Drug Abuse Prevention
Drug abuse has a pervasive effect on
Drug abuse prevention begins
with education, spreading the
word regarding the dangers of
drugs to oneself and to the
community. These programs are
just the beginning. The
information provided is most
effective when it is followed up
with continued support. Drug
prevention programs seek to
involve the family, community, or
workplace in the prevention
process. To be effective,
communities need to sustain, the
progress. This often requires
continued leadership and
financial support.
What is drugs?
Important Facts
an entire community. Understanding
drug use risk factors and spreading
the word through prevention program
is the best defense against drug
abuse.
 Parental monitoring has been the
most effective way to slow the
WHAT
expansion of drugs in family
situations. YOU

School drug prevention programs
serve a valuable purpose in first NEED TO
time users aged 12-17.
 Schools with strict compliance
rules and counselling support
KNOW
have been successful at reducing
usage.
ABOUT
 The National Institute Against Drug
Abuse (NIDA) has found that gains DRUG USE
resulting from community drug
prevention programs far outweigh the
financial investment by the
AND
community.
 Programs should make sure to
address all aspects of drug abuse.
This includes underage use of legal
drugs such as alcohol and tobacco,
illicit street drugs.
Drugs affect the way your body and drugs for different reasons and in
function; they can change how you different ways.
feel, think and behave. People take
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use
There are many signs, both physical
and behavioural, that indicate drug
use. Each drug has its own unique
manifestations, but there are some
general indications that a person is
using drugs:
 Sudden change in behaviour
 Mood swings; irritable and
grumpy
and then suddenly happy and
bright
 Withdrawal from family
members
 Careless about personal
grooming
 Loss of interest in hobbies,
sports and other favourite
activities
 Changed sleeping pattern; up
at night and sleeping during
the day
 Red or glassy eyes
 Sniffly or runny nose
What is drug abuse?
Drug abuse or substance abuse
refers to the use of certain chemicals
for the purpose of creating
pleasurable effects on the brain.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
 Bloodshot Eyes: Anyone who
is addicted to heroin usually
has constricted pupils, also
known as miosis.
 Sudden weight loss; People
who are addicted to cocaine,
ecstasy, or
methamphetamine may lose
their appetite and
subsequently lose weight
quickly.
 Interrupted sleep patterns:
common signs of substance
abuse include insomnia or
hypersomnia.
 Change in complexion:
Repeated drug use can lead
to acne, paleness, and
jaundice. There may also be
scabs, scars, bruises and
track marks on the body.
 Poor personal hygiene:
Bathing brushing teeth and
physical cleanliness may
decline in anyone who is
drug dependent.
Changes in Behaviour
In addition to physical changes, a
person who is misusing alcohol
or drugs may act abnormally.
Some of the significant
behavioural signs of drug abuse
in adults include:
 Secretive behaviour:
The person withdraws
from friends and family
and constantly looks for
a private place to use
drugs.
 Ignoring responsibilities:
Becoming addicted to
drugs or alcohol can
make a person avoid
their daily
responsibilities such as
work, schools, or taking
care of the home.
 Financial distress: Most
illicit drugs are very
expensive, so a person
using drugs may need to
keep borrowing money
without reason. They
may also sell their
belongings to get money
for drugs.
PSYCHOLOGICAL
SYPTOMS
When someone misuses
drugs, they may experience
changes in their feelings,
which will also affect their
behaviour. Some common
psychological signs include:
 Depression and
anxiety: You may
notice signs of
depression and
anxiety where they
never existed
before, including
your loved one
losing interest in
things they used to
love, sleeping too
little or too much or
gaining or losing
dramatic amounts of
weight , to name a
few.
 Low self-esteem:
Individuals with drug
addictions may
demonstrate a
marked lack of
confidence in their
abilities, intelligence,
looks or other
aspects of their life.
 Poor Motivation:
You may notice that
people
demonstrating
substance misuse
symptoms set
extravagant goals,
nut have no
motivation to
achieve them.
 Irritability and mood
swings: Another
symptoms of drug
use can manifest as
sudden agitation
and unpredictable
temperament.