Drug Abuse Prevention

Drug abuse, or chemical dependency, is one of the major problems faced by every society in the world. If it were possible to add up all the direct and indirect result of drug abuse, including auto mobile accidents, violent crime and behavior, and the full range of health problems associated with the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, it might be the major problem in most countries today. It the economic and social effects of drug abuse are totaled, including the economic costs of health and care, job absenteeism, and reduced functioning and effects on the family and other social units, drug abuse can be considered one of the most serious social problems.

WHAT IS DRUG ABUSE?

Drug Abuse is the overuse of a drug without due regard to accepted medical practice resulting in the individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and behavioural impairment.

WHAT IS DRUG DEPENDENCE?

Drug Dependence is a compulsive behaviour brought about by drug abuse. In 1987, the American Medical Association declared all drug dependences to be diseases. When chemical dependences are viewed as diseases, their treatment and understanding are facilitated.

WHO IS A DRUG USER?

Drug User is another term for “drug addict”, which refers to an individual who is dependent on a certain drug/s. Smith et al. (1986) define an addict as one who is dependent  on certain drug/s. He defined addiction as a pathological process involving a compulsion to use a psychoactive drug, loss of control overuse of drug, and continuous use of the drug despite adverse consequences.

WHAT ARE THE COMMON SIGNS OF DRUG ABUSE?

• Change in attendance at work or school.
• Change from normal capabilities (work habits, efficiency, etc.)
• Poor physical appearance, including inattention to dress and personal hygiene.
• Constant wearing of sunglasses at inappropriate times(for instance, indoors or at night not only to hide diluted or constricted pupils but also to compensate the eyes inability to adjust to sunlight). Marijuana causes bloodshot eyes.
• Stealing items that can be readily sold for cash(to support a drug habit).
• Change in mood depending on the drug taken

WHAT ARE THE CLASSIFICATION OF DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS?

1. Alcohol Liquor, which is extracted from chemical compound as ethyl and hydrocarbon, is a dangerous chemical substance that triggers the central nervous system and may damage vital human organs.

         EFFECTS

• Gives a feeling of relaxation and loss of inhibitions.
• A sense of excitement due to the release of inhibitions.
• Disrupted motor activity, motor skills and coordination.
• Deep intoxication that can lead to “coma” and “death”.
• Loss of self-control resulting in violent behavior.

2. Marijuana, Cannabis Sativa, is an annual plant that grows wild in many temperate parts of the world.

         EFFECTS              

• Throat intoxication and coughing.
• Increased heart beat  and pulse rate.
• Reddening of the eyes, dizziness, bodily incoordination.
• Sleepiness and decreased physical activity.
• Possible chronic bronchitis and asthma.
• Feeling of excitement and friendliness.
• Distortion of time and space perception.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS BEHIND DRUG ABUSE?

THE MOST COMMON REASONS WHY DRUGS ARE ABUSED ARE AS  FOLLOWS:

• For relief from problems – personal, family, school, or work.
• To experience its effect on the mind and body.
• To ease depression, boredom, pain, or misery.
• Giving in to pressures from “peers” or other drug users.
• For curiosity, due to misinformation from acquaintances.
• For security feelings – with drugs they have self-confidence.

WHAT ARE THE ROLES OF SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY AND PARENTS IN PREVENTING DRUG ABUSE?

School - Every school must formulate a “drug policy” designed to help students and all school personnel fight drug abuse. Also, the school can initiate “drug awareness” program and realistic prevention efforts that will benefit the entire community. All students must take an active part in making this program a success.

Community - The community, as a whole, must work toward eradicating the drug menace by:

• Conducting an anti-drug campaign, cooperating with authorities in the arrest of drug pushers.
• Helping drug users to get  treatment from drug rehabilitation centers.

Parents - Parents must serve as a model to their children through the following:

• If parents use medicines improperly and in large dosages, children will imitate this bad example. This should be avoided.
• Parents must teach their children not to use drugs indiscriminately so as to develop in their children the correct drug attitude.
• Parents should advice their children on their choice of friends and inculcate the basic knowledge about drug abuse.
• If parents discover their son or daughter is into drugs, they must face the problem and seek professional help at once.
• Parents must create a happy family life and maintain an open communication between them and their children.

WHAT ARE SOME PIECES OF HELPFUL AND TIMELY ADVICE FOR THIS PROBLEMS?

• Maintain good physical and mental health.
• Use drugs properly. Most drugs are beneficial when used under medical advice.
• Understand your own self. Accept and respect yourself for what you are.
• Develop your potentials. Engage in wholesome, productive, and fulfilling activities.
• Learn to relate effectively to others. Have somebody to whom you can communicate your problems and other stresses without the use of drugs.
• Seek professional help if you feel you cannot cope with your problems anymore.
• Develop strong moral and spiritual foundation in life.