The scourge of drug dependence: the solution or the problem?

By César Valcárcel

Every day thousands of young people sink indiscriminately into the world of drug use. Some of them say that it is a way to feel better in an environment of rejection and few opportunities; others say that it is part of their destiny, which they should not refuse.

Throughout the history of mankind, there have been various forms of displacement by human beings of those elements or situations that generate some kind of discomfort or dissatisfaction. This has been sustained since ancient times by the personal deficiencies to be able to face such evils in a frontal and decisive way.

Opioids, mushrooms, hallucinogens, amphetamines and chemicals have helped the novice consumer to enter into that scourge and completely isolate himself from those evils that afflict us all, but which they cannot, do not know how or do not want to face. Here it is also worth asking ourselves a question: is it a genetic or environmental issue?

To answer this question, it is worth recalling the countless scientific studies that totally rule out addiction due to genetics; we include here the cases of abstinence syndrome in newborns. These studies mention that, although there is a certain predisposition, it cannot be affirmed that the existence of a dependency is the result of a history of addictions within the family nucleus.

Having said this, we land on the environmental dynamics, which lies in identifying the factors that can trigger the initial consumption and subsequent abuse of consumption, with greater prevalence in young people; the adult population, as time goes by, generates personal coping resources.

Family dynamics turns out to be the most important element of all. Communication, unconditional acceptance and displays of affection are the frequent categories in the formation of the subject's personality, which, when not properly executed due to belonging to a dysfunctional family, becomes the subject's greatest shortcoming in not being able to develop a full identity.

But that would remain no more than a frequent existential crisis of the subject if we do not take into account the environmental influence. This constantly stimulates us to adopt risky behaviors, which will result in a state of ecstasy in those who practice them, and, in the case of young people without personal identity, can turn them into fertile ground for adherence to a future dependence.

However, it is the personal decision to which we can give more weight. External influences, initial traumas and family shortcomings are elements that promote the scourge of dependence, but there is still the so-called human will, which generates the final orientation towards the behaviors that the person chooses.

This can be complex in the face of a personality that has developed with deficiencies or, on the contrary, with many comforts, which does not allow for a significant degree of emotional maturity. A classic theory of psychology mentions that when children behave in a rebellious manner, they do so with the desire to punish their parents for their inefficiency.

In the end, it is not a matter of fate, luck, bad company or justification of a medicinal benefit. Drug addictions are the problem that the subject chooses voluntarily without full knowledge of its future effects, since people, especially young people, do not value the long-term effects of their actions, but prefer to enjoy the sweetness of the here and now.

But that's not all. We could not take refuge in science if we think that drug-dependent behavior is a future dead end. There is still the opportunity to be good parents in a bad world; to focus not on objects, things or luxuries, but on the being that came out of us. Quality time, not quantity, and good communication are the most important things in this dynamic. We should not place our frustrated dreams on them, since that generates very high peaks of anxiety and panic attacks.

Professional intervention, which will depend on the degree of dependence, is a separate issue. Psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists are constantly preparing to offer techniques and resources to help alleviate that behavior which, if not reduced and gradually eliminated, will not have a good prognosis.

The issue of faith, last mentioned but never less important, also becomes a relevant pillar in this rehabilitative dynamic. Philosophers, doctors, scientists and psychologists agree that the human being needs to place his faith in a deity, in order to surrender his burdens in the hope of timely help.

If we take a little more time for those around us today, we will see favorable results tomorrow.