Introduction

Within the basic division, we distinguish different types of addictive behavior. We can especially mention addictions to addictive substances, the so-called drug addiction, as well as gambling, pathological shopping, netolism, or addiction to networks, workaholism or eating disorders. The last-mentioned group includes, for example, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, orthonexia or binge eating.

From addictive behavior, we will focus especially on diagnoses from the point of view of drugs. We will therefore mention the classification of addictive substances according to the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10, which is gradually changing to ICD-11. However, the transition to a newer label was somewhat slowed down by the coronavirus pandemic.

The International Classification of Diseases indicates diagnoses caused by drugs under the markings F10-F19. The first is alcohol addiction, followed by opioid addiction, cannabinoid addiction, sedative and hypnotic addiction, cocaine addiction, addiction to other stimulants including caffeine, hallucinogen addiction, tobacco addiction, organic solvent addiction. The group is closed by the combined dependence on other psychoactive substances, where new synthetic drugs, especially from China and India, can generally be included.

Addictive Behavior

At the very beginning, it is necessary to mention the concept of craving, with the Czech translation of bážení. It is a kind of strong desire for the drug, or rather a compulsive desire to use the drug. In general, craving is one of the typical symptoms of addiction.

Alcohol addiction is quite common in the Czech Republic. According to various researches, the first contact with alcohol is already young children, who are often in the 1st grade of elementary school. However, the difference between adult men and women is obvious. Men drink alcohol mainly in pubs, while women - alcoholics drink more secretly at home. According to generally known figures, which do not need to be quoted, roughly 10% of the population in the Czech Republic meets the criteria for alcohol addiction. Another roughly 15-20% of the Czech population drink so-called risky.

Dependence on opioids is also widespread in the Czech Republic. The source of this drug is the poppy seed, which contains opium juice, the so-called opium. The first mentions of smoking opium through pipes date back to ancient Mesopotamia. The most famous representatives of this group are heroin and codeine. The long-term leading producer of heroin was Afghanistan, with roughly 95% of the world's production, which could change after the return of the Taliban. The division of opioids is quite complex, we only need basic information, while opioids include morphine, which is used in medicine, and the already mentioned codeine, which is used as a cough medicine. This drug, produced mainly as a syrup, is already available on prescription today. Furthermore, in this group we can include the so-called opiates, i.e. painkillers, the main representative here is probably tramal.

In the category of opioids, it is necessary to mention the drug called crocodile, it is a mixture of thinner, phosphorus, codeine and other chemicals. This drug probably originated in Russia and spread throughout the eastern part of Europe. Some deaths related to this drug were also registered in Germany. The user will most certainly meet death, which is preceded by the breakdown of tissue and skin. Currently, however, the drug is found in a minimal amount.

Opioid addicts have the option of so-called substitution therapy, i.e. as part of the treatment, it is possible to use a legal or controlled medicinal substance. We are mainly talking about methadone, subutex and suboxone. For example, a daily dose of methadone costs approximately CZK 12, while the first methadone center was established at Apolinář in 1997, today known as the General Faculty Hospital. Today, we also know, for example, the organization Drop-in.

Next, we talk about addiction to cannabinoids. The source of cannabinoids is mainly hemp, also known as cannabis. The best-known active substances are THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, or cannabidiol. THC is a psychoactive substance grown and produced mainly by the Vietnamese. A higher incidence of schizophrenia was detected in connection with the use of THC. On the contrary, CBD does not have intoxicating effects, while it has potential medicinal properties and moderates and reduces the effects of THC. In connection with the substance THC, it is also necessary to mention the so-called flashback, during which THC is stored in fat layers and with the passage of time an effect similar to the use of marijuana occurs from a psychological point of view.

Dependence on hypnotics and sedatives is known in the Czech Republic as drug addiction. We are mainly talking about diazepam and oxazepam. Addiction arises mainly as a result of excessive or long-term use of a particular medication. These are usually medicines for sleep or anxiety.

Cocaine addiction is a big problem. The source is the Erythroxylum coca plant. Cocaine goes to the Czech Republic through smuggling mainly from South American countries, i.e. Colombia, Bolivia and Peru. Due to the high price for 1 g of this drug, it is a drug used in the upper social strata, and for this reason it is mainly an urban drug. Recently, however, young adults are common users. Smoking cocaine is especially dangerous because of the possible outbreak of psychosis. Cocaine meant for smoking is called crack and generally has greater and faster effects.

If a woman uses cocaine, there is a high risk of damage to the fetus in the event of pregnancy. It is a stimulant drug that increases performance and causes the absence of hunger, thirst and fatigue.

We must include meth in the category of dependence on other stimulants, including caffeine. It was used during the 1st and 2nd World War and belongs to the so-called amphetamines. It was first discovered in Japan. In the medical environment it was used, for example to treat narcolepsy. As for meth, it is one of the most widespread drugs in the Czech Republic. It is true that the Czech Republic is one of the leaders in Europe not only in the number of users, but also in its production. From a layman's point of view, we can say that meth is a kind of cheaper variant of cocaine. However, it is necessary to state that meth is not a chemical substitute for cocaine.

Mephedrone, known under the name meow-meow, is also worth mentioning. It is a drug that causes euphoria and increased energy. It is used by sniffing, swallowing or smoking. Mephedrone is usually contained in bath salts or flower fertilizers.

We will also mention addiction to hallucinogens and nicotine. Hallucinogens include e.g. LSD, it mainly causes hallucinations and changes in the perception of time and space. As for nicotine, the use of 50 mg of nicotine is considered a single fatal dose. Nowadays, various alternatives are being developed to inject nicotine into the body, through various electronic products, e.g. vaporizers or absorbent bags that the user places near the gums and absorbs through the mucous membrane.

Dependence on organic solvents is atypical, but known. These are mainly volatile chemicals, for example gasoline or toluene. Furthermore, there are various paints, glues and thinners. Use consists exclusively of inhaling vapors. However, repeated and regular inhalation causes damage to the brain, liver, kidneys or the entire nervous system. Young people are especially at risk from this drug, as it is not difficult to get hold of these substances.

We should very well monitor the new forms of drugs that are currently on the market. Currently, we are mainly observing kratom, pink cocaine, fentanyl or gray death. Some drugs are so toxic that just touching them means death.

Conclusion

Addictive behavior is a complex and serious phenomenon that has significant impacts on individuals and society as a whole. As the overview of individual types of addictive substances shows, the spectrum of drugs is wide and includes not only traditional substances such as alcohol, opioids or cannabinoids, but also new and often very dangerous synthetic substances.

Prevention, early diagnosis and available treatment, including substitution therapies, thus remain the key pillars of the fight against addiction. Society should continue to develop awareness and support professional assistance so that it is possible to effectively face this ever-evolving risk.

Author: Bc. Jan Brychta, Ed.D. * Home of youth, Hotelová škola Poděbrady, contribution organization Komenského 156/7, 290 01 Poděbrady*

The author works as an educator in a youth home. Professionally, he focuses on behavioral disorders in the adolescent age. He is a member of the school counseling office at the secondary school. He obtained the pedagogical qualification for the profession of educator, free time pedagogue as part of studying the lifelong education program at the PALESTRA University of Physical Education and Sports. At the Department of Pedagogy of AMBIS University, he completed the bachelor's study program in resocialization and penitentiary pedagogy. At the Faculty of Public Administration and Economic Studies of the Jagiellonian University in Toruń, he completed the postgraduate management study program Doctor of Education in the field of management of educational institutions. He is currently studying a follow-up master's degree program in social work.