Textbook: Madras, B., & Kuhar, M. (2013). The Effects of Drug Abuse on the Human

Textbook: Madras, B., & Kuhar, M. (2013). The Effects of Drug Abuse on the Human Nervous System. Elsevier Science.
Directions: Read Discussion Post 1 and and reply with two paragraphs. Include reference when responding to the discussion posts. Use APA format for reference and include page numbers when citing information. In responding to discussion post make sure they are High Quality Post . Your contributions to each topic indicate your mastery of the
materials assigned. Your responses might integrate multiple views and/or provide value for other
participants’ responses.
Discussion Post 1
The main difference between a sign and a symptom depends on the observer. A sign is a disease manifestation that a medical examiner identifies while the patient perceives a symptom. Some examples of drugs of abuse are opioids and cocaine. Some signs and symptoms of opioids are drowsiness, increased or reduced appetite, small pupils, and non-responsiveness (Department of Health, 2023). On the other hand, the signs and symptoms of cocaine are weight loss, nose bleeding, sleeping disturbance, poor hygiene, and burn marks in areas like lips and hands (Editorial Staff, 2022). Opioid use disorder is the problematic use of the drugs. As a result, it is important to develop treatment methods that reduce the intake of the drugs.
One treatment option for opioids is behavioral and counseling therapy. Counseling involves having conversationswith a professional on the use of opioids (DeBar et al., 2022). This step helps individuals change their attitudes toward drug use. Additionally, counselors guide patients to make better choices and develop healthy life skills. Behavioral therapy makes patients identify their behaviors and negative patterns that affect their life choices. Further, the therapy educates on healthy coping mechanisms like stress management. As a result, this treatment option helps users navigate their choices and develop healthy habits, which leads to reduced consumption of opioids.
Prevention strategies help prevent the addiction and use disorder of a drug. Creating awareness of the dangers of cocaine is a significant step in preventing its use disorder (Hughto et al., 2022). The awareness can be spread through social media and education at health centers. Further, promoting mental health services and expanding links to care makes it easy for individuals to seek help and navigate life stress (Mustaquim et al., 2021). As a result, people develop better-coping mechanisms and shun the use of cocaine.