GUÉGUÉRÉ DEPARTMENTAL HIGH SCHOOL BURKINA FASO

UNITE-PROGRES-JUSTICE

SCHOOL YEAR : 2023/ 2024

ENGLISH PRESENTATION

THEME : SMOKING, DRUG ADDICTION AND VIOLENCE

CLASS: 2 nde C TEAM : 04

TEAM’S MEMBERS

1. SOMÉ P. David

2. Hien Justine

3. SOMÉ Nadège

4. SOMÉ Judicaël

5. SOMÉ Sandrine

TEACHER : MR. Doré

 PLAN

INTRODUCTION

I. SMOKING

II. DRUG ADDICTION

III. VIOLENCE

IV. Prevention and control measures

V. Case studies

CONCLUSION
 INTRODUCTION

In our exploration today, we are addressing three pervasive issues that have far-
reaching consequences on our global society: smoking, drug addiction, and violence.
These are not just individual problems, but societal ones that ripple through our
communities, affecting health, safety, and the quality of life.

Smoking, a widespread habit with severe health repercussions, is more than just
a personal choice. It's a public health concern that burdens our healthcare systems and
economies with significant costs.

Drug addiction, often misunderstood and stigmatized, is a complex disease that

alters the brain and affects all aspects of a person's life. The ripple effects extend to
families, communities, and societies at large.

Violence, a manifestation of aggression that can lead to physical harm or

psychological distress, is a pressing issue that often intersects with smoking and drug
addiction. Understanding this interplay is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Our discussion aims to delve into these issues, unravel their complexities, and
understand their broader impacts. We will also explore various prevention and control
measures, emphasizing the role of education, awareness, and effective government
policies.

By engaging in this discourse, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of these

issues and inspire collective action towards mitigating them, contributing to the creation
of healthier, safer societies.
 I. SMOKING

Smoking is the act of inhaling and exhaling the fumes of burning plant material,
most commonly tobacco, as smoked in a cigarette, cigar, or pipe. It's a widespread habit
with severe health repercussions, making it a significant public health concern.

Types of Smoking

There are various types of smokers, including but not limited to:

- Regular smokers: Individuals who smoke on a daily basis.

- Casual smokers: Individuals who only smoke when socializing with friends.
- Heavy smokers: Individuals who consume a large number of cigarettes daily.

Health Effects of Smoking

Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases and
reducing the health of smokers in general. It increases the risk of developing conditions
such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. In fact, smoking causes about
90% of all lung cancer deaths.

Social and Economic Impacts of Smoking

The social and economic impacts of smoking are profound. Smoking is linked to
reduced fertility, poorer overall health, greater absenteeism from work, and increased
healthcare costs. Economically, smoking cost the United States more than $600 billion in
2018, including healthcare spending and lost productivity from smoking-related
illnesses and premature death.

In the UK, if current or ex-smokers had never smoked, overall earnings could be
1.9% higher, boosting the economy by £19.1 billion every year.
 II. DRUG ADDICTION

Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive, or

uncontrollable, drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences and changes in the
brain, which can be long-lasting. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change
the brain; they change its structure and how it works.

Types of Drugs Commonly Abused

There are various types of drugs that are commonly abused, including but not
limited to:

- Marijuana: Though it is illegal to use or possess in most of the U.S., marijuana

is a commonly abused drug and many people are unaware of its harmful effects.
- Alcohol: Although it is legal to use, obtain, and possess, alcohol is another
commonly abused drug with the potential for serious consequences.
- Cocaine: Cocaine is an illicit or illegal commonly abused drug.
- Valium: Valium is a commonly abused drug that requires a doctor’s
prescription to legally obtain and use.
- Heroin: This illegal drug is the natural version of manmade prescription opioid
narcotics.

The Science of Addiction: How Drugs Affect the Brain

All addictive drugs affect brain pathways involving reward—that is, the
dopamine system in the reward pathway. Within seconds to minutes of entering the
body, drugs cause dramatic changes to synapses in the brain. By activating the brain's
reward circuitry, drugs deliver a jolt of intense pleasure. Repeated use of a drug
changes the wiring of the brain in a number of ways. It stimulates the nucleus
accumbens, and overactivity of the nucleus accumbens progressively weakens its
connectivity to the prefrontal cortex, seat of executive functioning[^10^].
 Health, Social, and Economic Impacts of Drug Addiction

Drug addiction profoundly impacts emotional well-being, leading to increased

anxiety, depression, and mood swings. It fosters feelings of guilt, shame, and loneliness
while diminishing self-esteem and causing isolation from loved ones. These emotional
effects complicate recovery, necessitating comprehensive treatment.

People with addiction often have one or more associated health issues, which
could include lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions. Imaging
scans, chest X-rays, and blood tests can show the damaging effects of long-term drug
use throughout the body.

The human cost of drug misuse in 2011 was estimated to be almost $3.2 billion;
costs were associated with drug-induced deaths, medical costs of hospitalisation, drug
treatment, pharmacotherapy and lost productivity.

III. VIOLENCE

Violence is an act of physical force that causes or is intended to cause harm. The
damage inflicted by violence may be physical, psychological, or both. It can be
distinguished from aggression, a more general type of hostile behavior that may be
physical, verbal, or passive in nature.

Types of Violence
 Violence can be categorized in several ways. It can be divided into four modes:
physical, sexual, psychological attack, and deprivation. It can also be divided into three
sub-types according to the victim-perpetrator relationship:

- Self-directed violence: Violence in which the perpetrator and the victim are the
same individual.
- Interpersonal violence: Violence between individuals, subdivided into family
and intimate partner violence and community violence.
- Collective violence: Violence committed by larger groups of individuals.

The Relationship Between Drug Addiction, Smoking, and Violence

There is a significant relationship between substance abuse, including drug

addiction and smoking, and violence. This relationship holds up across a wide range of
different populations and types of violence, such as violence in the community and
violent criminal recidivism. Substance abuse can increase the risk of violence against
others, and smoking is associated with multiple forms of violence compared to never
and former cigarette smokers.

Social and Economic Impacts of Violence

Violence has a multi-dimensional effect on society. It leads to loss of social

cohesion, financial divestment, and an increased burden on the healthcare and justice
systems. Economically, violent conflict, including widespread criminal violence, can
undermine economies by reducing investment, output, and growth. For instance, the
global economic impact of violence amounted to $14.4 trillion in 2019, equivalent to
10.5% of the global GDP.

IV. Prevention and control measures

Strategies to Prevent Smoking and Drug Addiction

 Preventing smoking and drug addiction involves a multi-faceted approach.
Policy-level measures such as increased taxation of tobacco products, stricter laws
regulating who can purchase tobacco products, how and where they can be purchased,
and where and when they can be used (i.e., smoke-free policies in restaurants, bars, and
other public places) have been shown to be effective. Restrictions on advertising and
mandatory health warnings on packages are also crucial.

For drug addiction, strategies often involve reducing triggers, gradual reduction,
and celebrating each step towards the goal. Changing one's environment and removing
any reminders of addiction from home and workplace can also be beneficial.

Role of Education and Awareness in Preventing Violence

Education plays a significant role in preventing violent extremism. It helps

strengthen learners' commitment to non-violence and peace, particularly by addressing
hateful and violent narratives. Education is emphasized in the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) as having the potential to promote a culture of peace and non-violence.

Government Policies and Their Effectiveness

Government policies play a crucial role in preventing smoking, drug addiction,

and violence. The effectiveness of these policies is determined by a number of factors,
including overall cost, benefits, competitiveness, unintended consequences, and
environmental outcomes. However, the effectiveness of these policies can vary
dramatically with time. Therefore, it is essential to continuously monitor and evaluate
these policies to ensure their effectiveness.

V. Case studies

Case Study 1: Smoking

 Our first case study focuses on the impact of smoking. A 34-year-old professional
person, who started smoking at the age of 16, smokes 40 cigarettes a day. His current
medical problems include sleep apnea, psoriasis, obesity, and depression. This case
highlights the health consequences of smoking and the importance of cessation
interventions.

Case Study 2: Drug Addiction

Chloe, a 20-year-old law student, had a promising future. However, she fell into
the trap of drug addiction. She started with poppers at 15, graduated to MDMA at 16,
and then tried cocaine at 17. Despite her academic success, Chloe's addiction led her to
accrue more than £13,000 of debt. With the help of Serenity Addiction Centres, Chloe
was able to overcome her addiction and is now thriving.

Case Study 3: Violence

Violence can have far-reaching impacts on individuals and communities. A report

from the United Nations Population Fund presents several case studies on violence
against women. These cases highlight the urgent need to address violence, especially in
conflict and disaster-stricken areas. They also underscore the importance of providing
support and resources for survivors.

CONCLUSION

In our exploration today, we have delved into the complexities of smoking, drug
addiction, and violence. We have seen how these issues are not just individual problems,
but societal ones that ripple through our communities, affecting health, safety, and the
quality of life.
 We have also seen the profound impacts of these issues, from the health effects of
smoking and drug addiction to the social and economic consequences of violence. The
case studies we discussed brought to light the real-world implications of these issues.

However, we also discussed the various prevention and control measures that can
be implemented to mitigate these issues. From policy-level measures to the role of
education and awareness, we have seen that there are effective strategies available to us.

As we conclude, we call upon each one of us to take action. Whether it's

spreading awareness, advocating for effective policies, or supporting those affected by
these issues, every action counts. Together, we can contribute to a healthier and safer
society.