DRUG USE AND ABUSE

AMONG YOUTHS
OUTLINE
• Introduction
• Definition of drug /medicines
• Classification based on use; legal versus illegal substances
• Definition of drug abuse
• Factors predisposing to drug Abuse
• Effects and complications of drug abuse
• solutions
What are drugs?
A drug is a chemical substance which alters the physiology and
psychology of an organism when ingested.
Drugs are substances that change a person's mental or
physical state. They can affect the way your brain works, how
you feel and behave, your understanding and your senses. This
makes them unpredictable and dangerous, especially for young
people. The effects of drugs are different for each person and
drug.
CLASSIFICATION BASED ON USE
• Legal drugs ;are substances whose sale, possession, and use
are not forbidden by law but restriction can apply. Examples
are OTC and Prescription medicines.
• Illegal drugs; substances with no currently accepted medical
use in the US and other countries; also prescription drugs can
become illegal to use when diverted from proper use such as
morphine. Other illegal substances include cocaine & crack,
marijuana and harshish, heroin, tobacco, ectasy etc.
• Examples of commonly abused drugs

ALCOHOL COCAINE MDMA

METHAMPHETAMINE NICOTIN HEROINE

DEFINITION OF DRUG ABUSE

This is the habitual use of drugs not needed for therapeutic

purposes but solely for ecstasy ,pleasure and euphoria (farlex
Partner medical Dictionary).
Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain
chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the
brain.
FACTORS PREDISPOSING TO DRUG ABUSE

• Genetic predisposition- family trends

• Mental heath conditions such as depression, panic disorders
etc.
• Social and peer pressure –friends, celebrities & lifestyles
• Antisocial and social isolation
• Easy access to drugs with addictive potential
• Little or no parental supervision
EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS OF DRUG ABUSE.

• Infectious diseases
• Accidents
• Suicide
• Family problems
• Work issues
• Legal issues
• Financial problems
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS IN DRUGS ABUSE.
INTERVENTIONS; HOW CAN THESE MENACE BE
CURBED & WHAT ROLE CAN WE PLAY.

• School based preventions

• Family based preventions
• Community based preventions.