What is Drug Abuse?

Drug Abuse is an extremely desire to obtain, and use, increasing amounts of one or more substances.
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.

Addiction

The term addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences.

Drugs and alcohol are addictive substances. Once a person becomes addicted to these abuses, it is not easy to get rid of oneself. Their addiction and dependence could produce severe outcomes that may lead to a long-term problem and 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.

Abused Drugs Include The Use of :

• Heroin.
• Alcohol.
• Cocaine.
• Nicotine.
• Hallucinogens
• Marijuana.
• Club drugs.
• Anabolic steroids.

Alcohol and Drug Abuse: Prevention and Control

It is very true that a young and adolescent mind could be moulded in any direction depending on the kind of exposure they get. Unknowingly, they might befriend abusers and get into the habit of drinking, smoking or taking drugs. At this point of time, it is the responsibility of the parents as well as the teachers to handle the issue sensitively and guide them through the right direction without scolding or punishing them as these issues are very sensitive. 

Measures to Prevent Alcohol and Drug Abuse 

Measures which need to be taken to prevent and control alcohol and drug abuse are - 

• In our society, the youth are often pushed beyond their limits to excel in every field. Parents want their kids to outperform their peers in studies, sports, creativity, and every other activity. In the rush of performing well, the children tend to come under extreme pressure and have the tendency to take up alcohol and drugs as a mode of relaxation. 

• Continuous counselling is required to teach the child to deal with failures, pressures, stress, and disappointments. Productive activities such as music, painting, yoga, sports or one of their hobbies could also help.

• Children tend to pick up habits from their closed ones. Thus, the habits of parents and elder 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 provided from parents or even trusted friends who may guide them in the right direction, helping them vent out their anxiety and guilt.

• Parents must stay connected with the child, keeping a track of his/her whereabouts at all times. Spending more family time together will help them stay close and honest with their parents.

• Having good friends is equally important in the case of a child fallen prey to alcohol and drug abuse. 

• Immediate actions should be taken in these cases of alcohol and drug abuse as more delays may lead to serious issues. 

However, despite all the preventive measures, if the child still does get into the abuse, it is advised to 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.