Drug abuse includes addictions to alcohol, illicit and prescribed drugs. In urban and rural populations, youth and adolescents are most vulnerable to drug abuse as of a result of the unemployment rate across the world. Some of these illicit drugs include heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, syrups and tablets with codeine, alcohol, tramadol, flunitrazepam (roofies) and others.
Most drug abusers are lured into consumption by peer groups also due to the idleness which dominates the productive age group of 18-35 years. Drugs that are designed for intoxication are harmful substances capable of impacting negatively on the lives of people and they become more lethal when misused by addicts.
Clearly, it is better to address problems before they occur than after they have developed, the substance abuse is persistent and prevention can be difficult to achieve. Some consumers have to pass through rehabilitation process by seeking professional advices and consultations.
Effects of Drug Abuse amongst Youth
Young people who persistently abuse substances often experience an array of problems, including; academic difficulties, health-related problems (including mental health) and poor peer relationships. Additionally, there are consequences for family members, the community, and the entire society. Mr. Pius Akuchi, a psychologist with the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi said, “most cases of drug abuse and addiction start with peer group pressure. Psychologically, if they don’t participate in what their peers are doing, they feel unfilled”.
Health
Although drug and alcohol abuse remains one of the leading causes of death amongst the youth populations, and while these statistics are grim, youths continue to abuse drugs and alcohol. Continued abuse of drugs and alcohol cause increased risk of sexual transmitted diseases (STDs), drug-related health complications like depression and death like suicide, homicide and accidents.
Academics
Drug abuse has multiple negative effects on a student's academics, from continual absences to poor grades. The use of illicit drugs and alcohol can cause damaging academic problems that are difficult to recover from. Drug use can also cause mental and cognitive impairments that make it difficult for students to succeed in school.
Social and Economic Consequences
The social and economic costs related to youth substance abuse are high and expensive. They result from the financial losses and distress suffered by alcohol- and drug-related crime victims increased burdens for the support of adolescents and young adults who are not able to become self-supporting, and greater demands for medical and other treatment services for these youth (Iyobosa 2013).
Although drug and alcohol abuse remains one of the leading causes of death amongst the youth populations, and while these statistics are grim, youths continue to abuse drugs and alcohol. Continued abuse of drugs and alcohol cause increased risk of sexual transmitted diseases (STDs), drug-related health complications like depression and death like suicide, homicide and accidents.
Academics
Drug abuse has multiple negative effects on a student's academics, from continual absences to poor grades. The use of illicit drugs and alcohol can cause damaging academic problems that are difficult to recover from. Drug use can also cause mental and cognitive impairments that make it difficult for students to succeed in school.
Social and Economic Consequences
The social and economic costs related to youth substance abuse are high and expensive. They result from the financial losses and distress suffered by alcohol- and drug-related crime victims increased burdens for the support of adolescents and young adults who are not able to become self-supporting, and greater demands for medical and other treatment services for these youth (Iyobosa 2013).
By Aderibigbe Tolulope
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