However, these factors are only vital in the initial stages of drug use. These factors take on less significance as drug addiction sets in (Addiction Science Network, 2000). With continued drug use, a person is exposed to “potent pharmacological effects” of the substance. Thus, his behavior is no longer influenced by his personality or external and social factors (Addiction Science Network, 2000). The chemical action reaches the brain and creates the addiction, whereby the usual psychological and social controls no longer govern the mind of the person (Addiction Science Network, 2000).
Thus, it is widely held that the most common feature of drug addiction is “loss of control (Addiction Science Network, 2000). Drug addition has a biological basis (Addiction Science Network, 2000). The use of drugs influences the specialized brain systems that have long since learned how to function (Addiction Science Network, 2000). These brain systems determine the mood of a person, such as elation or depression. As different substances influence these brain systems, drugs do the same thing, but in an intensified level (Addiction Science Network, 2000).
Drugs have the power to chemically change the normal operations of brain systems, such that a person can only crave for drugs and shape his life in accordance with them (Addiction Science Network, 2000). Drug use is not an uncommon problem in many communities and countries. Most of the dominant users of drugs are adolescents, who are naturally curious to the irresistible temptation that is drugs (Focus Adolescent Services, 2007).
Research shows that certain people are more likely to become victims of drug abuse, and some of these are adolescents with a history of substance abuse or depression (Focus Adolescent Services, 2007). While curiosity on the feeling and effects of drug use do not always end up in drug dependence and abuse, there are instances when teenagers were not able to cope with their curiosity (Focus Adolescent Services, 2007). They thus move on to more dangerous and addictive drugs (Focus Adolescent Services, 2007).
Such dependence leads to grave and often, irreparable harm, not only to the health and welfare of the person involved, but also to his family, friends, and society in general. Curious teenagers do not readily try using drugs. Oftentimes they would start with less dangerous substances such as alcohol and tobacco (Common Sense for Drug Policy, 2005). However, these teenagers who have already tried alcohol and tobacco also increase their probabilities of using drugs later on. Adolescents are also known to use marijuana, cocaine, and club drugs such as ecstasy .