DRUG ABUSE AND

ALCOHOLISM

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther Njeri

DEFINITIONSDrug :Drug is any chemical substances that

change the way your body works.

Drug abuse :This is the the continued misuse of any substance for mood altering

Alcohol abuse :This is the recurring use of alcohol despite its negative consequences

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

DRUG ABUSETYPES OF DRUGS ABUSEDCannabis(marijuana)It’s a preparation of cannabis plant intended as a

psychoactive drug and medicine . Cannabis has psychoactive and physiological effects when

consumed. The immediate desired effects from consuming cannabis include relaxation and mild euphoria (the "high" or "stoned" feeling), while some immediate undesired side-effects include a decrease in short-term memory, dry mouth, impaired motor skills and reddening of the eyes.

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

TOBACCOIs type of drug used for making cigarettes, It contains

nicotine which is the stimulant that causes addiction the victims.

Immediate effectsUsers report feelings of relaxation,

sharpness, calmness and alartness.Those new to smoking may experience nausea, dizziness, increased blood pressure, narrowed arteries, and rapid heart beats. Generally, the unpleasant symptoms will eventually vanish over time, with repeated use, as the body builds a tolerance to the chemicals in the cigarettes.

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

KHATKhat has been grown for use as a stimulant

and is consumed by chewing its leaves.Khat consumption induces mild euphoria and

excitement, similar to that conferred by strong coffee. Individuals become very talkative under the influence.

Death and stroke following acute coronary syndrome  (clogging of the artery) may also occur.

04/13/2023prepared by Esther

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

ALCOHOLAlcohol abuse is a pattern of drinking that results

in harm to one’s health, interpersonal relationships, or ability to work.

Certain manifestations of alcohol abuse include failure to fulfill responsibilities at work, school, or home; drinking in dangerous situations, including the operation of a motor vehicle; legal concerns associated with alcohol use; and continued drinking despite problems that are caused or worsened by drinking.

It causes liver cirrhosis which critically damages the liver.

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

04/13/2023 prepared by Esther

MANDRAXSedative hypnotic drug of

the quinazolinone class that acts as a general central nervous system depressant.

Effects can include drowsiness, reduced heart rate, reduced respiration, increased sexual arousal, and numbness of the fingers and toes. Larger doses can bring about respiratory depression , slurred speech, headache, and a symptom of excessive sensitivity to light.

Mandrax use alters the brain chemicals, suppressing brain function so that the user becomes like a zombie.

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

REASONS FOR ADDICTIONFamily history of addictionAbuse, neglect, or other traumatic

experiences in childhoodMental disorders such as depression and

anxietyEarly use of drugsMethod of administration—smoking or

injecting a drug may increase its addictive potential

Peer pressure from friends and aswell schoolmates1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSEYou’re neglecting your responsibilities at school,

work, or home You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or

taking risks while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or having unprotected sex

Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble, such as arrests for disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to support a drug habit

Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the loss of old friends.

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ADDICTIONYou’ve built up a drug tolerance. You need to use more of the drug

to experience the same effects you used to attain with smaller amounts.You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms. If you go

too long without drugs, you experience symptoms such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating, shaking, and anxiety.

You’ve lost control over your drug use. You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to stop using, but you feel powerless.

Your life revolves around drug use. You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs, figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug’s effects.

You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy, such as hobbies, sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.

You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. It’s causing major problems in your life—blackouts, infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia—but you use anyway

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

Physical warning signs of drug abuseBloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usualChanges in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight

loss or weight gainDeterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming

habitsUnusual smells on breath, body, or clothingTremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination Behavioral signs of drug abuseDrop in attendance and performance at work or schoolUnexplained need for money or financial problems. May

borrow or steal to get it.Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviorsSudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbiesFrequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal

activities)

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

WHEN A LOVED ONE HAS A DRUG PROBLEM,Speak up. Talk to the person about your

concerns, and offer your help and support, without being judgmental

Take care of yourself. Don’t get so caught up in someone else’s drug problem that you neglect your own needs.

Avoid self-blame. You can support a person with a substance abuse problem and encourage treatment, but you can’t force an addict to change

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther

LETS JOIN UP AND FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE AND BUILD A STRONG NATION FOR OUR BRIGHT FUTURE.

1/9/2014 prepared by Esther