Thorough Insights To Drug Abuse

 

credit:UNODC

Drug abuse has become a very serious national issue that has affected the lives of so many young people. Unfortunately many are yet to understand how dangerous this act is.

According to Statistics by the United Nations office for drugs and crime (UNODC) over 36 million people have been linked to the case of drug abuse.

It is quite unfortunate that many view drug abuse from a very wrong perspective. What do I mean?

Anytime the issue of drug abuse is raised,what comes to people's mind is the consumption of hard drugs like cocaine, tramadol and other highly intoxicating substances.

People often relate drug abuse activities to gangsters, arm robbers and those who live fraudulent lifestyles.

The above fact is right about drug abuse, but if your understanding of drug abuse is only limited to the act of taking hard drugs like cocaine by gangsters then you are wrong.

Drug abuse is a very harmful act that can damage our system and in some conditions , it can lead to death.

It is essential that we have proper education and accurate understanding of what drug abuse actually is.

With this knowledge of drug abuse, we will be able to educate our kids, young people and even adults who lack proper understanding about drug abuse.

In this article, we will try to break down the lesson or perhaps this drug abuse education into simpler sections that will be easily digested and understood.

Do not be in a hurry to scroll , take your time and follow every section in this post, at the end , you will have a good understanding of drug abuse.

What  Is a Drug?

Drug is any substance that can be used for the treatment of any disease, illness or symptoms.

It can also be used to stabilize a chemical process in the system. For example you might take drugs to neutralize the level of acidity in the body.

Drugs can come in chemical form or in a solid form. It is developed by medical scientists in the laboratory for the treatment of various medical conditions.

Drugs can also be invented through local or traditional means. This is the combination of leaves, tree bangs, roots and fruits to develop a substance that can be used for the treatment of a particular illness.

What Is The Meaning Of Abuse?

The word 'abuse' is used to describe or qualify improper application or wrong usage of something. It could be tangible things or abstract.

When a substance, object, or an act, is not properly used or applied, then  abuse is set to abound.

People use the word abuse in different contexts. For example , abuse of opportunity, abuse of chances ,drug abuse and even child abuse.

Abuse comes in different forms , but they all centered on one thing which is miss-used , wrong application and offensive and abusive way of using something or doing things.

What Then Is Drug Abuse?

Now that we have been able to understand what drug and abuse are, it is now easier to have a clue of what drug abuse is .

Very quickly, let's dive into what drug abuse is before we discuss its effect in the life of people who engage in such acts.

The meaning of drug abuse is very clear and simple. Drug Abuse can be defined as the abusive way, improper usage and application of drugs.

When  drugs are taken in the wrong way which is contrary to medical prescriptions or by the wrong patient then that is drug abuse.

Who Abuses Drugs?

Drug abuse is majorly linked to those with irresponsible lifestyles and those who cause nuisance.

But if you do  possess a deeper understanding of what drop abuse is, you will come to the realization that anyone can abuse drugs either intentionally or non intentionally.

Young people, pregnant women, men of all ages are involved in drug abuse. This is to ascertain the fact of how serious and common the act of drug abuse is.

Sometimes people involve themselves in drug abuse out of carelessness, life frustrations (anxiety, depression, fear) and pathetically for fun sake or to get high (high level of intoxication).

When  Am I Abusing Drugs?

It is a bit funny that people think  they only abuse drugs when they are into hard drugs like substances that can intoxicate them.

Some feel drug abuse is only about smoking, mixing cocaine and other powerful substances.

The truth is drug abuse is more than that. It is not limited to the taking of hard drugs alone. You can even abuse drugs without knowing.

When do I know that I am abusing drugs?

 The following are different ways of abusing drugs;

• Taking overdose of drugs: Taking an overdose of  drugs for the treatment of any illness or medical condition is drug abuse.For example, adults commonly take two pills of paracetamol which is 500mg each just to ease a headache. At a point where up to 4-5 pills are taken at the same time then you are abusing the substance.I have heard of situations where people consume a complete card of Panadol just for the sake of being intoxicated. When you indulge in such an act then you are wrongly using the drugs.There might be reasons why we may try or be tempted to take an overdose of drugs just to receive a swift response to treatment , but this is harmful to the system and can lead to serious medical conditions. 
• Going against  doctor's Prescription: When you are not following the guidelines given to you as per how to take your drugs by the doctor or any medical personnel, then you are abusing the drugs.
• Taking drugs when you are not sick: This can also be described as taking the drugs for a wrong purpose.Before you take any drugs or receive any treatment, ensure that you are really affected by the sickness you claim. When you take drugs that are not meant for you at that moment then that is improper usage of drugs or application of treatment.
• Self treatment: Self treatment is dangerous and should be avoided.Since you are not a medical expert , you may not know the right drugs and dosage to use for the treatment, hence is it essential to contact the health care center. If you continue in self treatment and medication , then you may abuse the drugs.
• Improper Mixing of chemicals for consumption:  Lots of chemicals or substances that are known as hard drugs, are illegal mixing of drugs for the sake of being intoxicated after consumption. This is the most disturbing mode of drug abuse. People go to pharmacies, get drugs and mix with drinks or with food . 

Is Drug Abuse  Harmful?

Yes, drug abuse is harmful to the body. It can destroy the system and break down the immune system.

Negative Effects Of Alcohol

Harmful Effects of Drug Abuse

The negative effect of drug abuse on the body system cannot be over emphasized. Below are the impact of drug abuse on our health and personality.

Drug abuse has three major impacts on the human body; these are medical conditions , mental problems and social issues.

Medical Condition: Drug Abuse is dangerous to the health. Consuming harmful substances that are not prescribed by doctors can lead to organ damage.

Your kidney or liver might be at risk when you are involved in drug abuse.

Hard drugs attack the immune system. And if the immune system that is supposed to fight against harmful substances introduced to our system is weak, then your health is at high risk.

Mental Problem: Frequent involvement in drug abuse can lead to an unhealthy mental state. Those harmful substances can affect the brian cells and affect how we reason.

Highly intoxicating drugs can affect how we talk, reason or relate with people. This is because the brain nerves have been tempered.

Social related issues: In some communities, a high rate of crime is attributed as the result of hard abuse.

When young young people are intoxicated with hard drugs, they can go against the moral of the society like raping, robbing , kidnapping or any kind of social vices that might end them in jail.

Another harmful effect of drug abuse on our social lifestyle is that it separates us from our peers. 

It makes you feel isolation is the best hence you start exempting yourself from your social groups.

Who Is a Drug Abuse Addict?

Drug abuse addict, is someone who constantly takes hard drugs or involves his/herself in the consumption of harmful substances that might trigger intoxication.

They cannot go an hour or a day without taking these substances. 

Sometimes they can act abnormal if they wait for a longer time without taking drugs, and the only thing that can stabilize their mind is to consume that particular drug they are addicted to. 

At this stage , the addict is in a very critical state and he or she needs help.

How Can I Be of Help To A Drug Addict?

If the state or stage of addiction is serious and beyond control, the best thing to do is to take such individuals to a rehab.

But at some early stage, such individuals should be informed with proper drug abuse education followed with proper care.

This involves monitoring their movement , who they relate with and also put those drugs out of their disposal.

How Do I Abstain From Drug Abuse?

Drug abuse is risky and it is essential we do everything humanly possible to ensure those who do not fall victim to the effects of this act.

  The following are simple tips that will help you minimize the risk of being exposed to drug abuse

How to abstain from drug abuse

• Avoid taking overdose of drugs
• Always follow doctor's prescription
• Take drugs that are only related or appropriate for treatment
• Avoid gatherings of irresponsible people
• Do not take drinks that are illegally mixed
• Abstain From peer pressure

Summary On Drug Abuse

The danger of drug abuse cannot be overstressed. It affects our mental health, causes serious medical conditions and in some cases can lead to loss of life.

Many are involved in the Abuse of substances due to life troubles like anxiety, and they feel drugs will help them stop  thinking and worrying.

People should be properly guided and proper campaigns that center on drug abuse should be organized by appropriate bodies.

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