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How would you define “Drug Abuse” and what are some commonly abused drugs in our society?

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"Drug abuse" is when someone uses intoxicating substances a lot more than what's considered normal or uses them illegally. Some of the commonly abused drugs in our society are heroin, cocaine, marijuana, tranquilizers, and smokeless tobacco. If people use too much of these drugs or become dependent on them, it can cause serious harm. Hard drugs like heroin and cocaine are also called "street drugs" and are extremely dangerous.

Even though people may not take smokeless tobacco products like paan and gutka as seriously as other drugs, they can still be dangerous since their use increases one's risk of cancer.

Additionally, prescription medicines can also be really harmful if used without a doctor overseeing usage. Tranquilizers and sleeping pills are examples of medicines that are often misused.

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What are the prevalent risks associated with drug abuse that need to be addressed?

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There are several big risks of drug abuse that I think we need to talk about:

The biggest issue is that intoxicants destroy both mental and physical health. They can lead to brain disease, liver infections, cancer and other physical problems as well as mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Death from overdose is also possible, especially with dangerous drugs like heroin and cocaine.

People abusing drugs become isolated from their friends, family, and social circles because they become completely focused on getting and using more substances. This can be a major cause of broken relationships and loneliness.

On top of that, feeding their drug habit makes people need more and more money, which can force them to commit crimes or other shameful acts, like theft or robbery. This leads to both a loss of honor and disrespect from society.

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What strategies can we employ to raise awareness and prevent drug abuse in our communities?

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I think the most important thing is that kids and teenagers need to be taught what intoxicants are and why using them is so dangerous. We have to educate them about this in schools and colleges.

We can also run awareness campaigns on social media since almost everyone, especially young people, use platforms like Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Impactful media campaigns won't just make people aware but may also stop thoughts about trying drugs.

We'll also need to involve the local authorities and police to cut off the drug supply and catch dealers. Having strict laws that are strongly enforced is key to effectively tackling this drug abuse issue.

Our religion also talks about this problem. It's important that the message that intoxicants are forbidden and a grave sin reaches people through mosques. Those already using should be encouraged to quit. I believe this could be a very effective technique, and may convince many abusers to stop.

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What are some effective methods to assist individuals battling drug addiction?

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When someone is addicted, their sleep and diet gets messed up. They can't sleep at night, feel tired during the day, and have no appetite. As a result, their body and mind weaken, and they lose interest in life.

In these cases, strictly guiding them to sleep and wake up on time, exercise in the mornings, eat breakfast, and resume daily work activities can help reset their body clock. This improves sleep and diet, allowing them to slowly go back to more normal routines.

That's why having the support of understanding family and friends is so important for these people. Addiction intensifies loneliness and isolation. So, having caring company is critical.

Medical care is also vital. Getting them into rehab centers for detoxification and treatment programs is key. Doctors can prescribe medications to ease withdrawal symptoms. Psychologists provide mental health counseling. Therapies like nutrition plans, meditation etc. also help.

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How can we effectively educate the youth about the perils of drug abuse in a manner that resonates with them?

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It’s important to use methods aligned with their interests. Teenagers today are glued to the internet, mobiles, and massively look up to their favorite YouTubers, TikTokers and Instagram stars. Keeping this in mind, these social media personalities should run anti-drug campaigns and make awareness videos.

Trending hashtags can also spread this message. Various memes, infographics and posters can be created that appeal to what young people enjoy. For example, if a teen's favorite singer talks about the harm of drugs and tells fans to avoid them, it would have a huge effect.

In the end, I want to say drug abuse is a global issue, not limited to any one place. Governments, local groups - everyone has to collaborate to protect the younger generation from this danger.

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I trust that you found the information in my article to be valuable. 😊

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^{Author: @waqarahmadshah | Date: 06-Feb-2024 | Achievement 1}