Effects of Drugs Abuse – SS2 Civic Education Lesson Note (Second Term)

Drug abuse is the taking of drugs without a medical prescription or medical use.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain what drug abuse is;
2. state the causes and warning signs of drug abuse;
3. state the effects of drug abuse on the individual, the family and society;
4. name the agencies that work to reduce drug abuse in Nigeria;
5. suggest ways of preventing drug abuse.

What is drug abuse?

Drug abuse is the use of any drug without a medical prescription or medical reason.

• Drug: a substance or mixture used, on medical advice, to prevent or cure an ailment.
• Drug abuse: taking a drug in the wrong way, in the wrong amount or for no medical reason.
• Drug addiction: a state in which the body and mind depend on a drug and the user cannot stop.
• Examples of abused substances: Indian hemp, cocaine, heroin, alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs such as tramadol and codeine taken without a doctor’s advice.

What are the causes of drug abuse?

Drug abuse has several causes, and most of them are social or personal.

• Peer pressure: young people copy friends who use drugs so that they are accepted.
• Poverty and joblessness: some idle people turn to drugs to escape their problems.
• Curiosity: some people try a drug just to see how it feels.
• Stress and frustration: some people use drugs to forget worries.
• Poor home training: children who lack parental care and guidance are more likely to abuse drugs.
• Easy availability: drugs sold by unqualified persons are easy to buy.

What are the signs of drug abuse?

The signs of drug abuse are changes in a person’s behaviour, health and school or work record.

• Mood changes: sudden anger, sadness or restlessness.
• Poor performance: falling grades, absence from school or loss of interest in work.
• Secrecy: hiding from the family and keeping new, doubtful friends.
• Poor health and appearance: weight loss, red eyes and neglect of personal hygiene.
• Money problems: constant need for money and selling of personal items.

What are the effects of drug abuse?

Drug abuse harms the user, the user’s family and the whole society.

Effects on the individual

• Anxiety and craving: the victim feels anxious and wants to take more of the drug.
• Depression: it causes depression and sudden changes of mood.
• Psychological problems: it can lead to mental disorders and loss of memory.
• Low self-esteem: the victim loses self-respect and suffers social stigma.
• Organ damage: it can damage the kidney, liver and lungs.
• Terminal diseases: it can lead to diseases such as cancer and kidney failure.
• HIV/AIDS risk: sharing needles used for injecting drugs increases the risk of infection.
• Poor school performance: students who abuse drugs often do badly and may drop out of school.
• Crime: victims often turn to armed robbery, cultism, drug trafficking and rape.

Effects on the family

• Family trouble: the abuser becomes a problem to himself or herself and to the family.
• Burden: the victim depends on other family members for care and money.
• Broken marriages: drug abuse can lead to the break-up of marriages.
• Bad image: the family loses its good name in the community.

Effects on society

• Crime and insecurity: more robbery, cultism and violence in the community.
• Road accidents: drivers under the influence of drugs cause many accidents.
• Shortage of manpower: productive young people are lost to addiction, and material resources are wasted.
• Higher government spending: government must pay for rehabilitation services for victims.
• Bad national image: the nation gets a poor reputation abroad.

Summary table of effects

Which agencies work against drug abuse in Nigeria?

The main agencies against drug abuse in Nigeria are NDLEA and NAFDAC.

How can drug abuse be prevented?

Drug abuse cannot be removed completely, but the nine measures below can reduce its rate and dangers.

1. Parental intervention: parents act as good role models and teach children the dangers of drugs.
2. Public enlightenment campaigns and seminars: regular programmes educate the public on the effects of drug abuse on the individual, family and society.
3. Religious intervention: religious bodies warn their followers against drug abuse at gatherings.
4. Media campaigns: print and electronic media carry programmes that keep young people away from illegal drugs.
5. Sale of drugs by professionals: only qualified persons such as pharmacists and doctors should sell and manage drugs.
6. Adequate punishment for offenders: strict laws and firm punishment for illegal drug dealers.
7. School intervention: the effects of drug abuse should be part of the school curriculum, and students should learn to live responsibly without drugs.
8. Provision of employment: people who have productive work depend less on drugs.
9. Effective drug law enforcement agencies: agencies such as NDLEA should be well equipped to do their work.

Evaluation

1. What is drug abuse?
2. Name two agencies that work against drug abuse in Nigeria.
3. State five effects of drug abuse.
4. Explain how drug abuse can increase the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
5. Describe three ways in which drug abuse can be prevented.

Assignment

Explain how drug abuse affects the individual, the family and society, and discuss how parents, schools and the media can help to prevent it.