There is an alarming rate of drug abuse by youths which requires urgent intervention of government, parents and the society at large. Many of these young people decide to use illicit drugs for several purposes; for fun/pleasure, to gain the approval or admiration of their peers, as stimulants, to relieve stress and also for entertainment.
They experiment with several illicit drugs such as; marijuana, cough medicine containing codeine, cocaine, hallucinogens and even painkillers. It’s heart-breaking to watch the promising future of these young ones waste away due to the adverse effect of the use of drugs. Effects of illicit use of drugs can be seen in their physical health, mental health and social life. Many young people involved in the illicit use of drugs die from drug-related illnesses and incidents of car accidents.
But, why do young people get entangled in the web of drug addiction? Many of them do so in order to gain the approval of their peers due to pressure from same. Some engage in such acts to build up their confidence, to stimulate themselves or even to increase their energy to do some works. Also, the presence of an older adult who engages in illicit drug abuse encourages the younger ones to follow suit.
The effects of drug abuse can be temporary or lifelong:
· Physical health effects can be devastating, some of which result in health-related issues such as kidney disease, heart attack, liver damage, high blood pressure, weak immune system and so on.
· Mental effects causing malfunctioning of the brain leading to depression, anxiety, addiction, hostility, paranoia, psychosis etc.
· Social effects includes loss of friends, poor academic performance, inability to keep a job, legal issues, financial instability and personal challenges.
The continual use of drugs by our younger generation poses a threat to the society at large. They continue to engage in illicit drug abuse sometimes to forget their personal problems or to gain peer approval, all these to the detriment of their physical, mental and social life. The effects are devastating and sometimes lead to death if it is not curbed.
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