Coco-bassey Esu|28 June 2016|10:21am
Cross River State Ministry of Health joined the world on the 26th June, 2016 to observe International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking with the theme 'LISTEN FIRST' as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.
The theme 'LISTEN FIRST' is an initiative to increase support for prevention of drug abuse and illicit trafficking that is based on science and is thus an effective investment in the well being of children, youth, families and their communities.
Drugs commonly abuse are opium, heroine, hashish, morphine, amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, psychotic tablets, precursor chemicals, among others. Nearly 200 millions people are using illicit drugs world wide according to the United Nations of Drug Control (UNODC).
To counteract both drug abuse and illicit trafficking, communities, families, schools, civil society, religious Organization and medias can do their parts to raise awareness about the dangers of narcotic. Drug trafficking is an industry working generally on a vicious cycle of the manufacture demand and then supply.
EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION.
Drugs are chemicals. Different drugs because of their chemical structures, can affect the body in different ways. Depending on the drug, it can enter the human body in a number of ways including injection and ingestion. When drugs enter the brain, they can actually change how the brain performs its jobs. These changes are what lead to compulsive drug use, the hallmark of addiction and Substance dependence with higher risk of bad out comes including injuries, accidents, risk of domestic violence, medical problems and death.
HEALTH PROBLEMS OF DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE.
Drug abuse and dependence affect every organ in the human body.
*Weaken the immune system and increasing susceptibility to infections.
*Cause cardiovascular conditions ranging from abnormal heart rate to heart attack.
*Cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
*Cause the liver to work harder, possibly causing significant damage or liver failure.
*Cause seizures, stroke and widespread brain damage that can impact all aspects of daily lives by causing problems with memory, attention and decision making.
*Bring about body changes such as breast development in men, dramatic fluctuations in appetite and increases in body temperature.
EFFECT ON THE BRAIN.
*Drugs have been shown to alter brain chemistry which can lead to compulsive craving, seeking and use. This then become Substance dependency.
*All drugs of abuse affect the brain's 'Reward' circuit which is part of the limbic system. Drugs hijack this 'Reward' system causing unusually large amounts of dopamine to flood the system that causes the high or euphoria associated with drug abuse.
BEHAVIORAL PROBLEMS OF DRUG ABUSE.
-Paranoia – Aggression – Hallucination. – Addiction. – Impaired judgment. – Impulsiveness. – Loss of self control.
BIRTH DEFECT.
Pregnant women who use illicit drugs are at risk of having extremely poor nutrition or developing sexually transmitted infections or have their babies born too soon or have withdrawal symptoms, birth defect and behavioral problems.
Coco-Bassey Esu
Is the media aide to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, CRS
