The most commonly used drugs in society today are tobacco and alcohol. Illegal drugs such as PCP (Angel Dust) and LSD are common among young adults, while legally available tranquilizers are most frequently taken by elderly persons.
Problems associated with taking drugs are those that cause harm to the drug user. The problems could result in bad effects that could vary from being physical , psychological , emotional to legal in nature.
Some of the problems associated with taking drugs are as follows:
- The first problem is consuming too many drugs. Consumption of a drug can lead to a problem if a dose larger than that prescribed is taken at one time, or if the drug is used more often than prescribed. The result of such actions can vary from disagreeable side effects to drug dependence, to death.
- The second problem is consuming drugs frequently for a long period of time. This problem is commonly associated with taking medicinal drugs like tranquilizers. People who regularly consume these drugs will find it very hard to discontinue use because they have become too reliant on them.
- The third problem is consuming drugs for the wrong reasons. Drugs such as alcohol are commonly consumed for the wrong reasons. For example, alcohol is consumed at a birthday party or during Thanksgiving , but if it is consumed to ‘drown a particular sorrow’ or as a response to feelings of disillusionment and discontent, then it is being consumed for the wrong reason.
The fourth problem is consuming drugs without following directions. This problem emanates from consuming drugs without reading, or reading but not properly understanding the recommended dosages according to different age groups, as well as warnings about improper use that are regularly printed on the container of each drug . Problems can also arise if the quantity of drug consumed is either lesser than what has been prescribed, or if consumption is discontinued earlier than the prescribed period of usage.
The fifth problem is consuming a combination of two or more drugs. Drugs are frequently taken simultaneously with other drugs either unintentionally or purposely. This problem could have effects that are dangerous in nature or even fatal .
The sixth problem is consuming very dangerous drugs. Problems caused by taking drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and American’s most dangerous drug methamphetamine can be very serious and even fatal. There are no legal reasons for the consumption of such drugs. There is nothing that distinguishes the use and abuse of these drugs. To use them means the same as to abuse them.
In my opinion, the best way to prevent problems associated with taking drugs is to take primary as well as secondary steps. The primary step involves implementing a massive education campaign on 3 levels: the family, school, and media. The family is the key to educating children and teens. Research has proved that the primary cause why children do not indulge in the use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs is due to their parents’ abstinence from the usage of such drugs. In addition to being positive role models, parents should engage in regular, two-way communication and interaction with their children, explaining the problems associated with taking drugs, and , helping them choose friends wisely, as the influence of bad friends constitutes arguably the most common way children are enticed into using drugs. Schools should have strong drug education programs where the full explanation of problems related to taking drugs should be imparted. It is also recommended that graphic scenes of unfortunate drug users suffering the consequences of their misguided addiction should be shown as this will depict the stark reality that strongly underlines the improper usage of drugs. Similar drug education programs, accompanied by graphic visuals, should be run by different sections of the media regularly so that the problems associated with taking drugs are constantly highlighted to educate the audience. The secondary step involves governmental action in the form of increasing punishment terms for drug offenders, increasing surveillance at our country’s borders to prevent smuggling of drugs, coordinating with international organizations to tackle the production of drugs and drug cartels globally, and following the example of countries like the U.K, Portugal, and Belgium, and decriminalizing drugs like marijuana.
References
ANON. (N.d.). Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drugs: National Crime Prevention Council. 2007. Web.
ANON. 2007. Straight Facts about Drugs & Drug Abuse: Health Canada. Web.