Why is that once a person starts taking alcohol or drugs, it is difficult to get rid of this habit? Discuss it with your teacher.
It is difficult to get rid of the habit of taking alcohol or drugs because of their inherent addictive nature. Addiction is defined as a psychological attachment to certain effects, such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being. This drive pushes individuals to take these substances repeatedly, even when their use becomes self-destructive.
Furthermore, with repeated use, the tolerance level of the receptors present in our body increases. Consequently, these receptors respond only to higher doses of drugs or alcohol to produce the same effect. This leads to greater intake and pulls the user into a vicious circle of regular use (abuse) and dependence, from which it is very hard to escape without guidance or counselling.
Explanation
The answer is derived directly from the textbook context regarding the mechanism of addiction. It highlights two main factors: the psychological dependency on the feeling of well-being (euphoria) and the physiological increase in tolerance levels of receptors, which creates a vicious cycle of increased consumption.
Solution Steps
Identify the 'addictive nature' of drugs and alcohol.
Explain 'Addiction' as a psychological attachment to 'euphoria' and 'well-being'.
Describe the biological mechanism: increased 'tolerance level' of 'receptors' leading to a need for 'higher doses'.
Conclude with the concept of the 'vicious circle' and 'dependence' that prevents the user from stopping.