Drugs and drugs abuse

SOCIALLY SIGNIFICANT DISEASE:
Any abnormal change that causes distress and discomfort to the lives of both the concerned person and the people around him nay be termed as socially significant diseases.

DRUG:
A drug is defined as any chemical substance that alters the physiological state of living organism.Drugs are widely used in medicine for the prevention,diagonis and treatment of diseases.They include analgesics,antibiotics,anesthetics,antihistamines and anticoagulants.The term drug is derived from the French word drouge that means a dry herb.The study of drug is called pharmacology.

DRUG ABUSE:
Abuse means wrong or bad use.Thus,drug abuse indicate misuse or bad use of drugs.
Drug abuse may be defined as the use od any substance in an illegal and unmedical way that alters the ability of individual.In most cases,drug abuse involves the agents that affect the higher functions of the brain and that are used to alter mood and perception.In fact some drugs are taken for pleasurable effects.These include narcotics(stimulants)such as cocaine and amphetamine,hallucinogens such as L&D and some tranquilizers.

DRUG ADDICTION:
Prolonged use of drugs which may lead to the dependence of the body as them is called drug addiction.

CAUSES OF DRUG ADDICTION:
There are number social,economical and other reasons which may compel to person to take drugs.
a)A person may experiment because his or her friends suggest it.
b)To satisfy his own curiosity.
c)For the feelings of relaxation.
d)To escape from difficult or unpleasant situation.
e)In search of more satisfying life.
f)Some people take them to increase their working capacity.
g)To become fashionable.
h)To reduce their mental tension.

PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS:
The drugs which act on the brain and alters the perception and behavior of a person are called psychotropic drugs.Due to this,these drugs are also referred to as mood altering drugs.
According to the mode of action,the psychotropic drugs are classified into two types:

a)NARCOTICS:
These have depressing effects on the activation of central nervous system.Eg Opium and its derivation

b)STIMULANTS:
These increase the activities of CNS.

EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE:
a)On continued intake of drugs,the abuser become drug dependent.
b)The drug addict loses control over the quantity and frequency of taking drugs.
c)Drug abusers escape from their duties and responsibilities.
d)There is marked decline in their academic and working performance.
e)They start losing appetite and body weight.
f)Loss of interest in hobbies,sports ,class and friends.
g)The addicts feel unusual smells,strains or marks.
h)Speech is slurred.
i)They become irresponsible,irritable ,unreliable and socially withdrawn.
j)They encourage smuggling.

CONTROL MEASURE OF DRUG ADDICTION:
Drug addicts can be cured by applying the following major steps:
a)Early detection treatment and rehabilitation of addicts.
b)parents should set a warm and friendly atmosphere at home.
c)motivation of the addicts to make their mind up for detoxification.
d)The youth should be motivated to be involved in the fight against drug abuse.
e)By educating the community about the problem of drug addiction.
f)Enforcement of laws,rules and regulation for the control of supply of drugs.