Experiencing Schizophrenic Symptoms Like Paranoia, Relationship Delusions, and Auditory Hallucinations When Addicted
Withdrawal Symptoms Such as Tooth Pain and Depression Persist Even After Stopping Drug Use
Hwang Hana, the granddaughter of the founder of Namyang Dairy Products, who was arrested and indicted on drug use charges in 2019, was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year probation in the first trial and is leaving Suwon Detention Center in Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Hwang Hana (34), the granddaughter of the founder of Namang Dairy who was sentenced to prison for drug use and released, revealed that she suffered severe aftereffects from drug abuse. Drugs that cause serious brain damage are known to induce symptoms similar to schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and auditory hallucinations, and in severe cases, can lead to fatal accidents.
In an interview with Women Chosun released on the 24th, Hwang said, "My teeth were broken from drugs and had to be fixed, and my facial skin was severely damaged. I never had acne before, but it appeared because of the drugs. My calves are covered with meth bugs (wounds caused by excessive scratching to relieve hallucinations of bugs crawling on the body)." She added, "I think I scratched them without realizing it. I only realized now that I have so many scars."
Previously, Hwang was indicted in 2015 for using methamphetamine three times at her home in Seoul and was sentenced to one year in prison with a two-year probation. However, she used drugs again during the probation period, served one year and eight months in prison, and was released.
Hwang said that due to drug addiction, she had no choice but to use drugs again even during the probation period. She said, "Before, just seeing letters related to methamphetamine reminded me of drugs. Even seeing a sign that said 'bbongnamu' (mulberry tree) or a syringe on TV made me say, 'I want to do bbong,' but now I don't feel anything." She added, "I regret the day I first used drugs the most," and said, "The end of drugs is either extreme choices or prison."
Drugs have an addiction level far stronger than alcohol or cigarettes, making it difficult to stop once started. Drugs often cause irreversible brain damage, and users of drugs including methamphetamine may not recognize their addiction until their body and mind are severely deteriorated.
Drugs release dopamine, providing momentary pleasure, but excessive dopamine causes symptoms similar to schizophrenia, such as paranoia, delusions of reference, and auditory hallucinations. As a result, drug addicts may scratch their skin due to hallucinations of bugs crawling on them, causing wounds, and experience rapid weight loss due to loss of appetite. When drug use is stopped, severe withdrawal symptoms appear, including tooth pain and decay, depression, hair loss, and rapid aging.
Drug use can also lead to fatal accidents. According to the 2019 report "Current Status and Countermeasures of Drug Abuse" by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, in March 2001, a 51-year-old man died from methamphetamine overdose at his home in Suseong-gu, Daegu, and in January 2002, a 36-year-old man in a motel in Myeongnyun-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan, after using methamphetamine, hit his head against the corner of the motel elevator shaft in a hallucinatory state, causing a self-injury commotion and died from excessive bleeding.
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