The effects of drug abuse on Youth
The effects of drug abuse on Youth
By Okunlola Christiana Omolola
Any chemical that has a biological effect when given to a living being is considered a medication, with the exception of minerals and necessary dietary components. Drugs are used to alter the structure and function of the human body and to diagnose, treat, prevent, alleviate, or cure diseases. They can be ingested, absorbed, smoked, injected, or inhaled.
Here are 10 common effects of drug abuse:
- Physical health problems, including organ damage (liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs), a weakened immune system, and infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis from shared needles or risky behaviors.
- Mental health disorders, such as an increased risk of anxiety, depression, paranoia, and psychosis, which can be triggered or worsened by substance abuse.
- Cognitive impairment, affecting memory, attention, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Addiction, a chronic, relapsing brain disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences.
- Poor performance at work or school, leading to missed days, a decline in grades or work performance, job loss, or academic failure.
- Strained personal relationships, causing conflicts with family and friends due to behavioral changes, secretiveness, and a shift in priorities.
- Financial and legal troubles, resulting from spending money to support the drug habit, stealing, arrests for possession, or other drug-related crimes.
- Engaging in risky behaviors, such as driving while under the influence or having unprotected sex, which can lead to accidents, injuries, sexually transmitted diseases, and unplanned pregnancies.
- Overdose and death, which can occur from using large doses, mixing substances, or using drugs with unpredictable potency and unknown ingredients.
- Personality and behavioral changes, including increased aggression, mood swings, social isolation, loss of interest in hobbies, and erratic behavior.
