known as "angel dust" that causes physiological changes to the nervous and circulatory system, disturbances in thinking and behavior, and can cause hallucinations , psychotic disorder, mood disorder, and anxiety disorder. (PCP) is the best known of several related drugs including ketamine, cyclohexamine, and dizocilpine. PCP appeared mainly as a contaminant of other illict drugs, especially marijuana and cocaine. This complicated diagnosis of PCP use, as many people did not know that they had ingested the drug. The most common methods of ingestion are eating and smoking marijuana or tobacco on which liquid PCP has been sprayed. PCP is long acting. It accumulates in body fat, and flashbacks can occur as it is released from fat during exercise. PCP binds to receptors in the brain and interferes with the chemical reactions that mediate the transmission of nerve impulses. It is deactivated slowly by the liver and excreted in urine. Although there are no controlled human studies on PCP intoxication, monkeys allowed free use of PCP will dose themselves repeatedly and maintain an almost continuous state of intoxication. They exhibit withdrawal symptoms if their supply of the drug is restricted. PCP is considered to be psychologically and possibly physically addictive in humans. 

On the other hand, technically, caffeine  works by blocking the depressant function of a chemical called adenosine, says Griffiths. For most of us, the result is a pleasurable sense of energy and focus. Indeed, a British study published in the October 1999 issue of Human Psychopharmacology confirmed what most latte-lovers already know: Caffeine enhances alertness, concentration, and memory. Drink more coffee than you're accustomed to, however, and that same stimulant can cause the jitters. And in people predisposed to anxiety disorders, caffeine can trigger a spiral of sensations  sweaty palms, a pounding heart, ringing in the ears -- that leads to a full-blown panic attack. What makes some of us feel panic while others feel pleasantly alert? Susceptible people experience caffeine's effects as signs of impending doom. Once that happens, anxiety can take on a life of its own. While many give up coffee, others give up whatever they were doing when struck by caffeine's disturbing side effects. Someone who downs coffee at breakfast and then hops on the freeway to work, for example, may attribute feelings of panic to rush-hour traffic rather than to caffeine. 

Next drugs which also causes anxiety disorder is Amphetamines  are a group of powerful and highly addictive substances that dramatically affect the central nervous system. They induce a feeling of well-being and improve alertness, attention, and performance on various cognitive and motor tasks. Closely related are the socalled "designer amphetamines," the most well known of which is the "club drug" MDMA, best known as "ecstasy." Finally, some over-the-counter drugs used as appetite suppressants also have amphetamine-like action. Amphetamine-related disorders refer to the effects of abuse, dependence, and acute intoxication stemming from inappropriate amphetamine and amphetamine-related drug usage. Amphetamines are also known as sympathomimetics, stimulants, and psychostimulants. The structure of amphetamines  differs significantly from that of cocaine, even though both are stimulants with similar behavioral and physiological effects. Like cocaine, amphetamine results in an accumulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It is this excessive dopamine concentration that appears to produce the stimulation and feelings of euphoria experienced by the user. Cocaine is much more quickly metabolized and removed from the body, whereas amphetamines have a much longer duration of action. A large percentage of the drug remains unchanged in the body, leading to prolonged stimulant effects. Acute amphetamine intoxication begins with a "high" feeling which may be followed by feelings of euphoria. The user experiences enhanced energy, becoming more outgoing and talkative, and more alert. 

Other symptoms include anxiety, tension, grandiosity, repetitive behavior, anger, fighting, and impaired judgment. In both acute and chronic intoxication, the individual may experience dulled feelings, along with fatigue or sadness, and social withdrawal. These behavioral and psychological changes are accompanied by other signs and symptoms including increased or irregular heartbeat, dilation of the pupils, elevated or lowered blood pressure, heavy perspiring or chills, nausea and/or vomiting, motor agitation or retardation, muscle weakness, respiratory depression, chest pain, and eventually confusion, seizures , coma, or a variety of cardiovascular problems, including stroke . With amphetamine overdoses, death can result if treatment is not received immediately. 

Based on the rates of mental health problems among Malaysian teenagers, it is clearly can be noted to be quite high. At present the percentage of emotional problems is 49% and aggressiveness is 41%. These findings were highlighted by the Ministry of Health's Healthy Life-Style Campaign National Mental Health Survey in 2000. However , anxiety disorder can be treated by using both modern or Islamic medications. In modern medication , ones should seek for the health professional before taking any medicine. There are many different types of medications are used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, including traditional anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines, and newer options like antidepressants and beta-blockers. These medications can be very effective, but they shouldn’t be thought of as a cure. Anxiety medication can provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t treat the underlying cause of the anxiety disorder. Once if we stop taking the drug, the anxiety symptoms often return in full force. It’s important to be aware of the risks of anxiety medication, too. Anxiety medication can cause a wide range of unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. Many medications for anxiety are also habit forming and physically addictive, making it difficult to stop taking them once you’ve started. First, Anti-anxiety drugs, also known as tranquilizers, are medications that relieve anxiety by slowing down the central nervous system. Their relaxing and calming effects have made them very popular: anti-anxiety drugs are the most widely prescribed type of medication for anxiety. They are also prescribed as sleeping pills and muscle relaxants. The most common anti-anxiety that has been used is Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are fast acting—typically bringing relief within thirty minutes to an hour because they work quickly and benzodiazepines are very effective when taken during a panic attack or another overwhelming anxiety episode. But despite their potent anti-anxiety effects, they have their drawbacks as it can reducing brain activity. The higher the dose, the more pronounced these side effects typically become. However, some people feel sleepy, foggy, and uncoordinated even on low doses of benzodiazepines, which can cause problems with work, school, or everyday activities such as driving. Some even feel a medication hangover the next day. This is because benzodiazepines are metabolized slowly, the medication can build up in the body when used over longer periods of time. The result is oversedation. People who are oversedated may look like they’re drunk. 

Other type of medication are antidepressant and beta blocker. Antidepressants are often preferred over the traditional anti-anxiety drugs because the risk for dependency and abuse is smaller. However, antidepressants take up to 4 to 6 weeks to begin relieving anxiety symptoms, so they can’t be taken “as needed.” For example, antidepressants wouldn’t help at all if you waited until you were having a panic attack to take them. Their use is limited to chronic anxiety problems that require ongoing treatment while for Beta blocker, it is used to treat high blood pressure and heart problems. However, beta blockers are also prescribed off-label for anxiety. Beta blockers work by blocking the effects of norepinephrine, a stress hormone involved in the fight-or-flight response. This helps control the physical symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heart rate, a trembling voice, sweating, dizziness, and shaky hands. Beta blockers don’t affect the emotional symptoms of anxiety such as worry, they’re most helpful for phobias, particularly social phobia and performance anxiety. If you’re anticipating a specific anxiety-producing situation (such as giving a speech), taking a beta blocker in advance can help reduce your “nerves.”Beta blockers include drugs such as propranolol (Inderal) and atenolol (Tenormin). Common side effects include: Light-headedness , nausea, sleepiness, and unusually slow pulse.

Undoubtedly, the best cure is  Islamic medication  as it does not has any side effects  to us. There are many ways to avoid ourselves from this anxiety disorder. One of the medication is by turning the anxiety, fear and concern into a Dua’ (supplication). Look at it as another reason to submit to God and be in Sajdah (prostration), during which you are closest to Allah. God listens and already knows what is in your heart, but He wants you to ask Him for what you want. The Prophet said: Allah is angry with those who do not ask Him for anything (Tirmidhi). Futhermore, the Prophet once said that in prayer, he would find rest and relief (Nasai). He would also regularly ask for God’s forgiveness and remain in prostration during prayer praising God (Tasbeeh) and asking for His forgiveness (Bukhari). Dua’ is the essence of worship (the Prophet as quoted in Tirmidhi). "Call on your Lord with humility and in private: for Allah love not those who trespass beyond bounds. Do not make mischief on the earth, after it hath been set in order, but call on Him with fear. And longing (in your hearts): for the mercy of Allah is (always) near to those who do good"  (Quran 7:55-56). Besides that, we as a muslim should seek help through Sabr and Salat (Quran 2:45). This instruction from Allah provides us with two critical tools that can ease our worries and pain as well as can reduce our anxiety. Patience and prayer are two oft-neglected stressbusters. Sabr is often translated as patience but it is not just that. It includes self-control, perseverance, endurance, and a focussed struggle to achieve one’s goal. Unlike patience, which implies resignation, the concept of Sabr includes a duty to remain steadfast to achieve your goals despite all odds. Being patient gives us control in situations where we feel we have little or no control. ‘We cannot control what happens to us but we can control our reaction to our circumstances’ is the mantra of many modern-day self-help books. Patience helps us keep our mind and attitude towards our difficulties in check.

In conclusion, it is a human trait to seek out reasons for everything that happens to us, and when adult worry takes over from the  'nothing can hurt me' attitude of mid-adolescence it is easy to see how somebody then suffering from anxiety and depression might buy in to the idea that the illicit drugs caused some permanent harm. In fact, looking at the effects of ecstasy, cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis on anxiety disorder among people it is entirely possible that this worry can be well founded.  For example, research suggests that cocaine induces panic attacks in some people  and that withdrawal from it includes severe anxiety in the effects. Ecstasy too seems to induce anxiety, depersonalising and panic when taken in large doses and the sought after experience, while on the drug, of feeling at one with the world need not happen if the person involved already has emotional problems. Ecstasy is also notoriously difficult to 'quality control', often being mixed with other drugs. In this case, a person with hovering obsessional problems might find themselves in deep trouble .  It also seems likely that use of this drug can induce a feeling of 'loss of control' if taken in large doses; or if an inexperienced user smokes (or eats) too much at one time. Therefore, we should try to use another ways instead of  drugs which will affects ourselves in the future. As stated in one of the verse of Al-Quran ‘O humanity!There has come to you a direction from your Lord and a cure for all [the ills] in men’s hearts - and for those who believe, a Guidance and a Mercy" (Quran 10:57)’.