Drugs

WHO has defined a drug as “any chemical entity or mixture of entities, other than those required for the maintenance of normal health, the administration of which alters the biological function and possibly, structure.”

       

Furthermore, the drug is “any article intended to use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment and prevention of disease in man or other animal, “or” any article other than food which is intended to alter the structure and function of the body of man or other animals is called drug. Hence, all medicines are drugs, not all drugs are medicines. The volatile solvents or inhalants are notorious examples of drugs without any accepted medical value. These include common household articles such as plastic glue, paint thinners and removers, hair sprays and various aerosol products. At present, adolescents with the deliberate intent of altering human body function and behaviour are abusing these chemical substances increasingly. Almost any drug can be misused or abused. Drugs, which abuse the mind and produce changes in mood and behaviour, have the greatest potential for misuse. Drugs are classified into three general categories based on their primary effects on the human body.

I)                   Depressants (Downers): These are the substances, which suppress vital body function especially those of the brain and its parts. As such, dull the mind and slow down body reactions, which often lead to accidental death and suicides.

                        The depressants include the narcotics, barbiturates, tranquilizers, alcohol and the volatile solvents.

II)                Stimulants (Uppers): Those drugs produce an opposite effects to the depressants. Instead of bringing about relaxation and sleep, they produce increased mental alertness, reduce hunger and provide a feeling of well-being. Hence, they have the slang names ‘uppers’, ‘pep pills’ and ‘lid poppers’. Stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, nicotine and caffeine are some of the substances with great potential for abuse.

III)             Hallucinogens (Psychedelics, Psychotropic): These constitute a variety of mind-altering drugs, which distort reality, thinking and perception of time, sound, space and sensation. Thus they produce hallucinations, which at times can be bizarre and mimic insanity. Experiences may be predicting whether a “trip” will be good or bad. Varying reaction depends on several factors like the mind set, setting, dose and quality of the drug used.

      Causes

       .          To satisfy curiosity and to have different/new experience.

       .          Peer-pressure and satisfying curiosity.

       .          Influence of western culture.

       .          Lack of supervision and guidance by the parent’s.

       .          To avoid mental tensions and anxiety.

       .           Religious factors (some people use Ganja to please Lord Shiva).

       .           Failure in work, unemployment.

       .           Being trapped by smugglers.

     Effects

 .          Disturbance in educational places / and peace.

 .          Social isolation.

 .          Development of physical dependency.

 .          Loss of appetite, loss of weight and loss of memory power.

 .          Demonstrating irresponsible behaviour regarding their own personal health and dress-up.

 .          Loss of interest in school extra activities and social work.

 .          Violation of home, community norms, values and social work.

 .          Reduction in body immunity power, which leads to ill health.

 .          Chances of infertility.

 .          Nausea and vomiting.

 .          Social crimes like thief, pick pocketing and murdering of people in want of money for buying drugs.

 .          Cause malnutrition and diseases like cancer, semally tramistted etc.

Prevention and Control

.            Peer education and counselling service centre should be introduced at school and in the community.

.            Seek community participation and support for the drug awareness campaigns and the establishment of drug rehabilitation centre.

.            Develop awareness about the harmful effects of drug misuse and its consequences among the adolescents.

.            Effective enforcement of rules and regulation and laws for the supply and control of drugs.

.            More interaction between parents and their children, and parents are advised to spend more time with them.

.            Avoid friendship of bad mates and curiosity of the children.

.            Strict rules and acts should be develop for penalizing and punishing drug smugglers.

.            Better support, guidance and supervision should be provided to children by parents.