Drug And Substance Abuse – I JSS3 Basic Science Lesson Note

DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

A drug is a chemical substance which affects the action of the body. A drug is defined as any substance that causes physical and mental changes in the body. If drugs are used under proper medical supervision they can serve the following purposes; i—To save life   ii—To relieve suffering due to pain iii-To combat disease ( fight against diseases)

Drug abuse is defined as the usage of drugs without regard to medical prescription. Drug abuse may also be defined as excessive and persistent use for purposes that are not intended.

Types of Drug

i.-Licit drugs are drugs that are produced, sold, and used legally to treat diseases.   Examples; paracetamol, panadol, antibiotics, anti-malarial

ii. illicit drugs are drugs that are produced and sold illegally. Such drugs are used to alter the state of consciousness. Examples; Indian hemp, cocaine, heroin, valium, and madras. These drugs are known hazard drugs.

Substance abuse is the abuse of all substances apart from drugs. Other substances which can be abused include sugar, soft drinks, etc.

Drug addiction or Substance dependence is defined as a drug user’s compulsive need to use controlled substances to function normally. Drug addiction is a state of physical or psychological dependence on a drug.

Causes of Drug Abuse

i- Curiosity is the desire of the youth to have a taste.

ii-Lack of self-confidence especially when talking to the opposite sex e.g. girlfriend, talking in public.

Influence from peer pressure may make some youth become smokers and drunkards.

iii-Excitement to feel good.

iv-Frustration and stress.

Effects of Drug Abuse.

I- It may lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, and schizophrenia(mental illness).

Ii-It may lead to learning problems.

Iii-It may cause uncontrollable sexual urges.

Iv-It can lead to health problems such as stomach upset, damaged nostrils and lungs, and skin rashes.

V-It can cause a car accident.

Prevention of Drug Abuse

I-Inculcation of coping skills i.e. youth must have a strong determination to stop the abuse of drugs.

Ii-By engaging in positive social interaction i.e. youth should do away with peer partners that can lure them into drug taking.

iii-By embracing a healthy lifestyle through the following means

-youth should control their desire and appetites

-They should avoid smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol

-Youth should avoid self-medication when they are sick.

Strategies For a Healthy Drug–Free Life

-Seek counsel

-Stay engaged

-Educate yourself

-Setting achievable goals

-Spend time with the family and loved ones

-Avoid temptation

-Exercise yourself to reduce stress.

ASSIGNMENT

1. Which of the following is a hard drug? A. cocaine  B. penicillin C.aspirin D.tetracycline

2. Modes of drug abuse include the following except.  A sniffing  B. self-injecting. C oral.  D. doctor’s prescription.

3. The following substances are natural drugs except for A. kola nut B. tobacco Indian hemp D. paracetamol.

4. Which of the following agencies monitors the movement of hard drugs in and out of the country?  A. Nigeria immigration service  B. federal road safety Corps C. NDLEA D. Nigeria Airways.

5. Which of the following is not one of the characteristics of a healthy lifestyle?  A.Avoiding self-medication  B. Smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol  C.Eating good food always  D. Proper control of one’s desire and appetite