DRUG ABUSE AND IT’S EFFECTS

The drug problem is a global plague, affecting both developed and developing nations worldwide. It is a problem that affects virtually every aspect of a nation’s political, social and economic life. Though the use of the drug has been with people for decades, the concern about the results and the linkage with other traditional and organized crimes among the Various youth calls for a greater and proactive approach.
For this topic to be comprehensively dealt with there is the need to apprehend what is DRUG and what represents DRUG ABUSE

A drug extensively talking is any chemical substance, that once absorbed into the body of a residing organism, alters regular bodily function. There’s no single definition as there are one of a kind meanings in medicinal drug, government regulations, and colloquial usage.

Drug is said to be abused whilst they are used in a manner that deviates from medically accredited or socially ideal styles within the society.
Sincerely placed, drug is stated to be abused when:

Its use isn't medically vital or for non-scientific purposes
Its use is legally prohibited and
It is excessively used (as in case of socially appropriate pills like alcohol, cigarettes

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The World Health Organization (WHO) list substance of abuse as follows:-

Alcohol , Tobacco, Cannabis (hemp)
Narcotics – Heroin, morphine, methadone and pethidine (these are derived from opium poppy plant)
Stimulant: - Cocaine, and a number of synthetic substances such as amphetamines methodine, cola nut and caffeine.
Hypnotics/Depressants e.g. valium, Librium
Volatile solvent (Inhalants)
Hallucinogens, Anabolic steroids.

MAIN REASONS WHY PEOPLE ABUSE DRUGS

Peer pressure.
Curiosity
Experimentation interest
Availability of the substance
Emotional and psychological stress characterized by anxiety, depression, low self-esteem etc.
To beautify overall performance.
Social pathologies consisting of unemployment and monetary frustration
Occupational predisposition

SIGNS OF DRUG USE
 Ownership of drug related paraphernalia.
 unusual use of fragrance
 Being unusually withdrawn or evasive
 Tiredness and Truancy
 Downward performance in work or faculty
 Deviant behavior, Deterioration in health.
 Bad physical condition, slurred or incoherent speech dangerous appearance.
 Blood shot eyes, Use of dark shade and many others.

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STAGES OF DRUG ABUSE

 Experimentation
 Occasional/social use.
 everyday use
 Dependence/addict

EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE
Physical Effects: - Examples are:
• Damage to the brain and liver
• Heart and lung diseases.
• Irregular heart beat
• High blood pressure
• Nervous breakdown.
• Premature death.
• HIV/AIDs
Psychological consequences: - Examples are:-
• Sleeplessness
• Restlessness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Paranoia
• Hallucination
• Delusion and craving decisions.
• Social Consequences:- Examples are: -
• Loss of job
• Dropping out or expulsion from school.
• Truancy and deviant behavior
• Criminal activities
• Prostitution
• Family disintegration

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