Question 1

Can Substance Abuse be Treated at Home?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse is a disease that usually requires professional treatment. Home treatment can be carried out only in mild cases and under the supervision of a doctor. However, if the addiction is serious and withdrawal symptoms are severe, medical intervention may be necessary. Treatment methods such as detoxification and psychotherapy should be administered by a professional healthcare team. Home treatment can only be a supportive process and should be planned in consultation with a specialist.

Question 2

Is Substance Abuse Genetic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, substance addiction is associated with genetic factors. People with a family history of addiction can inherit the condition genetically. Genetic predisposition can affect the reward system, chemical balance and neurotransmitter release in the brain. However, in addition to genetic factors, environmental and psychological factors also play a role in the development of addiction. In other words, addiction is shaped by environmental and psychological influences as well as genetic ones.

Question 3

How should a person with substance abuse be treated?

Accepted Answer

It is very important to be patient and empathetic when approaching someone with substance abuse. Avoid using judgmental language and try to understand the person's difficulties. Listening, supporting and encouraging them to seek professional help can be an important step in the recovery process. The addicted person often experiences feelings of guilt and shame, so it is important to support them and help them through the treatment process. Reassurance and patience throughout the treatment process are essential for a healthy recovery.

Question 4

What are the Effects of Substance Abuse on the Human Body?

Accepted Answer

Substance abuse can negatively affect many organs of the body. Long-term substance abuse can cause permanent damage to organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart, lungs and brain. Alcohol and drug abuse can cause serious health problems such as liver failure, heart disease, lung cancer and neurological disorders. Addiction can also cause permanent changes in the brain's reward system, impairing cognitive functions such as thinking, decision-making and memory.

Question 5

What are the common misconceptions about substance abuse?

Accepted Answer

There are many misconceptions about substance abuse. Some of them are:

"Addicts are only weak-willed people": Addiction is not just about having weak willpower. It is a disease caused by a combination of physical and psychological factors.

"Addiction can always be treated immediately": Addiction treatment can take time and often requires a combination of several treatment methods.

"Drug addiction only occurs in young people": Drug addiction can occur in all age groups and is also a major health problem, especially in adults.

"Trying a substance once does no harm": Even one try can lead to addiction, and the risk is especially high in young people.

Question 6

Volatile Substances Addiction

Accepted Answer

Volatile substances (inhalants) are volatile hydrocarbons such as toluene, n-hexane, methyl butyl ketone, trichloroethylene, trichloroethane, dichloromethane, benzene and butane. These chemicals are sold commercially in four different forms:
1) Volatiles used in adhesives and glues
2) Used as a propellant in spray paints, hair sprays, frying pan sprays and shaving cream aerosols
3) Thinners (e.g. those used in paints and typewriter correction fluids
4) Liquid fuels
At room temperature, these compounds are gaseous and enter the bloodstream via the transpulmonary route by inhalation through the mouth or nasal inhalation. Volatiles are easily accessible, have a short duration of action and are often abused, especially by adolescents.

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Question 7

Amphetamines Addiction

Accepted Answer

Amphetamines (amphetamine, methamphetamine), ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) and its derivatives and other synthetic stimulants (methcathinone, phenethylline) constitute amphetamine-type stimulants (ATUs).
Amphetamine is one of the most effective drugs currently used in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This active substance can be abused by adults due to its stimulant-pleasurable effects. Amphetamine derivative drugs have been closely monitored in recent years due to their addictive potential and in Turkey they are prescribed on red prescription.

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Question 8

Methamphetamine Addiction

Accepted Answer

Methamphetamine shows its stimulant effect by causing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. The availability of amphetamine derivatives in the market has led to the widespread use of amphetamine addiction. Before its addiction potential was discovered, methamphetamine and its derivatives were used to treat many unrelated diseases such as schizophrenia, narcolepsy, hyperactivity, multiple sclerosis, obesity, migraine and seasickness. Methamphetamine was introduced in France in 1932 in nasal preparations for nasal inhalation called benzedrine, which regulates nasal congestion. It is still sold as an over-the-counter nasal decongestant in the United States of America. Methamphetamine can be used orally, by injection, as a cigarette or snorted. In Turkey, methamphetamine has been used more frequently than many other substances in different cities in recent years.

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Substance Abuse

Prof.Dr. H. Nesrin DİLBAZ

Prof.Dr. Gül ERYILMAZ

Prof.Dr. C. Onur NOYAN

Doç.Dr. Ceylan ERGÜL ARSLAN

Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Nihal TAŞTEKİN

Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Alptekin ÇETİN

Uzm. Dr. Bahruz SHUKUROV

Uzm. Dr. Andrei NALİMOV

Sena KALAZ

Gürler GÜZ

Sedef KOÇ BAL

Çağrı Akyol ÇEVİRİR

İpek EROL

Cumali AYDIN

Ayşe Nazlı HUNCA OLCAY

Uzm. Dr. Yeşim OLĞUN KANTAŞ