Effects Of Drugs Abuse SS2 Civic Education Lesson Note

EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE

Drugs are substances or mixtures used by people, based on medical prescription, for the prevention or total cure of ailments. However, anytime a drug is taken without a medical prescription or medical use it becomes abuse. The incidents of drug abuse have tremendous negative effects on the individual, family and society. The agencies working against or fighting for the reduction of drug abuse in Nigeria are NDLEA, NAFDAC, etc. 

Some of the effects of drug abuse are outlined below:

1. Individuals who abuse drugs become a problem for themselves and their families.
2. It leads to anxiety and a desire to use more of the drugs the victim is addicted to.
3. It causes depression and a change of mood.
4. Victims often result into committing crimes such as armed robbery, cultism, drug trafficking, rape etc.
5. School children who are into drug abuse mostly perform poorly in academics and eventually drop out of school.
6. Drug abuse is also a major cause of road accidents.
7. Sharing of needles used in injecting drugs into the body of victims increases the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.
8. It can lead to psychological problems and loss of memory.
9. It brings about low self-esteem and social stigma.
10. It can damage important organs of the body such as the kidney, liver, lungs, etc
11. It can lead to terminal diseases such as cancer, kidney failure etc.
12. It can lead to the break up of marriages.
13. Victims become a burden on members of the family.
14. It leads to a shortage of manpower and wastage of material resources.
15. Increases government spending on providing rehabilitation services for victims.
16. It can promote the bad image of the family and nation

PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE

It will be difficult to completely eradicate drug abuse in Nigeria. However, some measures can help to reduce the rate and dangers of drug abuse in our society. Below are some of the suggested remedies for the prevention of abuse of drugs.

1. Parental Intervention:  Parents can begin to serve as good role models and mentors for their children to emulate. Parental education of children about the dangers of drug abuse will go a long to reducing the rate of drug abuse in society.

2. Public Enlightenment Campaign and Seminars:  There should be regular campaign programmes and seminars where the public can be educated on the dangers of drug abuse to the individual, family and society at large.

3. Religious Intervention: Our religious bodies should sensitize their followers to the negative effects of drug abuse. The campaign should be emphasized in their various gatherings until there is a positive response.

4. Media Campaign:  The existing media in the country should promote programmes that would prevent the youths from going into illegal use of drugs. If the print and electronic media can engage in this kind of campaign it will help to reduce drug abuse in society. 

5. Sales should be done by professionals:  The sales and management of drugs should be done by qualified professionals such as pharmacists and doctors. People should not be allowed to transact drugs as other businesses that may not require expertise. 

6. Adequate Punishment for Offenders: There should be strict laws and adequate punishment for those who deal in drugs illegally.

7. School Intervention: Drug abuse, its negative effects and consequences should be made part of our school curriculum. Students should be taught how to live responsibly in society without depending on drugs.

8. Provision of Employment: Some people are involved in the abuse of drugs as a result of poverty and joblessness. When such people are engaged in productive ventures it will reduce their dependence on drugs.

9. Effective Drug Law Enforcement Agencies: The existing agencies in charge of drug law enforcement in Nigeria should be well equipped to enable them to carry out their responsibilities effectively.