Drug abuse is the use of drugs in a way that is harmful to the body or mind.

Substance abuse is the harmful use of substances such as alcohol, tobacco, or chemicals that can affect health, behavior, and social life.

1. Stimulants – e.g., cocaine, caffeine, amphetamines


2. Depressants – e.g., alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills


3. Hallucinogens – e.g., LSD, marijuana


4. Opioids – e.g., heroin, codeine, tramadol


5. Inhalants – e.g., glue, petrol, paints


6. Tobacco products – e.g., cigarettes, snuff

a) Short-term effects

1. Dizziness and confusion


2. Nausea and vomiting


3. Increased heart rate or blood pressure



4. Poor judgment and risk-taking behavior

b) Long-term effects

Physical health problems

1. Stomach upset


2. Damage to nostrils and lungs (from inhaling drugs)


3. Skin rashes


4. Injection abscesses (from using needles)

Mental health problems

1. Anxiety, depression, and hallucinations


2. Reduced intelligence and poor concentration

Social effects

1. Neglect of family responsibilities


2. Poor academic performance


3. Crime and social disorder

1. Peer pressure from friends


2. Curiosity or desire for pleasure


3. Stress or emotional problems


4. Poverty or unemployment


5. Influence of media and advertisements

1. Education and awareness about the dangers of drugs


2. Strong family guidance and parental control


3. Engagement in productive activities such as sports and hobbies


4. Avoiding bad company or peer pressure


5. Counseling and rehabilitation for those at risk

NAFDAC – National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control

1. Controls production, importation, exportation, distribution, and sale of drugs


2. Ensures that only safe and approved drugs are available to the public


3. Educates people on drug safety

NDLEA – National Drug Law Enforcement Agency

1. Enforces laws against the production, trafficking, and use of illegal drugs


2. Arrests and prosecutes drug traffickers


3. Provides rehabilitation for drug addicts

1. Taking drugs or herbal medicine without medical supervision


2. Using drugs or herbal medicine to get high or for recreation


3. Sharing drugs or herbal medicine meant for one person with others


4. Overdosing or combining drugs/herbal medicine recklessly


5. Believing herbal medicine is always safe and using it in excess

Examples of misuse of herbal medicine:

1. Taking herbal remedies for long periods without prescription


2. Using herbal mixtures to cure serious diseases without consulting a doctor


3. Mixing different herbal preparations dangerously

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CONCLUSION

• Drug and substance abuse, including misuse of herbal medicine, is harmful to the body, mind, and society


• Education, awareness, and proper guidance help to reduce abuse


• Agencies like NAFDAC and NDLEA help us to control and regulate drugs and harmful substances