Say no to drug abuse by Akonu O Emmanuel

 THE MENACE OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUTH ELITES OF THE 21ST CENTURY

Drugs are substance that change the way a person acts feels and behaves and when is taken as overdose the term drug abuse is applicable. Example of drugs are Cocaine, marijuana, heroin and prescription pills. Drug abuse is also known as drug addiction and is defined as chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive seeking and use, despite its harmful consequences. The initial decision of drug taking is voluntary but repeated uses leads to its addiction. Addiction of any form is dangerous and so it must be discourage among youth.

Before I go further I would explain some terms

Youth is the period in young person life between the age of 20 to 40

Elite is a group of powerful people who hold a Disproportionate amount of wealth, privileges, political power, or skill in a group.

The 21st (twenty-first) century is the current century in the Anno Domini era or Common Era, under the Gregorian calendar. It began on January 1, 2001 (MMI) and will end on December 31, 2100 (MMC).

Drug abuse have now be on the rise in the 21st century as more youth tend to take it to escape from reality. They feel it will help them cope with whatever feelings they are trying to mask, the sad truth is after using these drugs many of the users have a feeling of regret and feel worse than they were before. Drugs abuse ruins a youth finances, health, academics, destroy your relationship, and can cause mind anxiety psychopathic response, Violence, crime, vagrancy, attempted suicide, loss of interest in formally enjoying activities, Suffer jail over it and even cause death.

HEALTH RISKS OF COMMONLY USED DRUGS INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

 Cocaine — Risk of heart attack, stroke and seizures

 Ecstasy — Risk of liver failure and heart failure

    

 Inhalants — Risk of damage to heart, lungs, liver and kidneys from long-term use

 Marijuana — Risk of impairment in memory, learning, problem solving and concentration; risk of psychosis — such as schizophrenia, hallucination or paranoia — later in life associated with early and frequent use

 Methamphetamine — Risk of psychotic behaviors from long-term use or high doses

 Opioids — Risk of respiratory distress or death from overdose

 Electronic cigarettes (vaping) — Exposure to harmful substances similar to

exposure from cigarette smoking; risk of nicotine dependence.

These are clearly negative impact on today's society and it is not a secret that drugs kill brain cells and addiction is hard to get rid of.

Drugs abuse has become the major factor leading to increase in

 School dropout

 premature pregnancy among girls  Illiteracy

 Robbery,etc.

COMMON REASON WHY THE YOUTH ABUSE DRUGS ARE;

1. Depression 2. peer group influence 3. Socioeconomic status. 4. Stress and ability to cope with it. 5. Parental and familial involvement. 6.History of abuse or neglect

WAYS IN WHICH WE CAN REDUCE IT ARE:

1. Government agency like the NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency) and NAFDAC (National agency for food and drug administration and control can help fight drug abuse.

2. When there is an increase in community advice and counseling to reduce substance abuse.

3. Educate and pray for them (Emphasize how drug use can affect the things that are important to them— such as sports, driving, health and appearance.)

4. Increase access to skill-building opportunities for parents and adults working with youth to reduce youth use

5. Change consequences for youth charged with minor in possession to support reducing substance abuse

  

6. Consider media messages. Social media, television programs, movies and songs can glamorize or trivialize drug use.

7. Discuss ways to resist peer pressure. Brainstorm with the youth about how to turn down offers of drugs.

8. Encourage youth to keep a well-balanced life. People often turn to drugs and alcohol when something in their life is missing or not working. Practicing stress management skills can help you overcome these life stressors and will help you live a balanced and healthy life.

9. Leaders should set a good example. If you drink, do so in moderation. Use prescription drugs as directed by your doctors don’t take overdose.

In committed to making the right choice though they may be times where you want to throw in the towel don’t worry nothing bad is going to happen to you if you stay strong it just the mind trying to convince you that you need your presence craving, and at the end you will be happier, stronger, healthier and recovered.