JSS 2: Drug abuse

 

        

                           Drug 

A drug is a natural or synthetic chemical substance that when consumed causes a change in the physiology of the body.

                      Drug abuse 

Drug abuse is the illegal use of drugs without a doctor's prescription. Drug abuse is a serious health problem that affects a lot of families and communities.

Examples of drugs that can be abused are:

Cocaine, heroin, marijuana, cannabis, narcotics, methamphetamine, tobacco, alcohol, steroids etc 

                 Methods of drug use 

There are different methods of using drugs, either prescribed or not prescribed.

Drugs are taken into the body through the following ways: 

1. Swallowing 

2. Smoking 

3. Sniffing 

4. Injecting 

5. Absorption through the skin 

                           Drug misuse 

Drug misuse is the inappropriate way of using drugs.

Common ways of misusing drugs are:

1. Taking drugs to attain sexual satisfaction 

2. Taking drugs such as cigarettes or alcohol for leisure or relaxation 

3. When a patient takes drugs from an inexperienced person (quack doctor)

4. Taking drugs to induce sleep without seeking the doctor's advice 

5. Taking drugs that are not registered by NAFDAC 

6. Taking fake or expired drugs 

7. When a patient takes a drug without following the description

                   

         Social risk factors in drug abuse 

Some of the social risk factors include: 

1. Broken home leads some children to take drugs 

2. Some youths take alcohol or smoke cigarettes as a form of entertainment since there is no law against it. 

3. Youths with poor parental upbringing and moral values can easily be led to drug abuse. 

4. Some children take drugs to feel  high or have a sense of belonging  

5. Taking drugs out of curiosity can later lead to addiction 

6. Inability to resist peer pressure. Some friends use drugs as part of social events which later affects other members 

7. Children from homes where the parents take drugs also see it as a normal act.

8. Some individuals involved in sports take drugs such as steroids to enhance their performance.