What is Drug Abuse?
Drug abuse is a serious public health problem that affects almost every community and family in some way. Each year drug abuse causes millions of serious illnesses or injuries. Abused drugs include the use of :
- Heroin.
- Alcohol.
- Cocaine.
- Nicotine.
- Marijuana.
- Club drugs.
- Anabolic steroids.
The term addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a human brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control, and those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.
Drugs and Alcohols are addictive substances. Once a person falls prey to their abuse, it is not easy to get rid or refrain oneself. Their addiction and dependence could produce severe outcomes. Adolescents are more prone to getting into these habits.
Alcohol and drug abuse is a very common problem that our society is facing today. This addiction results in serious and harmful effects, if it is left untreated. There are different types of treatment for drug abuse.
Let us explore into how alcohol and drug abuse can be prevented and controlled.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Prevention and Control
Young and adolescent minds could be moulded in any direction depending on the kind of exposure they get. They might befriend abusers and get into the habit of drinking, smoking or taking drugs. At this point in time, it is the responsibility of the parents as well as the teachers to handle the issue sensitively and guide them in the right direction.
Here are certain measures which need to be taken to prevent and control alcohol and drug abuse.
- Persistent counselling is required to teach the child to deal with failures, pressures, stress, and disappointments. In fact, guiding them towards productive activities such as music, painting, yoga, sports or one of their hobbies could also help.
- Children often pick up habits from their close ones. Thus, the attitude of parents and older siblings towards alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs also affect the child’s choices.
- In case the child is stressed out and on the verge of abuse, help must be sought from parents or even trusted friends who may guide them in the right direction, thereby helping him vent out their anxiety and guilt.
- Parents must stay connected with the child, keeping a track of his whereabouts at all times. Spending more time with the family will help be open and honest with their parents.
- If it is found that children have fallen prey to alcohol and drug abuse, their friends must immediately bring this to the notice of their parents or teachers, so that the latter could take remedial measures for the same. Counselling can be given to students at school to ensure that others students are willing to speak out and help their friends in trouble.
- However, despite all the prevention measures, if unfortunately, the child does get into the abuse, seek professional aid. There are a number of rehabilitation centres, de-addiction programs and qualified psychiatrists who would help to get rid of the problem.
To learn more about alcohol and drug abuse, visit BYJU’S.
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