What is Drug Abuse ?
Drug abuse can be defined as the art or social habit of inappropriate use of any medicinal properties for the purpose of achieving a given result. Such as the misuse of any of the following commonly
used drugs, such as:
* Anti biotics
*Anti Malaria drugs
* Pain relieving drugs
* Spraying of insecticide
* Sex or fertility enhancement drugs, etc.
Drugs can also be defined as any substance other than food, which when taken into the living organism may modify one or more of it's functions (W.H.O 1970) From the above definitions of drugs it is evident that the use of drugs does not constitute any evil when properly and legitimately applied
.
Classifcations Of Drugs
The following constitutes the different categories of drugs:
* Legally Approved Drugs
These are prescription drugs that are approved by law to be administered to patients and to be sold by the licenced pharmaceutical shops over the drug shelves based on doctors prescriptions. They are called primary health drugs.
* Illegaly used drugs
Illegal drugs belongs to those classes of drugs or medicine that can only be handled by competent authority. The handling of this category of drug is restricted to only competent and certified professionals. And therefore it is illegal for any un authorised person to handle or administer such drugs. This class of drug can only be used for medical and research purposes, example of these class of drugs are: cannabis, cocaine, heroine etc.
* Socially acceptable drugs
Socially acceptable drugs are made up of liquids, herbs and powders which have some kinds of social benefits to it users and has the backing of the law even though it has been medically ascertain that they may be injurious to health. The example of this class of drugs are:- alcohol, cigarette smoking, or the administration of powdered tobacco.
However I will like to draw your attention to the fact that the use and misuse of any of the three classes of drugs might amount to drug abuse, please consult your physician for medical advice.
*Anti Malaria drugs
* Pain relieving drugs
* Spraying of insecticide
* Sex or fertility enhancement drugs, etc.
Drugs can also be defined as any substance other than food, which when taken into the living organism may modify one or more of it's functions (W.H.O 1970) From the above definitions of drugs it is evident that the use of drugs does not constitute any evil when properly and legitimately applied
.
Classifcations Of Drugs
The following constitutes the different categories of drugs:
* Legally Approved Drugs
These are prescription drugs that are approved by law to be administered to patients and to be sold by the licenced pharmaceutical shops over the drug shelves based on doctors prescriptions. They are called primary health drugs.
* Illegaly used drugs
Illegal drugs belongs to those classes of drugs or medicine that can only be handled by competent authority. The handling of this category of drug is restricted to only competent and certified professionals. And therefore it is illegal for any un authorised person to handle or administer such drugs. This class of drug can only be used for medical and research purposes, example of these class of drugs are: cannabis, cocaine, heroine etc.
* Socially acceptable drugs
Socially acceptable drugs are made up of liquids, herbs and powders which have some kinds of social benefits to it users and has the backing of the law even though it has been medically ascertain that they may be injurious to health. The example of this class of drugs are:- alcohol, cigarette smoking, or the administration of powdered tobacco.
However I will like to draw your attention to the fact that the use and misuse of any of the three classes of drugs might amount to drug abuse, please consult your physician for medical advice.
Pictorial view of a pupil under drug influence
Drugs Dependence
There two principal kinds of drugs dependence, namely:-
* Psychological dependence
The above is a condition characterized by an emotional or mental drive to continue taking a drug which effect the user feel are necessary to maintain his sense of optimal well being.
* Physical dependence
This is an altered odaptive physiological state produced in an individual by the repeated administration of a drug. And it manifest when a drug is abruptly discontinued by the user.
Causes Of Drug Abuse Among Teenagers
The following factors are the major reasons behind drug abuse among teenagers and youths:-
* Peer group pressure
* Deception arising from advertisement
* Ignorance and lack of orientation
* Exposure to high risk jobs
* Depression arising from loneliness
* Urge for a temporary relieve from a depressive tendency
* The need to overcome social, economic and domestic problem
* Fear of failure and defeat.
However, there are lots of other factor that might be responsible for influencing a teenager, youth or an adult into becoming a victim of drug abuse which may inturn endanger the life of that victim and may aswel result into premature death.
* Peer group pressure
* Deception arising from advertisement
* Ignorance and lack of orientation
* Exposure to high risk jobs
* Depression arising from loneliness
* Urge for a temporary relieve from a depressive tendency
* The need to overcome social, economic and domestic problem
* Fear of failure and defeat.
However, there are lots of other factor that might be responsible for influencing a teenager, youth or an adult into becoming a victim of drug abuse which may inturn endanger the life of that victim and may aswel result into premature death.
The Use Of Drugs As A Body Stimulant
Drugs are used as a body stimulant for dual purposes:
* As a Central Nervous System Stimulant, which are drugs such as:- Cocaine, cracks and coca leaves, amphetamines, khat, cathinone, cafeine, nicotine etc.
* As a Central Nervous System Depressants, which involve drugs such as:- Alcohol, narcotics, hallucinogenes, volatile substances, and anabolic steroids etc.
In some countries, report has revealed that heroine, alcohol and pethidine is common among youths and health workers.
In some countries, report has revealed that heroine, alcohol and pethidine is common among youths and health workers.
Common Signs And Symptoms Of Drug Abuse.
SIGNS AT HOME:-
* Dis regard to family rules
* Loss of interest in family affairs
* Withdrawal tendencies
* Excessive out door life
* Loss of appetite
* Stealing
SIGNS AT THE SCHOOL :-
* Drop in Grades
* Truancy
* Dis regard to school authorities
* Poor work performances
* Memory loss
* Sleeping in the class
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SIGNS
* Cheating and stealling in the school
* Changing Friends
* Drastic weight loss
* Un explainable mood swings
* Living under the influence of drug and alcohol
* Dis regard to family rules
* Loss of interest in family affairs
* Withdrawal tendencies
* Excessive out door life
* Loss of appetite
* Stealing
SIGNS AT THE SCHOOL :-
* Drop in Grades
* Truancy
* Dis regard to school authorities
* Poor work performances
* Memory loss
* Sleeping in the class
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL SIGNS
* Cheating and stealling in the school
* Changing Friends
* Drastic weight loss
* Un explainable mood swings
* Living under the influence of drug and alcohol
Dangers Of Barbiturates And Tranquilizers On Human Health
"Barbiturates" are commonly refferred to as sleeping pills and one good example of such drugs is 'phenobarbitone and this drugs is most often linked to suicide and accidental poisoning and it withdrawal syndrums are extremely dangerous.
"Tranquilizers" are usually prescribed to relieve anxiety and to relax muscles e.g. Valium, Librium, like as other Depressants, they are very dangerous when used with alcohol.
They must not be used outside Doctors prescription, because they are destructive.
Effects Of Drugs Abuse On The Nation's Development
Everyone can understand from the above points of view, that drug abuse does not only have negative impacts upon the victim, but also upon the Nation at large.
This is because the youths are the future hope of every Nation and future leaders. And therefore if the Nation's future hope and leaders become drug addict which means the future of that Nation have been mortgaged.
The present situation of any Nation that is been made up of youth who are drug users the situation of that country will indeed be sympathetic.
This is because the youths who are suppose to end up as future researchers and leaders have falling out, thereby leading to poor productivity and economic development in such Nation's.
Therefore, the security of lives and properties will become at risk due to the criminal tendencies of drug users, and death tool from HIV/AIDS will also be on an increase due to the high risk involve in sharing syringes and needles among victims.
This is because the youths are the future hope of every Nation and future leaders. And therefore if the Nation's future hope and leaders become drug addict which means the future of that Nation have been mortgaged.
The present situation of any Nation that is been made up of youth who are drug users the situation of that country will indeed be sympathetic.
This is because the youths who are suppose to end up as future researchers and leaders have falling out, thereby leading to poor productivity and economic development in such Nation's.
Therefore, the security of lives and properties will become at risk due to the criminal tendencies of drug users, and death tool from HIV/AIDS will also be on an increase due to the high risk involve in sharing syringes and needles among victims.
Drug Victims Rehabilitation Therapy
The following is a useful tips to help parents and drug victims care givers in victims Rehabilitation.
* Hold conversation when your child is not high or drunk and when you can be calm and rational
* Explain to them that your love and desire for your child's safety and we'll beings is the basis for your concern
* Try to remain neutral and non judgemental
* Educate them on the warning signs syndrum
* Listen to everything that the victim has to say or tell you
* If you need help involve a counsellor or another Noble family
CONCLUSIONAL ADVICE
As parents, guidance and teachers, we must understand that we all have to play major role in the fight against drugs abuse in our societies and nation's at large. This is because this children have placed under our care for proper up bringing and certainly God will demand accountability from us over this.
We must endeavour to catch our children young by deeply monitoring there social activities and discouraging them against certain relationship at the foundation stage.
The teachers and school authorities such as educational regulation institution should endeavour to include teachings that will discourage drugs abuse and danger of it's administration in their school curriculum. This is because this youths are the future hope of our societies and nation's and we have to do everything possible to harvest their future potentials and this we must achieve if some certain basic fundamentals can be put in Place.
Our religious institutions must as well develop vibrant children and youth departments with a view to indoctrinating them to divine principles and raising God fearing youths. If we can achieve this we will definitely help in fulfilling many destinies.
Many destinies have became unfulfilled and still many more are about to be wasted due social and unethical practices that are posing as harzardous threats to our sociatal and national well being due the activities of illicit drug takers and drug abuse victims.
Therefore this syndrum is unhealthy, unsocial, unethical and divinely not acceptable. Therefore we must reject it at all cost.
SAY NO TO DRUGS ABUSE.
About the author:
Oguh Hyginus is a social, religious, economic consellor and a Deliverance Minister.
He is based in Kuje, Abuja, Nigeria
Wassap: +234-8055414610
Email: hyjohn1968@gmail.com
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ANTICIPATED CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS ABUSE...
* Hold conversation when your child is not high or drunk and when you can be calm and rational
* Explain to them that your love and desire for your child's safety and we'll beings is the basis for your concern
* Try to remain neutral and non judgemental
* Educate them on the warning signs syndrum
* Listen to everything that the victim has to say or tell you
* If you need help involve a counsellor or another Noble family
CONCLUSIONAL ADVICE
As parents, guidance and teachers, we must understand that we all have to play major role in the fight against drugs abuse in our societies and nation's at large. This is because this children have placed under our care for proper up bringing and certainly God will demand accountability from us over this.
We must endeavour to catch our children young by deeply monitoring there social activities and discouraging them against certain relationship at the foundation stage.
The teachers and school authorities such as educational regulation institution should endeavour to include teachings that will discourage drugs abuse and danger of it's administration in their school curriculum. This is because this youths are the future hope of our societies and nation's and we have to do everything possible to harvest their future potentials and this we must achieve if some certain basic fundamentals can be put in Place.
Our religious institutions must as well develop vibrant children and youth departments with a view to indoctrinating them to divine principles and raising God fearing youths. If we can achieve this we will definitely help in fulfilling many destinies.
Many destinies have became unfulfilled and still many more are about to be wasted due social and unethical practices that are posing as harzardous threats to our sociatal and national well being due the activities of illicit drug takers and drug abuse victims.
Therefore this syndrum is unhealthy, unsocial, unethical and divinely not acceptable. Therefore we must reject it at all cost.
SAY NO TO DRUGS ABUSE.
About the author:
Oguh Hyginus is a social, religious, economic consellor and a Deliverance Minister.
He is based in Kuje, Abuja, Nigeria
Wassap: +234-8055414610
Email: hyjohn1968@gmail.com
THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ANTICIPATED CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS ABUSE...
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