Drug Addiction and Drug Abuse

Throughout human history, most countries and cultures of the world have had problems with the use and abuse of drugs. The earliest annals of history record that the drugs have been used for different reasons mostly religious, medicinal and for pleasure. For example, alcohol and opium were well known for the culture of the Ancient Egyptian Empire. Cannabis was often used in ceremonial rites in the Hindu and Indian and Chinese medicine. The problems associated with drugs, therefore, are not new.

Today, the drug problems have become more varied and more comprehensive and complicated. The natural drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, the gat, and opium, which previously were used by some cultures and in traditional lifestyles, have been increasingly exploited and its use has now reached an epidemic level . Synthetic drugs such as amphetamines, barbiturates and a variety of sedatives and tranquilizers are readily available in both legal and illegal markets.

To this we must add the growing practice among young people in some countries of inhaling solvents in paints and adhesives.

The level of drug use is increasing in most countries. Drugs are being consumed more frequently and in larger amounts. There is also a tendency to use a mixture of different drugs or combining drugs with alcohol.

In particular, we must pay attention to the abuse of cocaine as the drug of dependence occurs. Today, its abuse is reaching epidemic levels in some parts of the world and is spreading rapidly to others. The traditional practice of chewing coca in the Andean region is being replaced in the cities of South America by smoking coca paste. The habit of opium eating among rural cultures of South Asia, is being replaced by the use of injected heroin or smoked.

The drug culture entails a number of social and economic problems, including crime, violence and neglect of family life. Many countries are increasingly concerned about the level of drug abuse.

To prevent abuse of drugs is important to identify the main reasons why people resort to their use. Then, we must take practical steps to overcome this motivation. The reasons why drugs are used vary widely within each culture. Even within the same country, prevention programs will have to vary according to local problems.

In northwestern Afghanistan and in parts of Pakistan, India, Myanmar and Thailand, where a shortage of rural health services, opium is used as a home remedy to ease the pain and hardship caused by the cold and the rigors of life. Therefore, emphasis must be placed on these priority before we can deal with the problem of drugs.

What should be prevented? Who should carry out prevention? At the official level, there are agreements to control the movement and export of drugs. Nationally, the control depends on the police, customs and government regulation. Usually, the best prevention measures are those developed by people within their own culture and social life. Religious groups can play a very effective prevention of alcohol abuse and snuff by teaching moral values and self-discipline.

The problems of drug abuse are among the most destructive threats of modern life. For prevention to be effective, considerable efforts by government authorities, more widespread education and awareness campaigns, and active participation of the community.

Tags: Drug, Drug Problems