DRUG ABUSE

 DRUG USE AND DRUG ABUSE

A drug is any substance (with the exception of food and water) which, when taken into the body, alters the body's function either physically and/or psychologically.

Meaning of drug abuse
Drug abuse refers to the use of drugs through self-medication or without due medical prescription and administration. It is the indiscrinate use of any drug, i.e. marijuana (Indian hemp) e.g. heroine, morphine, cocaine, stimulants, alcohol, etc.

Drug abuse is the overuse and misuse of legal and illegal drugs by individuals without prescription by medical personnel to cause a change in their physiological and psychological state which lead to legal and interpersonal problems.

drug abuse is the habitual taking of illegal drugs. It is also the use of drugs contrary to prescription.

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse

1. Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home (e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children).
2. Using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex.
3. Experiencing legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit.
4. Problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of friends.
5. Behavioural Change:  Changes in personality and behavior like  lack of motivation, irritability, and agitation
6. Violence  Bloodshot eyes and frequent bloody noses 
7. Shakes, tremors, or slurred speech 
8. Change in their daily routines 
9. Lack of concern for personal hygiene 
10. Unusual need for money; financial problems

Drug Classifications Based on Chemical Makeup

Alcohol: Alcohol is the most widely abused substance across most of the world, including in the United States. Legal to some extent in all 50 states, alcohol impacts numerous body systems, which in turn causes numerous effects in users. Alcohol creates feelings of euphoria and lowers inhibitions, but it also severely impairs judgment, perception, and reaction times. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, but it causes the most severe long-term damage to the liver. There are many forms of alcohol, including: Beer, Wine, Liquor

Cocaine . These drugs accelerate the activity of the CNS making a person feel energized, focused, and alert for long periods of time. The converse reaction is that a person feels edgy, paranoid, and angry

 

Opioids:  Also called opiates, opioids are either derived from the drug opium or chemicals designed to mimic it. Opioids work by interacting with neurotransmitters in the brain and blocking the signals that they are sending. This enables opioids to serve as powerful pain killers, but it also can cause feelings of intense pleasure, leading to addiction. Abusing opiates dulls the senses, causes drowsiness, convulsions, coma and death. Some of the most well-known opioids include: Heroin, Fentanyl, Oxycodone

Benzodiazepines: Benzodiazepines, or Benzos, are a class of drugs that function by interacting with the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A). Each Benzo interacts with GABA-A differently, which is why each Benzo impacts the body and mind differently. Benzos are prescribed to treat a wide variety of psychiatric and sleep conditions, but they are very commonly abused. Benzos are highly addictive, and can cause numerous medical and psychiatric problems when not used as intended. Examples of Benzos include: Ativan, Valium, Xanax

Cannabinoids:  cannabinoids are a class of drugs that are chemically similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active agent in marijuana. Cannabinoids create feelings of elation, known as a high, but they also negatively impact mental and

physical functioning. Cannabinoids are the most widely abused drugs after alcohol, and they are increasingly gaining legal acceptance. Although considered less addictive than other drug classifications, cannabinoids can seriously damage a person’s mental and physical health. Examples of cannabinoids include: Marijuana, Hashish

Barbiturates: Barbiturates act on the central nervous system by slowing down its functioning. Barbiturates are derivatives of the chemical barbituric acid. Barbiturates were historically popular for the treatment of psychiatric and sleep disorders, and they are still used for anesthesia and treatment of a number of conditions such as epilepsy and headaches. Barbiturates are highly addictive, and they also present a very high overdose risk as they cause many body systems to shut down. Examples of barbiturates include: Amytal, Luminal, Pentobarbita

Drug Classifications Based On Effect

Depressants: More commonly referred to as “downers,” depressants create feelings of relaxation and tiredness. While many serve legitimate purposes in the fight against mental illness and sleep deprivation, they are very commonly abused because they may also create feelings of excitement. Depressants are not only some of the most highly addictive drugs, but they are also some of the most highly dangerous and likely to cause overdose. Examples of depressants include: Alcohol, Opiates, Barbiturates

Stimulants: Also known as “uppers,” the primary use of stimulants is to increase energy, concentration, and wakefulness. Stimulants are said to provide a “rush.” In the short term, they are believed to increase productivity and performance, while producing an excited high of pleasure. In the long term, stimulants are incredibly addictive and have a very high potential for abuse. Examples of stimulants include: Adderall, Cocaine, Meth

Hallucinogens: Hallucinogens, sometimes referred to as dissociatives, it alters someone’s mood, impairs judgement, thoughts and sense perception.Using these drugs can lead to heart and respiratory failure.The drug LSD is an example of a hallucinogen.The altered state caused by the hallucinogen can last several hours OR several days.The effects of these drugs are extremely unpredictable.Hallucinogens have no medical use.Users sometimes harm themselves physically, or behave violently and harm others.  Examples of hallucinogens include: LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Psilocybin Mushrooms, Phencyclidine (PCP) etc.

Inhalants: these are a vast range of chemicals that are ingested primarily by breathing them in, or huffing. Most inhalants are commonly used materials that are in no way

designed to be ingested by humans. While there is incredibly variety between inhalants, most produce feelings of a high. Inhalants are less studied than most other drugs. While they tend to be less addictive than many other substances, the use of inhalants is incredibly dangerous and causes many serious health effects. Examples of commonly abused inhalants include: Paint thinner, Nail polish remover, Gasoline

Symptoms or behaviors of a Drug addict

1. Feeling that you have to use the drug regularly — daily or even several times a day
2. Having intense urges for the drug that block out any other thoughts
3. Over time, needing more of the drug to get the same effect
4. Taking larger amounts of the drug over a longer period of time than you intended
5. Making certain that you maintain a supply of the drug
6. Spending money on the drug, even though you can't afford it
7. Not meeting obligations and work responsibilities, or cutting back on social or recreational activities because of drug use
8. Continuing to use the drug, even though you know it's causing problems in your life or causing you physical or psychological harm
9. Doing things to get the drug that you normally wouldn't do, such as stealing
10. Driving or doing other risky activities when you're under the influence of the drug
11. Spending a good deal of time getting the drug, using the drug or recovering from the effects of the drug
12. Failing in your attempts to stop using the drug
13. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you attempt to stop taking the drug

Ways to Prevent Drug Abuse

1.     Effectively deal with peer pressure. The biggest reason teens start using drugs is because their friends utilize peer pressure. people find themselves doing things they normally wouldn’t do, just to fit in. In these cases, you need to either find a better group of friends that won’t pressure you into doing harmful things, or you need to find a good way to say no..

2.     Deal with life pressure. People most of the time runs to drug when the pressure of life is too much for either as a relief or reward. To prevent using drugs as a reward, find other ways to handle stress and unwind. Take up exercising, read a good book, volunteer with the needy, create something. Anything positive and relaxing helps take the mind off using drugs to relieve stress.

3.     Seek help for mental illness. Mental illness and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. Those with a mental illness may turn to drugs as a way to ease the pain. Those suffering from some form of mental illness, such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder should seek the help of a trained professional for treatment before it leads to substance abuse.

4.     Examine the risk factors. If you’re aware of the biological, environmental and physical risk factors you possess, you’re more likely to overcome them. A history of substance abuse in the family, living in a social setting that glorifies drug abuse and/or family life that models drug abuse can be risk factors.

5.     Keep a well-balanced life. People take up drugs when something in their life is not working, or when they’re unhappy about their lives or where their lives are going. Look at life’s big picture, and have priorities in order.

6.     Government Legislation:  government can play a good role in preventing drug abuse by Increasing taxes on tobacco and alcohol products to reduce use, particularly among young people;  reducing the availability of excess prescription medications; restricting advertising of addictive substances, particularly to young people and restricting marketing of addictive substances in ways that appeal to youth

7.     7.        Parental Care/ Control: parental care can also help in preventing substance  abuse among youth. Prevention starts when you start talking with, and listening to,     your child, help your child make good choices and good friends and to teach your child different ways to say “No!”

8.     Community action and involvement

9.     Involvement in school and extra-curricular activities such as sports may keep people out of drug abuse

10.    Psychological reinforcement of behaviours of drug abusers when appropriate

11.   Media campaign against drug abuse should be intensified vii. Proper family upbringing should be encouraged

12.    Counseling the drug abusers of its consequences may prevent them from future drug abuse

13.      Good knowledge of drugs by individuals and the public should be encourage

Assignment 1

    Wujuwuju  had been struggling with drug addiction for several years. He had started using drugs in college as a way to cope with the stress of his classes and the pressure to succeed. But what started as a way to relax and unwind had quickly spiraled into a full-blown addiction.

    Wujuwuju's drug addiction began to take over his life. He started missing classes, neglecting his responsibilities and relationships, and his physical and mental health began to deteriorate. He had trouble sleeping, lost weight, and constantly craving for more drugs, even when he knew it was destroying his life.

    His parents and friends noticed the change in him and tried to intervene, but Wujuwuju was in denial..

Questions

1.     Explain the behavior exhibited by Wujuwuju. Give three reasons to support your answer

2.     What in your understanding do you think  led Wujuwuju into this predicament?  Support your answer with five reasons

3.     Suggest five ways through which Wujuwuju will be free from this embarrassing situation

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE

NDLEA: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is a Federal agency in Nigeria charged with eliminating the growing, processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, and trafficking of hard drugs.It was founded in 1990

Functions of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

i. It coordinates all drug laws and functions

ii. It adopts measures to increase the effectiveness of hard drug trafficking eradication efforts

iii. It investigates people suspected to have dealings with hard drugs and enforces laws against the cultivation, processing, sales and use of hard drugs.

iv. It promotes effective enforcement of law to suppress illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs/phychotrophic substances

v. It educates the public on the effects of hard drugs

vi. It prosecutes illicit drug law offenders

vii. It confiscates and destroys illicit drugs

viii. It counsels and rehabilitates convicted illicit drug dealers

ix. It mounts surveillance at all entry points and within the country to apprehend dealers in illicit drugs

x. It provides measures that will ensure the elimination and prevention of the root causes of the problem of narcotic drug/ phychotrophic substances

NAFDAC: The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control is a Nigerian federal agency under the Federal Ministry of Health that is responsible for regulating and controlling the manufacture, importation, exportation, advertisement, distribution, sale and use of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals and packaged water. It was formed in 1993.

                                           Functions of NAFDAC

i. It regulates and controls the importation and exportation of drugs

ii. It educates the public on the effects of drug abuse

iii. It conducts research into storage, adulteration, distribution and use of forbidden drugs, etc

iv. It compiles and publishes relevant data on food, drugs etc

v. It collaborates with other government agencies on measures to eradicating drug abuse in Nigeria.

vi. It controls the exportation and issuance of certificates on food, drugs, medical devices, water and chemicals.

vii. It sponsors national and international conferences in its area of operation.

viii. It determines the suitability or otherwise of food, drugs etc

ix. It compiles standard regulations for production an importation of foods, drugs, cosmetics, etc

x. It certifies production sites of foods and drug-related products.
 

 

Notable Government Drug Laws

Some  notable legislation against illicit cultivation, trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs in Nigeria include:

a.      The Dangerous Drugs Ordinance of 1935 enacted by British Colonial administration.

b.     The Indian Hemp Decree No.19 of 1966 enacted by the Military administration of Major General Aguiyi Ironsi with life imprisonment for illicit trafficking.

c.      The Indian Hemp(Amendment) Decree No.34 of 1975 enacted by the regime of Major General Murtala Mohammed that reduced the term of imprisonment from life to 6 months imprisonment

d.The Indian Hemp(Amendment) Decree, and the Special Tribunal(Miscellaneous Offences) Decree No. 20 of 1984 enacted by the regime of Major General Mohammed Buhari to prescribe death penalty for illicit traffic in narcotics drugs.

e.      The Special Tribunal(Miscellaneous Offences) (Amendment) Decree of 1986 that replaced the death penalty with life imprisonment and and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Decree NO 48 of 1989 (as amended by Decree No.33 of 1990, Decree No 15 of 1992 and Decree No. 62 of 1999) all of which harmonized as Cap. N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria(LFN) 2004 that established the NDLEA, enacted by the regime of General Ibrahim Babangida

Assignment 2
Read your note again and answer the following questions.
   1. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency is a Federal agency in Nigeria charged with eliminating the growing, processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, and trafficking of hard drugs.. Explain six ways through which the agency is fighting drug abuse
2. What roles is the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) playing in eradicating substance abuse? Explain five.