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How to Unwind the Right Way
Words Ebun Lufadeju
People who work in the entertainment industry often live fast lives, with little sleep and lots of parties. Has the entertainment industry glamorised drug and alcohol abuse as a stress reliever and how far has this gone? Pharmacist Ebun Lufadeju explores drug use in the entertainment industry; the role in relieving stress and why it shouldn’t be used.
The entertainment industry is associated with glitz and glam. The problem with the spotlight is that it can with a lot of pressure and judgment from others. Not everyone in the spotlight is capable of successfully coping with pressure; therefore, many people turn to drugs or alcohol instead. A recent study listed the arts and entertainment industry as the occupation with the third-highest overall rates of substance use diagnosis.
First things first… How is stress linked to drug abuse?
Stress is often defined as “a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.” Stress has a profound effect on the body and has been linked to increasing the risk of diabetes, cancer, elevated blood pressure, depression and anxiety.
Research identifies that stress has an effect on dopamine, glutamate, and GABA systems in the brain. These represent chemical pathways that govern the reward, pleasure, stimulation and relaxation processes in the body. When we get stressed, these pathways are disrupted and lead to uncomfortable physical and emotional changes. Addictive drugs like opioids work in the brain by increasing dopamine release and therefore increase the pleasure we feel. Many people become addicted to the feeling of pleasure and eventually, drug users end up needing more of the abused substance to get high, as tolerance builds up.
Mental health issues like anxiety and depression can often go undiagnosed. Addiction to drugs and alcohol can start as a form of self-medicating for those unable to cope with stress, depression, and anxiety. Even though it seems like alcohol can aid the body to relax, over time, regular intake of alcohol to cope with stress interferes with the body’s natural way of coping, ultimately making stress harder to deal with. The Mental Health Foundation states “74% of UK adults have felt stressed at some point over the last year”, amid feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope. Mental Health Foundation Director Isabella Goldie said, “Stress is one of the public health challenges of our time, but it still isn't being taken as seriously as physical health concerns.”
Does the entertainment industry glamorise drug abuse?
From music to movies to pop culture, the entertainment industry has an enormous influence on how we behave. Try imagining a music award ceremony with no alcohol or champagne toast? Drugs are present in nearly half of all music videos, including alcohol (35%), tobacco (10%), and illicit drugs (13%). 1 Research shows that teenagers who visit social networking sites are twice as likely to consume marijuana than teens that do not visit these sites.2
The acceptance and popularity of drug abuse are evident in the entertainment industry. Lyrics of a popular rap song by Drake and Future include the lyrics: “uh, uh, uh... I think I need some Robitussin.” Robitussin is a brand of cough suppressant sold over the counter, it can be used to produce modified ‘syrup’, which users take to get high. The main ingredient of Robutussin is dextromethorphan, which is combined with soda and sweets to get rid of the unpleasant taste. Codeine and promethazine are also often found in the mixture. This syrup is frequently referred to as "lean" or "sizzurp." The mixed syrup generates a feeling of euphoria and relaxation for the user, acting on the central nervous system (CNS) and slows the brain activity for a sedating effect.
When glamour goes wrong
Several hip-hop artists have reportedly been hospitalized after abusing the modified cough syrup mixture. Rapper Mac Miller, who died in 2018, was reportedly addicted to the cough syrup. Additionally, Rapper Lil Wayne was allegedly hospitalised following a seizure, which may have been linked to abuse of the cough syrup mixture. More recently, successful artist Justin Bieber admitted to being addicted to ‘lean’. In his recent documentary, he can be seen speaking about the negative effects that his drug addiction had on his health.
Dextromethorphan can cause dependency, addiction, and withdrawal. The addiction to cough syrup mixture can cause overwhelmingly negative physical and psychological effects, especially in young people, with some people taking 25 times the recommended dose. Unknowingly to some, paracetamol is a common ingredient in most over the counter cough syrups; excessive doses of paracetamol can cause severe damage to the liver.
Harmful side effects of the modified cough syrup mixture include hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, severe constipation, respiratory depression, dizziness and loss of consciousness – to name a few! When alcohol is included in the mixture, it increases the risk of overdosing. CNS depression from drinking high amounts of lean can slow or stop your heart and lungs.
The reward system
Since there is a part of the brain called the reward system that is activated by natural rewards and by artificial rewards. Abusing drugs and drinking alcohol to relieve stress is extremely dangerous, unnatural and doesn’t work in the long term. There are far more effective ways to relieve stress, without harming the body. Here are some natural ways that are known relieve stress:
Exercise is an excellent way to relieve stress as it lowers cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Try transforming your scenery by going for a walk.
Relaxation methods, like meditation, breathing techniques, or a relaxing bath can all be helpful once you feel worried or anxious.
Do something that makes you happy, like listening to music or eating some of your favourite food.
Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a positive way to deal with anxious feelings and thoughts.
Talking to somebody about how you are feeling is also a beneficial thing to do. Talking therapy plays a positive role in identifying how thoughts can affect behaviours.
Try supplements. Green tea, omega-3-fatty acids and valerian may help to decrease anxiety and stress. Vitamins B6 and B12, along with magnesium can balance stress and anxiety.
Using essential oils like lavender or lighting a scented candle may help reduce your feelings of stress and anxiety.
What are my thoughts?
In conclusion, drug abuse is prevalent in today’s society; it has extremely dangerous effects on health and the body, which makes it an issue that must be addressed. Although it is essential to alleviate stress in natural ways, I believe that it is also vital to deal with the root causes of stress as this can help to treat it.
If you are concerned about your drug use, there is help available, you can start by speaking to your healthcare provider.