Drug Abuse
The use of drugs, usually by self medication,to get a pleasurable sensation or for body building purposes is known as drug abuse.In recent years the abuse of drugs has become a serious problem resulting in considerable harm both to the individual and society in term of health and economics.Initially drugs may be taken for relief from anxiety,for the eurphoria and hallucinations they generate,or to escape social factors like economic disparity and other miseries of life.
Some of the term used to describe drug abuse are as follows:
- Social use
- Occasional abuse
- Compulsive abuse
Dangers of Drugs Abuse
Abuse of drug produces many social,medical, legal and economical problems.Drugs dependent persons can commit any crime to get the drug.Some of these problems are:
- Tolerance: Tolerance to euphoria and sedation occurs.This necessitates use of an over dose of drug leading to toxic effects and even death
- Infection: Non-sterile needles are used for IV/1M administration of the drug which leads to jaundice,AIDS and many other serious infection
- Social Problems: Chronic users develop psychological and social set backs leading to frustrations and suicidal/homicidal tendencies.
Classification of Drugs Abuse
- Minor Drugs (Soft Drugs): Caffeine, Tobacco,Ethyl alcohol
2. Major Drugs: Opioids, Depressants, Cocaine, Amphetamine,Hallucinogens, cannabis, Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
Methods of Control of Drugs Abuse
Medical, nursing and pharmacy professionals aslo have an important role in preventing drugs abuse as they all have easy access to these drugs