DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTH
Drug abuse is one of the problems facing communities today. It is using illegal drugs, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs for reasons other than those for which they are meant for. Drug abuse majorly affects young people leading to addiction. There are various types of drugs, such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana, tobacco, khat, alcohol, bhang, among others. This discussion focuses on the causes of drug abuse, Different types of drugs, Effects of drug abuse and possible solutions to drug abuse.
Causes of Drug Abuse
Several reasons lead to drug abuse among youth. Poor communication between children and their parents leads to drug abuse. Parents are supposed to educate their children about the outcomes of abusing drugs. Peer pressure whereby youths imitate what their age mates are doing to fit in with them. Trauma is experienced by people who have undergone sexual abuse, physical abuse, or violence. They use drugs as a way of dealing with their past. Depression causes misuse of drugs among people who have suicidal feelings. Curiosity, stress, boredom, lack of self-esteem, genetics, relationship stress, financial difficulties, chronic pain, among others, are also some of the causes of drug abuse.
Types of Drug Abuse
There are various types of drug abuse, such as heroin, opioid, hallucinations, stimulants, sedatives, and cocaine, among others. Heroin is typically injected or smoked and reduces stress when used. Sedative heals anxiety syndrome, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), different types of phobias, and sleeping illness. Opioid leads to addiction, and it aids in dealing with withdrawal signs. Cocaine is made from the coca plant and comes in the precipitate dust-like form. Abusers of cocaine feel active for some time, and it leads to dependency.
Effects of Drug Abuse
Drugs affect the users in many ways, and these effects may be social, health-wise, or economically. Health effects associated with drug abuse are addiction, blood pressure, appetite loss, mental illness, cancer, heart disease, liver cirrhosis, Psychosis, teeth cavities, HIV & AIDS, and, eventually, death. Social effects affecting the society include increased levels of poverty, domestic violence in homes, child abuse both physically and sexually, and crime. Drug addicts engage in criminal activities such as theft to get money for drugs.
Solutions to Drug Abuse
Preventive measures that can regulate drug addiction are; Use media such as television, radio and magazines as a tool for educating the public on the effects of drug abuse and creating awareness. Parents should teach their children on the side effects of drug abuse. Proper medication should be prescribed to drug addicts to do away with symptoms such as withdrawal and mental illness. The society should advise the youth on the impact of peer pressure. Law enforcement programs by the government to deal with drug abusers such as serving a jail term. Establishment of rehabilitation centres for drug addicts where they can reform and get guidance and counselling.Increase the price of alcohol by raising the taxes imposed. Drug abusers can also discipline themselves by staying away from bars, clubs or any other environment where drugs are readily accessible. Get engaged in activities such as sports, community activities, and through this, you will get busy and occupied; therefore, no room for thinking about drugs. Use of stress management actions to deal with depression.
Different reasons initiate drug misuse, and understanding the origin is the beginning of dealing with it. The next step is identifying possible solutions to drug addiction. Drug addicts and abusers should be encouraged that there is hope for restoration, and it begins by their willingness to reform. People staying with drug abusers should take the responsibility of helping them to change.