Biological and Psychological Factors Influencing Drug Experiences

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Biological Factors
Genetics, Mental State and Developmental Stage
Metabolism, Physiology, Environment
Psychological factors
Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Attention deficit disorder and Sexual or physical abuse
Conclusion
References

Introduction

The biological and psychological aspects that affect and impact the drug experience for an individual are vast and varied. Before taking any drug, one must be aware of personal beliefs and expectations. It is important to remember that everyone is different and will react to drugs differently. A pleasant experience for one person could be a nightmare for another. This essay explores the various impacts of biological and psychological effects associated with people’s experiences when taking drugs.

Biological Factors

Everything from an individual’s expectancies and beliefs about the drug to physiology and metabolism can shape the drug experience. One of the most significant factors affecting the drug experience is an individual’s beliefs and expectations about the drug. If someone believes a drug will produce certain effects, they are more likely to experience them (Biology of addiction, 2017). This is known as the placebo effect. Similarly, if someone believes a drug will be dangerous or have negative side effects, they are more likely to experience them.

Genetics, Mental State and Developmental Stage

Genetics can affect how susceptible an individual is to the effects of drugs. For example, some people may be more likely to experience intoxication or withdrawal symptoms based on their genetic makeup. In addition, the developmental stage can also affect the drug experience. For instance, adolescents may be more likely to engage in risky behaviours when under the influence of drugs. At the same time, older adults may be more likely to experience negative health consequences (Biology of addiction, 2017). Furthermore, mental illness can also impact the drug experience, as people with mental health disorders may be more likely to use drugs to self-medicate.

Metabolism, Physiology, Environment

An individual’s physiology and metabolism can also affect the drug experience. Different people metabolize drugs differently, and this can lead to different experiences. For example, a person with a faster metabolism may feel the effects of a drug more quickly than someone with a slower metabolism. Finally, the setting where someone takes a drug can also affect their experience. Taking a drug in a safe and comfortable environment is more likely to lead to a positive experience than taking the drug in an unsafe or uncomfortable environment (Biology of addiction, 2017). All of these factors – expectancies and beliefs, physiology and metabolism, and setting – can affect and impact the drug experience for an individual. It is essential to consider all of these factors when taking any drug, as they can all play a role in molding the experience.

Psychological factors

Various psychological factors can impact the experiences people have when they use drugs. For instance, a person’s personality and mood can affect their drug experience. People who are naturally introverted or anxious are more likely to have a bad drug experience because they are more prone to paranoia and anxiety (Shahrabadi et al., 2020). People in a bad mood are also more likely to have a negative experience because drugs can amplify negative emotions.

Depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can all affect the drug experience of an individual. Depression and anxiety can make the person feel more anxious and stressed, making the drug experience more intense. Attention deficit disorder can make it difficult for the person to focus, making the experience more difficult to process. PTSD can make the person relive traumatic experiences, making the drug experience more intense and upsetting. Neglect or chaos in the home can also affect the drug experience for an individual (Shahrabadi et al., 2020). These experiences can make the person feel more anxious, stressed, and traumatized, making the drug experience more intense and upsetting. The person may also have difficulty trusting others, making it difficult to connect with others and isolating the drug experience.

Attention deficit disorder and Sexual or physical abuse

Sexual or physical abuse can negatively affect the drug experience by causing the individual to feel more anxious and stressed. This can make them more paranoid and make it difficult to relax and enjoy the experience (Wiig & Nielsen, 2017). The individual may also feel flashbacks of the abuse while under the influence of the drug, which can be a very negative and traumatic experience. Attention deficit disorder can negatively affect the drug experience in several ways. Firstly, it can make it difficult for the individual to focus and pay attention to what is happening around them. This can confuse and disorient them, which can be a negative experience (Wiig & Nielsen, 2017). Secondly, it can also lead to the individual feeling more impatient and impulsive, which can again be negative. Finally, it can also make the individual more likely to take risks and act impulsively, which can be dangerous.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these psychological and biological aspects can impact an individual’s drug experience and make it more difficult to enjoy the experience. Therefore, every drug experience of an individual usually results from a combination of psychological and biological factors; thus, drugs don’t bring out similar results in everyone. It is important to be familiar with these factors and consider whether or not to use drugs.

References

Shahrabadi, S., Jalali, A., Jalali, R., & Gholami, A. (2020). Psychological, social, and motivational factors in persons who use drugs.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2017). Biology of addiction. National Institutes of Health. Web.

Wiig, E. H., & Nielsen, N. P. (2017). “processing speed can monitor stimulant-medication effects in adults with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity”: A commentary. Journal of Drug Abuse, 03(02).

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