Prevention of Drug Abuse

The use of certain chemicals to produce pleasurable effects on the brain is referred to as drug
abuse or substance abuse. There are over 190 million drug users worldwide, and the problem is
growing at an alarming rate, particularly among young adults under the age of 30.
Drug abuse can be found in people of all ages and from all walks of life and socioeconomic
backgrounds. Men, on the other hand, are more likely to abuse drugs than women, single people
are more likely than married people, and city dwellers are more likely than rural dwellers. Drug
abuse is also more common among prisoners, street children, and younger people.
Many people are perplexed as to why and how others become addicted to drugs. They may
mistakenly believe that drug users lack moral principles or willpower and that they can simply
choose to stop using drugs. In reality, drug addiction is a complicated disease that requires more
than good intentions or a strong will to overcome. Drugs alter the brain in such a way that
quitting is difficult, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers now understand more
than ever how drugs affect the brain and have discovered treatments that can help people recover
from drug addiction and lead productive lives.
Causes of drug use

Drugs of abuse are typically psychoactive drugs that people use for a variety of reasons, which
may include:
-Curiosity and peer pressure, particularly in school-aged children and young adults.
-Prescription drugs, which were originally intended to relieve pain, may have evolved into
recreational use and become addictive.
-Chemicals can be used in religious practices or rituals.
-Uses for recreation.
-As a means of generating creative ideas.
Drug use and addiction are preventable.
While there is no single or guaranteed way to keep someone from abusing drugs or alcohol, there
are things that everyone can do to help prevent substance abuse. Prevention of drug abuse begins
with education, spreading the word about the dangers of drugs to oneself and the community.
Here are some other ways to prevent substance abuse:

1. Understand how substance abuse develops. Substance abuse begins with
Using addictive drugs for recreational purposes (illicit or prescribed),
Seeking intoxication with each use, and
Prescription medication abuse.
2. Avoid Temptation and Peer Pressure.
Avoiding friends and family members who pressure you to use substances will help you develop
healthy friendships and relationships. Peer pressure is a big part of adolescent and adult life. If
you want to stay drug-free, develop a good way to simply say no, prepare a good excuse, or plan
ahead of time to avoid succumbing to peer pressure.
3. Seek help for mental illness.
If you have a mental illness like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, you
should seek professional help from a licensed therapist or counselor. A professional will teach
you healthy coping skills to help you manage your symptoms without resorting to drugs or
alcohol.
4. Examine the risk factors.
The more you understand your biological, environmental, and physical risk factors, the more
likely it is that you will be able to overcome them.
5. Keep a well-balanced life.
When something in a person's life is missing or isn't working, they frequently turn to drugs and
alcohol. Practicing stress management skills can assist you in overcoming these life stressors and
living a balanced and healthy life.
6. Parental Supervision.
Drug and alcohol abuse prevention can begin at home. Parents can talk to their children about the
dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. Talking to children when they are young can contribute to the
establishment of drug awareness. This allows parents to have a positive influence on their
children while also teaching them about boundaries. Parental supervision has proven to be the
most effective method of slowing the spread of drugs in family situations.
7. Schools that have strict compliance rules and counseling support have had success in lowering
usage.
8. Programs should ensure that all aspects of drug abuse are addressed. This includes underage
use of legal drugs like alcohol and tobacco, as well as illicit street drugs, inhalants, and the
inappropriate use of legal drugs like prescription and over-the-counter medications.
9. Deal with life pressure.

People today are overworked and overburdened, and they frequently feel like they deserve a
break or a reward. But, in the end, drugs only make life more stressful — and many of us fail to
recognize this at the moment far too often. Find other ways to deal with stress and unwind
instead of using drugs as a reward. Get some exercise, read a good book, help the needy, or make
something. Anything positive and relaxing helps divert the mind away from the use of drugs to
relieve stress.
10. Develop goals and dreams for your future. These will help you in focusing on what you want
and in realizing that drugs and alcohol will simply get in your way and prevent you from
achieving your goals.
Drug abuse is a growing problem and prevention should be a priority in all of our homes and
communities.
Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse

Prevention of Drug Abuse

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Prevention of Drug Abuse

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Prevention of Drug Abuse

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

The use of certain chemicals to produce pleasurable effects on the brain is referred to as drug

Causes of drug use

Drug use and addiction are preventable.

Here are some other ways to prevent substance abuse:

9. Deal with life pressure.

Sources: National Institute on Drug Abuse

You might also like