DRUGS AND YOUNG PEOPLE

    Drugs are substances meant to be taken into the body.  It's required to alter the body's function either psychologically or physically. Drugs may be legal (alcohol, tobacco & caffeine) or illegal (cannabis, ecstasy, heroin, and cocaine). Drugs can be grouped as follows;

1. DEPRESSANTS: Depressant Drugs are the type of drugs that decreases the alertness of the body by slowing down the activity of the central nervous system. Examples of Depressants are heroin, analgesics, and alcohol.

2. STIMULANTS: Stimulant Drugs are drugs that increase the body's state of arousal by increasing the activity of the brain. Examples of Stimulants are caffeine, nicotine, and amphetamines.

3. HALLUCINOGENS: These are drugs that alter perception and can cause hallucinations such as seeing or hearing something that's not there. Examples of Hallucinogens are LSD and magic mushrooms.

     Young people (male and female) use drugs for a variety of reasons. Some of the reasons why young people take drugs include:

1. To feel good, relax, and forget their problems.

2. As a form of escape.

3. Out of curiosity.

4. To fit in or to prove a point (which usually not worth it).

5. To gain confidence.

6. To feel better: Some young people suffer from depression, anxiety, and other stress-related disorder. So, they take drugs to get relief.

7. To relieve boredom and stress.

It is in the nature of young people to take risks and experiment with new things. Parents, older siblings, friends, and even the media can influence a young person's decision to use drugs, directly or indirectly. Hard drugs impact negatively on a young person, both physically and mentally, especially mentally. It can lead to a young person having social problems.  Young people's brains are still growing and developing until their mid-20s. So, taking drugs can hinder or interfere with the development of the brain. The earlier a young person decides to start using drugs, the greater chances of getting addicted to it later in life. Taking drugs as a young person can result in having adult and health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleeping disorder.

The following Group are likely to use drugs;

Young people who are victims of child abuse, child sexual abuse, and other forms of trauma.

Young people who got exposed early to drugs and alcohol.

Young people who lack parental supervision.

Genetics

Having peers who use drugs.

Below are signs that indicate that a young person is using drugs;

 Being really tired and sad always

 Spending a lot of time alone.

 Quickly changing moods... between feeling happy and feeling bad.

 Losing interest in favorite things and so much more.

Parents can help in preventing their children from taking drugs by having a good relationship and communication with them. They (parents) need to be aware of what their kids do when they are alone or when they are with friends. Supervising what the kids watch and the kind of friends they keep is important too. Young people should be taught self-control and the importance of setting boundaries. Most importantly, teaching a young person to be mentally engaged and to have self-esteem can help keep them off drugs.

Dear young people, taking drugs will get you into a lot of trouble, drugs destroy your health and your future.

Stay away from drugs

Written by:

ORJI ELEYA AMAH
Code No.: OS/20A/1255
Course: Mass communication
Institution: Abia State University
State of Origin: Ebonyi