BIOLOGY
INVESTIGATORY PROJECT REPORT
ON
DRUG ADDICTION
2024-2025
SUBMITTED BY
Name: MohammadWaqas
Chaudhary
Class: 12 A
DES ID: 7964
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that WAQAS a student of class XI has completed the
research on the below-mentioned project under the guidance of Ms.
Aswini PotheraVeedu (Subject teacher) during the year 2024-
2025 partial fulfillment of the course.
Signature of the
Guide
Signature of the Head of
Department
External Examiner
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
First and foremost, I would like to thank God for His
blessings and guidance throughout the journey of this
project. Without His grace, this accomplishment would
not have been possible.
I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my
teacher, Aswini PotheraVeedu, for their constant support,
guidance, and valuable insights that helped me complete
this project successfully.
I am deeply thankful to Anita Dcruz, the principal, for
providing me with the resources and environment to carry
out this project. Her encouragement and leadership have
been a source of inspiration.
Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their
continuous support and encouragement throughout this
project.
Thank you all for being a part of this journey.
Contents
1. Title: Drug Addiction:
Causes, Effects, and
Prevention
2. Introduction
3. What is Drug Addiction?
4. Root Causes of Drug
Addiction
5. Symptoms of Drug
Addiction
6. Long-Term Effects of
Drug Addiction
7. How to Prevent Drug Use
8. Can Drug Addiction be
Cured?
9. Interview
10. Conclusion
11. References
Objective:
To understand the underlying
causes of drug addiction.
To raise awareness about the
negative impacts of drug abuse.
To educate individuals about the
dangers of substance use.
To provide support and
resources for addiction
recovery.
To develop effective prevention
and treatment strategies.
To reduce the stigma associated
with seeking help for addiction.
To promote healthy alternatives
to substance use.
INTRODUCTION
What Are Drugs?
Drugs are substances that, when
introduced into the body, cause changes
in physical, mental, or emotional states.
They can affect the brain and body in
various ways, altering perception, mood,
consciousness, or behavior.
What Is Drug Addiction?
Drug addiction, also known as substance use
disorder, is a chronic disease characterized by the
compulsive use of drugs despite harmful
consequences. It involves physical, psychological,
and behavioral dependence on a substance, leading
to significant disruption in an individual’s life.
What happnes to the brain due to drugs?
When someone takes drugs, the brain's chemistry changes
as the substances interfere with neurotransmitters, like
dopamine, which is linked to pleasure and reward. Drugs
cause a surge of dopamine, creating a euphoric "high" and
reinforcing use. Over time, the brain adapts by reducing
sensitivity, leading to tolerance and requiring more of the
drug for the same effect. Critical areas like the prefrontal
cortex (decision-making), hippocampus (memory), and
amygdala (emotions) are impaired, leading to poor
judgment, memory issues, and heightened anxiety. These
changes can result in dependence, disrupting mental and
physical health.
The Root cause of Drug
Addiction
1. Genetic Factors
Family history and inherited genetic
predispositions.
2. Psychological Issues
Mental health disorders (e.g., depression,
anxiety, PTSD).
3. Environmental Influences
Growing up in an environment with drug use
or lack of support.
4. Peer Pressure
Influence from friends or social groups to use
drugs.
5. Trauma and Abuse
Experiences of physical, emotional, or sexual
abuse.
6. Drug Availability
Easy access to drugs in certain communities.
7. Cultural Norms
Cultural acceptance or glamorization of drug
use.
8. Lack of Education
Insufficient knowledge about the risks of drug
use.
9. Self-Esteem Issues
Low self-worth or identity struggles.
10. Chronic Stress
Ongoing stress or emotional pain leading to
drug use as an escape.
Long term Effects
Long-Term Effects of Drug Use:
Brain Damage – Affects memory
and decision-making.
Mental Health Issues – Causes
depression and anxiety.
Physical Health Problems –
Damages organs.
Weak Immune System – Increases
infection risk.
Addiction – Leads to dependence.
Tolerance – Requires higher
doses.
Social Isolation – Strains
relationships.
Financial and Legal Issues – Job
loss, legal troubles.
Overdose Risk – Increased with
use.
Chronic Diseases – Leads to long-
term health problems.
Some people don't get addicted to drugs due
to factors like:
Genetics – Genetic traits make
them less susceptible to addiction.
Psychological Resilience – Strong
coping skills help resist drug use.
Supportive Environment – Stable
relationships and access to
resources reduce risk.
Personal Beliefs – Strong values
against drug use act as protection.
Positive Early Experiences –
Healthy family dynamics and lack
of trauma.
Social Influence – Less peer
pressure or influence from drug-
using social groups.
Lower Exposure – Limited
exposure to drugs reduces the
likelihood of addiction.
Symptoms of Drug
Addiction:
Cravings – Intense urges to use the
drug.
Tolerance – Needing more to feel the
same effect.
Withdrawal – Physical and mental
discomfort when not using.
Neglecting Responsibilities – Missing
obligations due to drug use.
Loss of Control – Using more than
intended or unable to stop.
Continued Use – Using despite
negative consequences.
Physical Changes – Weight loss, poor
hygiene, bloodshot eyes.
Isolation – Withdrawing from loved
ones.
Mood Swings – Extreme emotional
changes.
Health Issues – Chronic coughing, liver
damage, infections.
How to Prevent Drug use?
Preventing drug usage involves a
combination of education, support, and
healthy environments. Teaching
individuals, especially young people, about
the risks and consequences of drug use can
help them make informed decisions.
Positive role models, such as family
members, mentors, and community
leaders, provide guidance and set good
examples. It's important to develop
healthy coping skills to manage stress and
emotions, as well as foster supportive
environments at home, school, and in the
community. Early intervention is crucial in
addressing risk factors like mental health
issues. Encouraging healthy lifestyles, such
as physical activities and hobbies, helps
build resilience against temptation.
Additionally, creating strong social
networks, limiting access to drugs,
maintaining open communication about
drug dangers, and offering treatment for
those at risk or struggling can all
contribute to preventing drug usage.
Rehabilitation
Drug addiction is a chronic condition, and while it may not be "cured" in the traditional sense, it can be effectively managed and treated. Many individuals in recovery can lead fulfilling, drug-free lives through long-term treatment and support. Treatment typically involves a combination of:
1. Behavioral Therapy – Helps individuals change
unhealthy drug-related behaviors and develop
coping skills.
2. Medication-Assisted Treatment – For some
substances, medications can reduce cravings and
withdrawal symptoms.
3. Support Groups – Peer support through groups
like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can provide
encouragement and accountability.
4. Rehabilitation Programs – Inpatient or outpatient
programs offer structured environments to help
individuals recover.
5. Lifestyle Changes – Building a drug-free
environment, creating healthy routines, and
avoiding triggers are essential for long-term
recovery.
Recovery is an ongoing process that requires
dedication, support, and lifestyle changes, but many
people successfully overcome addiction and
maintain sobriety.
INTERVIEW
Interview on Drug Addiction
Waqas: Hello and welcome! Today, we are discussing the critical
issue of drug addiction. Joining us is Ali, a counselor specializing in
addiction recovery. Thank you for being here, Ali.
Ali: Thank you for having me, Waqas.
Waqas: Let’s start with the basics. What is drug addiction, and how
does it affect someone’s life?
Ali: Drug addiction is a chronic condition where individuals
compulsively use substances despite harmful consequences. It
impacts their physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and
often leads to financial and legal issues. It also alters brain
function, making it very hard to stop without help.
Waqas: What are some common causes of addiction?
Ali: The main causes include peer pressure, using drugs to cope
with stress, trauma, a family history of addiction, and
environmental factors like early exposure to drugs.
Waqas: How can someone recognize that they or a loved one has
an addiction problem?
Ali: Signs include neglecting responsibilities, mood changes,
unexplained spending, physical symptoms like fatigue or weight
loss, and being secretive or isolating themselves.
Waqas: What treatment options are available for those
struggling with addiction?
Ali: Effective treatments include detoxification, therapy
(individual or group), medications to manage cravings,
rehabilitation programs, and support groups like
Narcotics Anonymous.
Waqas: What challenges do recovering addicts face, and
how can they overcome them?
Ali: The main challenges are cravings, stigma, and
rebuilding relationships. These can be overcome through
therapy, support networks, and staying committed to
recovery programs.
Waqas: Lastly, what advice would you give to someone
battling addiction?
Ali: My advice is to seek help—it’s a sign of strength. Talk to
a trusted person or professional, and take recovery one
day at a time. Help is available, and recovery is absolutely
possible.
Waqas: Thank you, Ali, for sharing your insights.
Ali: Thank you, Waqas. It’s important to keep talking about
these issues to raise awareness and offer hope.
Waqas: Absolutely. To those listening, remember: support
is always available. Stay strong and take care!
Conclution
Drug addiction is a complex, chronic
condition that can significantly impact an
individual's physical, mental, and social
well-being. While it may not be completely
"cured," with the right treatment and
support, addiction can be effectively
managed. Through a combination of
therapy, medication, support networks, and
lifestyle changes, individuals can recover
and lead fulfilling, drug-free lives.
Prevention, education, and early
intervention play vital roles in reducing the
risk of addiction. Ultimately, overcoming
drug addiction requires ongoing
commitment, but with the right resources
and support, lasting recovery is achievable.
Refrenses
1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
(2020). What is drug addiction? Retrieved
from https://www.drugabuse.gov
2. World Health Organization (WHO). (2019).
Substance use and substance use
disorders. Retrieved from
https://www.who.int
3. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Drug addiction
(substance use disorder). Retrieved from
https://www.mayoclinic.org
4. American Society of Addiction Medicine
(ASAM). (2020). Addiction Medicine.
Retrieved from https://www.asam.org
5. Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2020).
Behavioral Health Treatment Services.
Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov
6. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
(2022). The Science of Drug Use and
Addiction: The Basics. Retrieved from
https://www.drugabuse.gov
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
(2021). Treating Drug Addiction. Retrieved
from https://www.drugabuse.gov
