Introduction

Drug abuse is actually a global issue. Everywhere you live, you will see people that are fulltime into drug abuse. It has caused ghastly motor accidents, ruined many young lives and even led to the death of countless victims. So it is important that we get enlightened, so as to take measures to protect our lives and that of loved ones.

What is drug abuse

Drug abuse happens when one uses legal or illegal drugs for purposes other than that which they were meant. We usually think about drug abuse in terms of illegal substances. But then, when we use prescription drugs for non-medical purposes, that is drug abuse. For example, some people take some drugs for pleasure. Some drugs can cause hallucinations, induce sleep or even give super natural strength. These may not be the medical use of such drugs, but people have discovered that it can have such effects on them, so they abuse it.

People abuse drugs in more ways than one. Let me quickly look into that right now.

How people abuse drugs

There are different ways people abuse drugs and we need to be aware of it. Its even important so that we will not be unknowingly abusing drugs. Below are some forms of drug abuse:

1. Alcohol: Too much in take of alcohol is a form of drug abuse. Drinking to the level of getting drug is abuse of alcohol. The chemical content of the alcohol changes your body mechanisms and you start to behave in a weird manner. The way alcohol reacts in people's bodies is different from person to person. So before you take any quantity of alcohol, know the percentage volume and know what is too much for your body system.

2. Prescription drugs: This is the most common form of drug abuse. People simply take drugs without the doctors prescription. That is drug abuse. If you have fever, cough or any other symptoms and you take medicine without proper diagnosis, you are abusing it.

When you take more medicine than was prescribed for you, that is also drug abuse. If you do not take medicine the way it was prescribed, or you skipped the amount or frequency of medicine prescribed for you, that is drug abuse. If you take drugs for entertainment or pleasure, that is also drug abuse. People swallow pills everyday without proper medical diagnosis. So we should avoid all these forms of prescription drug abuse.

3. Banned or illegal drug abuse: There are some drugs that are out rightly banned in most countries. Some of them are hard drugs like marijuana, heroin, Cocaine, etc. In many countries, it is illegal to own, move or even use these drugs. But the dirty drug business is still flourishing and these hard drugs are still being abused in various ways. It even ends up in the hands of unruly elements of the society.

The abuse of legal and illegal drugs continue to be a real source of worry and problems in the society. Consider some of the harmful effects.

From Pixabay

Effects of Drug abuse

Drug abuse have lots of effects on the users. We can categorize the effects from physical to mental. All of them are really negative on the body of the user.

Mental effects of drug abuse

• Isolation and reduced social interaction
• It can lead to feelings of hyperactivity
• Leads to depression
• Inability to maintain concentration
• Loss of memory and reduced mental coordination

Physical effects of drug abuse

• lowered blood pressure
• Aches and pains in the joint
• Increased or heightened sensitivity
• Improper or even reduced physical coordination
• It can lead to increased violent behavior

How to prevent drug abuse

Preventing drug abuse requires conscious efforts and some level of commitment. Here are some suggestions that can work

• Do not succumb to peer pressure. Your peers will want you to abuse drugs. So no to drugs. Walk away from situations that will make you want to compromise. Plan ahead of how to respond to pressures.

• Abstain from drugs: Addition to drug could be hard to break. So from day one, its better you do not get into drugs in the first place. Abstinence is the best option

• Speak to a trusted friend or family member if you feel pressured to do drugs. Or if you are already abusing drugs. They will be sure to help you

• Choose a wholesome lifestyle. Your choice of entertainment and relaxation should be free of drugs or drug abuse.

• Get professional help: If you feel that you are already abusing drugs or in danger of doing so, please seek professional help

Conclusion

Drug abuse is a problem we can see beyond national borders. even some people are abusing drugs without being aware of it. Its better to protect oneself and family by not getting into drug abuse. Lets together contribute to a cleaner future for ourselves and unborn generations. Lets live a drug abuse free life.