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Understanding Drug abuse
Drug abuse is the taking of drugs which harm the physical, mental or social well-being of an individual, in doses above or for periods beyond those normally regarded as therapeutic or general usage.
Why Drug Abuse?
- Curiosity
- Boredom / kills time
- Pleasure - seeking
- Peer influence
- Over - confidence
- Escape from reality
- Misbelieve that drugs can improve sexual performance
- Weak personality / cannot stand crisis in life
- Lack of parental care / broken families
- Wrongly think that the drugs would not cause addiction
Common Drug of Abuse
| Narcotics |
e.g. |
Dipipanone (Wellconal) |
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Heroin |
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Methadone |
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Physeptone |
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Morphine Ampoules |
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Opium |
| Hallucinogens |
e.g. |
Cannabis |
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Cannabis resin |
| Depressants |
e.g. |
Barbiturates |
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Methaqualone (Mandrax) |
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Gamma Hydroxybutyric Acid (GHB) |
| Stimulants |
e.g. |
| Amphetamines |
- Ice |
| - Phentemine |
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Cocaine |
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MDMA (Ecstasy) |
| Tranquillizers |
e.g. |
Benzodiazepines |
| Others |
e.g. |
| Cough Medicine |
- Codeine |
| - Dextromethorphan |
| Organic Solvents |
- Gasoline |
| - Paint / liquid paper thinner |
| - Lighter fuel gas |
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Ketamine |
Harmful Effects of Drug Abuse
- Contract diseases e.g. AIDS, hepatitis B and tetanus by sharing infected needles
- Distorts perception of and response to the environment causing harm to oneself and to others
- Alters behaviour
- Adversely affects health and body functions e.g. brain, liver, lungs, kidneys, heart
- Acute intoxication and death
- Leads to poor appetite, malnutrition and weight loss
- Become addicted
- School and work performance may deteriorate
- Since a lot of money is needed to buy drugs, one may commit crimes, become imprisoned and destroy one's future. Problems appear in interpersonal relationships and one can lose friends and even family
Saying "NO" is the only way to protect yourself.
Remember: Other people can't make you abuse drug if you don't want to.
Ten Ways to Say "NO"
- Just simply say "NO"
- Refuse strongly. "Don't push me...... I said No!"
- Talk about the consequences of drug abuse. "This thing will make me sick"
- Find an excuse to leave. "Sorry, I have to go for my tennis lesson now."
- Talk about something else."Oh! I am going on a trip next week."
- Suggest other options. "Here. Have some chocolates."
- Refuse subtly."I am allergic to many drugs, so I can't take any without doctor's prescription."
- Make friends carefully. Stay away from bad people. "You don't need to tempt me. None of my friends take them. It's more fun to play basketball."
- Mention your parents."My dad won't let me take them."
- Mention professional advice."Drugs? Let me ask my doctor first."
Ways to Refrain From Drug Abuse
- Cultivate a happy family
- Develop good hobbies e.g. drawing, singing
- Participate in recreational activities
- Express and ventilate your feelings
- Share your problems with your family members, teachers or social workers
- Keep away from all abused drugs
* Remember to say "NO" to these drugs when being offered
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