Solutions to Drug Addiction among Youth

INTRODUCTION

Drug abuse can be defined as any substance natural or synthetic, which when used changes the functioning of the central nervous system. These drugs negatively affect abusers as well as non- abusers and the society at large.

W.H.O defines drugs as a substance or thing which when taken in to the body, either by drinking , injecting or sucking are intoxicating, addictive and poisonous. i.e intoxicating means drugs that make a person very excited and makes it difficult for them to control their behavior.

Addictive means that one must keep on using the drug from time to time in order to live comfortably, lest they get serious problems. Poisonous means that these substances are harmful to the body and using them for long time may cause death.

DRUG USE REVIEW IN UGANDA

1. Schools

The available information shows that students are already affected by the drug abuse problem.i.e 60% of the school going children use Alcohol. (13-18 years ). More male drink than the female students.

2. Hospitals

Butabika national mental hospital reported that 20-10% of its admission today is a result of drug abuse.

3. Street children

Research conducted by “save the children”, and the UYDEL indicated that 9 out of 10 children on streets were abusing drugs.

4. Prisons

In mates especially in Luzira national prison have revealed a relationship between crime and drug abuse.

WHAT MAKES THESE YOUTH BECOME SO MUCH  ADDICTED TO DRUGS?.

This sounds to be a very hard question but it can be digested to get the result of it.

1. Geographical setup. This is mostly the environment in which we live. In some cases, these places are not so conducive. Much as we are the people to make them better places for us to live , some factors keep on hindering us in some way or the other. Most youth in town tend to be more addictive than those in rural. This is so because the population in town is large and stake holders tend not to bother much.
2. 2. Availability. In urban Centers especially, these drugs are on a large scale. They are sometimes sold in an open market. This makes it easy for people to easily access them.
3. Price/ Affordability. Just related to the above is its affordability. Most of these drugs are cheap which makes it easy for the users to have them in pretty. This however gives the low earners a chance to buy them since them aren’t costly.
4. Peer influence. Just like any other addition, drugs are also as a result of peer pressure, the band wagon syndrome has killed the youth more. Most people practice these acts simply because their friends have hence addiction.
5. Media promotion. Social media has played a tremendous work in bringing the youth to drugs. Some youth learn most of these practices and their usage largely on social media.
6. Ignorance. Youth sometimes do this practice out of ignorance. some find out the implications after being addicted already which makes it difficult for them to come out of them.
7. Stress. This is also one of the reasons people especially the youth go in to drugs. Most people have the mentality that drugs reduce stress. But in real sense, drugs increase stress. The addicts become more stressed.
8. Other factors, emotional strife, Legislation, self-Medication, curiosity, route of Administration, cultural roles, among others.

EFFECTS. These range from Health, Social, and Economic.

Health:

It leads to a number of diseases which include;

1. Heart diseases
2. Liver diseases
3. Cancer
4. Fetal disease (damages to unborn babies)
5. Brain drain, i.e. alcohol deprives the brain of oxygen and the results are severe.
6. Suicide.

Social and economic effects:

• Poverty: lots of money that should have been used to make life better is used to buy drugs. This leads to poverty which cripples the family.
• Malnutrition: Drug abusers think of their drugs and stomachs first. And since their income is limited, it is difficult for them and their families to feed on a balanced diet.
• Domestic violence: When one partner is under the influence of alcohol or any drug, they find it very hard to control their temper. This results into quarrels, fighting, and other forms of Child/ spouse abuse in a home.
• Road accidents: Police reports indicate that most of the road accidents on our roads in Uganda are caused by drunkard drivers and those who are under the influence of other drugs like, marijuana, cocaine, which are commonly chewed.
• Criminal offence: Alcohol and other illicit drugs stimulate the users and induce them to engage in crimes such as robbery, rape, etc.
• Reduction in ability: Alcoholism and other illicit drugs lead to increased absenteeism or late coming at work due to hang over and other alcoholic related illnesses.
• Loss of Employment: As a result of increasingly reduced productivity, the drug abusers can be discontinued from work.