Social
influences that contribute to adolescent substances abuse in the Context of
Bangladesh
Br. Graner
Gilbert Ritchil, CSC.
General Introduction:
For many adolescents, a
certain amount of uprising against parental authority in particular, and adult
authority in general, seems parts of making one’s own decisions and living
one’s own life. In addition, during the process of identity formation,
experimentation with new attitudes, moods, and roles is commonplace.
In
recent times specially, this combination of rebellion and experimentation has
made drug abuse a part of most young people’s lives at one point or another.
This has been reported in many studies, most particularly an annual nationwide
survey of high school seniors. Consistently for the past 15 years, at least
nine out of ten have tried alcohol, two out of three have tried tobacco, and
half have tried illegal drugs. In 1988, for example, 92 percent had already
tried alcohol, and 61 percent had tried an illegal drug.
In
this study as well as in other research, many students began their drug abuse
before the twelfth grade, with the use of tobacco and alcohol before ninth
grade being predictive of use of illegal drugs in high school. Most high school
drug users will continue using drugs in college and young adulthood, often
experimenting with additional substances.
World Health Organization (WHO) defines Drug; it is a
chemical substance of synthetic, semi synthetic or natural origin intended for
diagnostic, therapeutic or palliative use or for modifying physiological
functions of man and animal. Drug addiction is now prevalent everywhere in
Bangladesh; in the house, streets, in the workplace, parks, slums, markets and
even in educational institutions both in rural and urban areas. Virtually all sectors
of society are severely affected by this problem. Near about 25 lakh people are
drug addicted. In Bangladesh about 80 percent of the drug addicts are
adolescents and young men of 15 to 30 years of age. The spread of multiple drug
use has aggravated the overall problem, personal and social days function,
impairment of health, crime and other violent behavior.
Young
people abuse drugs due to complex social and peer groups influence,
frustration, depression, curiosity, sub-cultural and psychological environment
that induce the youths to take drugs. Major risk factors responsible for drug
abuse are family disorganization, parental neglect, parent-child conflict, loss
of spouse strife, indiscipline, isolation, lack of emotional support, rejection
of love, over protection, unemployment, repeated failure and personality mal
adjustment and easy availability of drugs. Effects of drug abuse know no bound.
There are physical, psychological, familial, social, economic and National
effects. Drug addiction leads to disintegration of family lies. The drug
addicts in a threat to the family Because of the hostile behavior of the drug
abuser the family in at risk. Normal activities of the family disrupt due to
antisocial activities of the abuser. The drug addict youth drops out from
school/college or university education. The service holder loses his job
because of irregularities. Social isolation and alienation are very common.
Family of the drug addict became isolated from the community the drug abuser
swallows the lion share of family income because of buying drugs. Drug addictionisbecoming asocialproblem inBangladesh.
Drugs
available in Bangladesh:
The importers and manufactures are advertising these goods
very attractively in electronic and print media. Under influence of these
advertisements the so-called energy drinks are gaining popularity among the
young generation very rapidly. The trends of the social, cultural and
behavioral changes among our young generation, particularly the emerging of so
many recreational clubs, culture of raving parties, night clubs, disco parties
and DJ parties in Dhaka indicate a favorable environment of the emergence of
Ketamine abuse in Bangladesh, because Ketamine co-exists with these situations
almost everywhere in the world. In response to a proposal from INCB, Ketamine
has been declared and included as drug in the schedule of the Narcotics Control
Act, 1990(Rahman Mahbubur: 2014).
Opium:
1.
Heroin
2.
Pethedine
3.
Cocaine
Cannabis(Marijuana):
1.
Ganja
2.
Chorosh
3.
Bhang
4.
hashish
Stimulant:
1.
Yaba (methamphetamine 30% and caffeine 70%)
2.Ectasy
3.
Viagra(sildenafil)
Sleeping
pill:
1.
Tranquilizer
2.
Diazapam;
Cough
syrup:
1.Phensidyl
(codine, pseudoephedrine and chlorpheniramine)
2.
Dexpotent
3.
Glue
Drug
addicted in percentage:
1.
Male 93.9 %
2.
Female (in Dhaka city) 20.6 %
3.
Unmarried 64.8 %
4.
Either students or unemployed (youth generation) 56.1 %
5.
Smokers 95.4 %
6.
Influenced by friends 85.7 %
7.
Addicted to codeine-containing cough syrup 65.8 %
8.
Addicted to more than one drug 64.3 %
9.
Took drugs in groups 65.8 %
10. A history of unprotected sex
63.8 %. (Rahman Mahbubur: 2014)
Drug use, misuse or abuse is also primarily due to the
nature of the drug abused, the personality of the individual and the addict’s
immediate environment. Drug abuse among adolescents is clearly related to the
developmental pressures. They discovered that the use of drugs can assume
developmental relevance in 6 ways(Rahman Mahbubur: 2014):
1. A deliberate violation of social
norms
2. Testing whether the adolescent is
able to behave like an adult.
3. Excessive and ritualized
behaviour in the sense of testing one’s limits.
4. A lack of self-control and thus
an indicator of “underdevelopment.”
5. An age-related life-style, aimed
at peer-group integration.
Methodology:
This
was a cross sectional study conducted in two prime hospitals in Dhaka,
Bangladesh. The centers were “National Institute of Mental Health” (NIMH) which
is a leading mental health institution of the country and the second one was
“Central Drug Addiction Treatment Centre”(CTC) at Tejgaon, Dhaka-the only
government center devoted for treatment of substance abuse disorder(Rahman
Mahbubur: 2014). Considering
the prevalence of the substance use disorder, patient business in these
hospitals and funding obliged, local expert researcher’s opinion and
statistical sampling technique; a sample size more than hundred would be a good
representative sample for the study. The inclusion criteria were age 18 years
or more and fulfil the criteria of Substance Use Disorder according to DSM.
However, those who had severe psychotic feature were excluded from the study.
To achieve the desired sample, 109 patients were approached. It resulted a
sample size of 101 where sixty-one respondents were from National Institute of
Mental Health and forty respondents were interviewed from Central Drug
Addiction Treatment Centre (CTC). Consecutive sampling was done using a
predefined semi structure questionnaire for the study. That included
socio-demographic variables such as gender, age, educational level, employment
status, marital status, monthly family income. Another semi structure
questionnaire was developed based on existing sociocultural factors in the
literature and experience in Bangladeshi culture. A prior permission was taken
from the director of NIMH and CTC, in addition all-official procedure was also
maintained. Informed consent was taken from the patients who were willing to
give interview and was assured of confidentiality and freedom of choice for
participation. After collecting the data, it was checked and rechecked for
omissions, inconsistency and improbabilities. After cleaning the data, it was
edited, coded and entered into the computer. Data analysis was performed by
Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). The study was approved by the
Ethical Review Committee of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
Chapter I:
Environmental causes of substance abuse and
addiction:
Introduction:
The problem of drug abuse during adolescence is really two
problems. One applies to all adolescents, whose poor judgment about when and
how to experiment with drugs might lead to fatal accidents or other serious
consequences.
Another applies to a group of
adolescents who use drugs as an attempt to solve or forget long-standing
problems. For them, drugs may bring temporary relief but, as time goes on, add
to their difficulties with growing up. Many of them have other problems as
well- with school, with sexual relationships, with the law- problems that are
made worse by drug abuse.
Substance abuse does not follow a pattern. It does not have
a set of rules that determine whether or not someone will develop an addiction.
So, there are the causes and contributing factors of substance abuse, while not
everyone who is exposed to certain factors develops dependency on drugs and
alcohol, there has been a correlation between certain environmental, individual
or genetic and social factors and substance abuse and addiction.
A
World Health Organization (WHO) report, entitled “Neuroscience of Psychoactive
Substance Use and Dependence”, details many environmental and individual
factors, including genetics that contribute to Substance Abuse and Addiction.
Environmental risk factors include availability of drugs, poverty, social
changes, peer influences, employment status, type of occupation and cultural
attitudes.
Deviant peer relationship:
The influence of peers
on adolescent substance abuse often exists in the form of deviant peer
relationships, wherein an adolescent associate with a group of people who use
substances, or in the form of perceived popularity.
Research has shown that deviant peer relationships are positively associated
with adolescent substance abuse. It is possible that a shared inclination to
use drugs and alcohol attracts deviant individuals to form peer groups or that,
in order to gain social standing or join a group, individuals are motivated to
use substances and thus form a deviant peer group(Rahman Mahbubur: 2014.).
Entry
into deviant peer groups has also been shown to be significantly associated
with negative parent-child relationships, which can cause adolescents to seek
deviant connections in their social sphere. Equally, parental involvement and
respect for parents have been negatively associated with substance use. This is
consistent with the above-mentioned findings regarding positive parent-child
relationships as a protective factor. This is an example of a way in which
factors from familial and social spheres may work for or against each other in
leading to adolescent substance use. Some researchers have also found that
adolescents who grow up in unstable community environments (defined to include
lower levels of employment and less access to resources) are actually less
susceptible to deviant peer influences. This may be because privileged
adolescents may not be exposed to substance use except via peers, whereas
underprivileged adolescents face more risk factors, and thus peer influence decreases
comparatively. It may also be a result of lower perception of risk of mild
experimentation with substances within privileged communities.
Peer pressure & popularity:
Similarly, peer
pressure and perceived popularity have been shown to be associated with
increased risk for adolescent substance abuse. Specifically, when adolescents
believe that their popularity within a peer group increases with the use of
substances, they are more likely to participate in such substances use.
Adolescents who self-identify as popular have shown to have increased
prevalence of substance use when compared to adolescents who do not identify
this way. There may also be a greater correlation between substance use and
self-identification of popularity than between substance use and popularity as
assessed by peers. Though research into specific types of social motivation is
limited, one study revealed that adolescents who seek to be the leader of a
group or to stand out above others are more inclined to smoke cigarettes, which
can be perceived as an association with maturity, whereas those who seek to be
accepted by a group are more inclined towards alcohol use, which is perceived
as a communal activity. Boys may also be more likely to engage in smoking to
improve their social image, whereas girls more often do so as a form of stress
relief.
Much of the literature regarding the
influences of peer relationships on adolescent substance use focuses primarily
on alcohol and cigarette use. Though these areas are important to address, it
will be necessary for future research to also focus specifically on marijuana
and synthetic marijuana use and prescription drug abuse. (Rahman Mahbubur: 2014)
Family risk factor:
Some of our earliest interactions in life play the biggest
roles in our development. From early childhood to the ongoing development into
adulthood, our relationships with family has some of the greatest influence on
the development of addictions. Conflict within the household can amplify stress
and cause some to seek an escape through these substances. Stressors can
develop as a result of a variety of environmental factors. For example,
children exposed to criminal behavior and family members who abuse
drugs/alcohol are at a greater risk of developing their own problems. The
earlier in life a person is exposed to illicit substances, the higher the risk
of addiction.
The strength of relationships within the family, structure
of authority and overall happiness can affect the development and acceleration
of abuse. While the family is not the sole source of influence on many young
adults, they play one of the most critical roles as they determine an
individual’s earliest social interactions.
Poverty
can affect generations of family members due to lack of education and limited
access to employment or healthcare. Poverty-stricken environments leave many
experiencing lifestyles including incarceration, homelessness and poor health.
Those who drop out of school, are unemployed or live in unsafe areas are at
higher risk, especially if their home environment has already exposed them to
drugs and/or alcohol. Exposure to these elements early in life leads many young
adults down the same paths and can be difficult to escape. In addition, the
effects of poverty can leave many without access to treatment. Treatment and
detoxification is difficult to accomplish, especially with limited resources.
Those who have the ability to use public health services often have difficulty
maintaining its long-term due to family responsibilities. Poverty is a vicious
cycle that perpetuates itself as generations are born and raised in lifestyles
of high-risk exposure.
Now in Bangladesh various family and personality
characteristics are also associated with higher alcohol and drug abuse. Studies
indicate that parental substance abuse strongly influences use of alcohol and
drugs. Parental substance abuse contributes to adolescent substance abuse
because it models drug use, and because it is associated with poorer parenting,
including higher levels of violence toward children, and higher levels of
emotional abuse of children. Adolescents who are higher in risk taking behavior
are also more likely to experiment with alcohol and drugs. Youth who seek
thrills in any number of ways also abuse drugs more than youth who do not seek
thrills. In this respect, alcohol and drug use are not only health risks for
adolescents, but also safety risks, as well.
The study revealed that almost 95% of respondents admitted
that they witnessed quarrel among the parents and domestic violence frequently
in the year of 2015 – 2016. The characteristics of the family domain of
respondent is given in below.
|
Variables
|
Characteristics
|
Frequency
|
Percent
(%)
|
|
Strictness
of family regarding staying out at night
|
Not
strict at all
|
39
|
38.6
|
|
Strict
|
56
|
55.4
|
|
|
Extremely
Strict
|
6
|
5.9
|
|
|
Indifference
attitude of family regarding substance abuse
|
Yes
|
44
|
43.6
|
|
No
|
57
|
56.4
|
|
|
Quarrel
between parents within last year
|
Yes
|
94
|
92.1
|
|
No
|
7
|
6.9
|
|
|
Family
violence
|
Yes
|
97
|
96
|
|
No
|
4
|
4
|
|
|
Attitude
of family members to substances (Prohibition to use)
|
Not
strict at all
|
7
|
6.9
|
|
Strict
|
79
|
78.2
|
|
|
Very
strict
|
15
|
14.8
|
|
|
Expectation
of family from the person (Academic/Professional)
|
Realistic
|
72
|
71.2
|
|
Un
realistic
|
29
|
28.7
|
|
|
History
of substance abuse in Family
|
Yes
|
48
|
47.5
|
|
No
|
53
|
52.5
|
|
|
Psychiatric
illness in family
|
Yes
|
13
|
12.9
|
|
No
|
88
|
87.1
|
|
|
Relation
of patient with parents
|
Warm
|
4
|
4
|
|
Good
|
73
|
72.3
|
|
|
Confronting
|
21
|
20.8
|
Table: The characteristics of family domain of respondents.
(DNC): 2013)
Physical and sexual abuse:
In most states, the legal definition of
physical child abuse entails any act that causes a child to experience physical
harm that is not accidental. The effects of physical and sexual abuse,
specifically, on adolescent behaviors regarding substance abuse have been
examined, with researchers consistently reporting a statistically significant
relationship between physical or sexual abuse and adolescent use of nicotine,
marijuana, and alcohol. There is also some evidence that higher levels of
illicit drug use, including cocaine, heroin, and barbiturates, are associated
with physical and sexual abuse. Being a victim of physical or sexual assault
increases the risk of an adolescent getting involved with substance use from
two to four times. However, different studies have shown varying specific
results regarding which type of abuse is the strongest contributor, with some
reporting a higher risk associated with sexual abuse, while others report a
higher risk associated with physical abuse. Post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) is also associated with increased likelihood of developing a substance
use disorder, particularly with marijuana or hard drugs (including LSD,
cocaine, heroin, inhalants, and nonmedical prescription drugs). This increased
risk may be a result of the fact that trauma that typically leads to PTSD is
highly stressful and may lead PTSD sufferers to cope with intense stress
through substance abuse. (Taplin C,
Saddichha S, Li K, Krausz MR: 2014).
Males are more likely to be physically
abused, whereas females are generally more likely to be sexually abused.
However, generally speaking, gender differences with regard to substance use
vary widely across the literature. Age, though, shows consistent patterns, with
older adolescents participating in substance use more often than their younger
counterparts, with risk increasing each year from ages 10 to 17 (2014). One
review of thirty-five studies indicated that most findings consistently show
that childhood maltreatment is a risk factor for earlier onset of substance abuse.
Parental neglect and bad example:
There are so many ways in which a parent’s drug abuse affects
the young children in the home. The most prevalent is neglect. When a parent is
focused on getting drugs, he or she has little time to spend on children and,
when high, has little ability to focus on children. In addition to neglect,
many parents abusing drugs may also abuse their children. Some kids live in
fear of a parent being high or drunk and becoming angry and aggressive.
The
effects of neglect, abuse and other kinds of trauma, such as witnessing a
parent in a high or drunken state, cause other effects, which ripple outward
into a child’s later life. The substance abuse of parents can ultimately lead
to a child doing poorly in school, having no understanding of how to relate to
other children and even developing post-traumatic stress disorder. As adults,
the children of addicts carry these issues with them. They often end up in
unsatisfactory or even abusive relationships, and they may even become
substance abusers.
Addicted
parents and how they affect children is an important issue for everyone. Even
if you have not experienced a parent with a substance abuse disorder, you
likely know someone who has. These children suffer the consequences of their
parents’ mistakes and they carry the scars well into adulthood. The impact of
these adults’ choices is lasting and in some cases are devastating. When
children of addicts grow up to become addicts themselves, they keep a dangerous
and hopeless cycle going. It’s up to everyone to help and this cycle for good
and to help those children of addicts who have been so badly affected by their
parents’ illnesses (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.: 2007).
A
legal definition of child neglect includes any situation where a child’s
caregiver does not provide adequate living necessities, including protection,
clothing, health care, or food. Studies have consistently shown that victims of
neglect are at increased risk for substance use. Additional research has begun
to explore the effects of child neglect on adolescent brain development.
Because children in adolescence are undergoing developmental changes, neglect
during this period can have long-term effects. It is difficult to study the consequences
of neglect on the brain because of the existence of other contributing factors,
such as domestic violence, socioeconomic status, and prenatal exposure to
substances (2007).
Emotional abuse:
According to a legal
definition, emotional child abuse encompasses a situation whereby the child’s
“intellectual or psychological functioning or development” is hindered.
Research shows that experiencing emotional abuse can lead to increased risk for
adolescent substance use, though it does not have as much influence as
experiencing physical or sexual abuse. It has also been found that witnessing
violence can increase an adolescent’s risk for developing a substance use
disorder with alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, or hard drugs by as much as two
to three times. This is likely because witnessing violence creates great
stress, especially in the case of a child witnessing domestic violence.
Therefore, substance use becomes a coping mechanism. It has also been speculated
that, in some cases, substance use may precede witnessing violence because such
acts of violence may occur within the context of aantisocial peer group where
substance use is prevalent. However, there is comparatively little literature
that focuses on emotional abuse, including witnessing violence, and its
relationship to adolescent substance use and abuse.
The researchers found
the typical frequent user to be a “troubled adolescent, an adolescent who is
interpersonally alienated, emotionally withdrawn, and manifestly unhappy, and
overtly antisocial behavior.” Somewhat surprisingly, however, the typical abstainer
was found to be not much better off- a “relatively tense, over controlled,
emotionally constricted individual who is somewhat socially isolated and
lacking in interpersonal skills.” The experimenters, by contrast, were the most
outgoing, straightforward, cheerful, charming, and poised of the three groups.
Compared to the other two, they were least likely to distrust others or keep
them at a distance.
This study by no means
suggests that drug use during adolescence should be looked on compassionately. The
authors emphasize that drug use, specially in early adolescence, is not only a
sign of preexisting problems but most likely makes them worse: those who were
already using marijuana by age 14 tended to be maladjusted, unhappy, and
rebellious. The authors also stress that, for adolescents who are emotionally
vulnerable, abstinence is the best choice, because drug experimentation may
well lead to drug addiction.
Influenced by role Models:
Film and TV stars, pop stars and
fashion models make smoking seem attractive and the adolescents imitate them to
smoke their style. They leave tremendous impact on adolescent mind (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration.
2007).
Advertising
and Promotion:
Advertising is an effective weapon
to influence the decision of young to initiate smoking. Advertising bans have
been found to be very effective in reducing cigarette smoking prevalence in
youth. AlthoughBangladeshi Government has banned advertisement of cigarettes
and other tobacco products through an Act (2007). But now these are out of
control. Even it is spreading all over the country.
Socio-economic
Factors:
Higher drug-abuse rates are observed
in lower income groups. Adolescents from low socio-economic background are more
likely to become smokers than the middle-class counterparts. This difference in
smoking pattern may reflect divergent beliefs about tobacco use based on
socio-economic status.
In Bangladesh, beeri smoking is more common in adolescents
for the reasons of easy availability, low in price and suitable to use.
Adolescents from low income families tend to use cheap and spurious
country-made liquor prepared illegally. Use of inhalants is also common in the
adolescents from poor families (2007).
Availability:
Availability and accessibility are
important factors in initiation and maintenance of drug abuse among
adolescents. An adolescent who has an easy access to drugs or alcohol because
his parents or elder sibling is using, is more likely to use these drugs than
those whose parents or anyone else is not using these in the family. Similarly,
peer group members making the product available are likely to recruit new
adolescents in the drug use behaviour.
Knowledge,
Attitude and Beliefs:
Knowledge about the harmful health effects has preventive
effect on drug use. Some believe that moderate alcohol consumption does not
have adverse effects, tobacco cessation could lead to weight gain and cannabis
is a social and religious blessing of gods. These beliefs permit the
adolescents to use drugs without hesitation or guilt. Positive attitude towards
the drugs is likely to initiate drug use among the adolescents(Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration,
2007).
Conclusion:
Based on present findings that in
Bangladesh many people become addicted to drugs because of the influence of
peer groups and frustration, and the addiction rate is rising day by day.
However, drug addiction is not a problem of addicts only but it also affects
their families, communities and society as a whole. It also creates many social
crimes in villages and towns; especially the social system. In this connection,
it is obvious that the drug addicts are involved in various anti-social
activities and their deviant behavior causes many problems in our urban life,
and appears as obstacles to our socioeconomic and cultural growth and
development. Hence, it is our moral and social responsibility to rehabilitate
the drug addicts, bring them back from their life-killing habits and deviant
behavior to lead a normal life, and assimilate them back into society as
productive citizens.
So, in the first chapter there are
mainly discussed on influencing to Adolescents to drug abuse. Whereas in the
second chapter is focusing on effects of drugs abuse in different ways.
Chapter- II
Effects of Substances abuse
Introduction
to Substances which are abused:
Drugs are chemicals. Different drugs, because of their
chemical structures, can affect the body in different ways. In fact, some drugs
can even change a person's body and brain in ways that last long after the
person has stopped taking drugs, maybe even permanently.
Depending
on the drug, it can enter the human body in a number of ways, including
injection, inhalation, and ingestion. The method of how it enters the body
impacts on how the drug affects the person. For example: injection takes the
drug directly into the blood stream, providing more immediate effects; while
ingestion requires the drug to pass through the digestive system, delaying the
effects.
Most abused drugs directly or indirectly target the brain's
reward system by flooding the circuit with dopamine. When drugs enter the
brain, they can actually change how the brain performs its jobs. These changes
are what lead to compulsive drug use, the hallmark of addiction. There are some
effects of abusing drugs in various ways discussed in below:
Adjustment
disorder:
According
to the substance abuse and mental statistic sourcebook, adjustment disorders
are characterized by an inappropriate or maladaptive reaction that occurs
within three months of the onset of one or more identifiable psychosocial stressors.
Such stressors include family problems, divorce, cancer difficulties or other
crises. The symptoms are in excess of a normal and expected reaction to the
stressors and may impair social or occupational functioning. People are
experiencing adjustment disorders are particularly vulnerable to excessive use
of alcohol and other mood-altering drugs (Berger Kathleen Stasser: 1991).
Injuries:
More deaths, illnesses and disabilities stem from substance
abuse than from any other preventable health condition. Today, one in four
deaths is attributable to illicit drug use. People who live with substance
dependence have a higher risk of all bad outcomes including unintentional
injuries, accidents, risk of domestic violence, medical problems, and death (Berger
Kathleen Stasser: 1991).
School-Related
Problems:
Effects on Body/Health:
Chronic abuse of some drugs can lead to both
short- and long-term changes in the brain, which can lead to mental health
issues including paranoia, depression, anxiety, aggression, hallucinations, and
other problems.
Many people who are addicted to drugs
are also diagnosed with other mental disorders and vice versa. Compared with
the general population, people addicted to drugs are roughly twice as likely to
suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, with the reverse also true. In 2015, an
estimated 43.4 million (17.9 percent) adults ages 18 and older experienced some
form of mental illness (other than a developmental or substance use disorder).
Of these, 8.1 million had both a substance use disorder and another mental
illness. Although substance use disorders commonly occur with other mental
illnesses, it’s often unclear whether one helped cause the other or if common
underlying risk factors contribute to both disorders (Berger Kathleen
Stasser: 1991).
The impact of drug abuse and dependence can be far-reaching,
affecting almost every organ in the human body. Drug use can:
«Cause cardiovascular conditions
ranging from abnormal heart rate to heart attacks. Injected drugs can also lead
to collapsed veins and infections of the blood vessels and heart valves.
«Cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal
pain.
«Cause the liver to have to work harder,
possibly causing significant damage or liver failure.
«Cause seizures, stroke and
widespread brain damage that can impact all aspects of daily life by causing
problems with memory, attention and decision-making, including sustained mental
confusion and permanent brain damage.
«Produce global body changes such as
breast development in men, dramatic fluctuations in appetite and increases in
body temperature, which may impact a variety of health conditions.
Behavioral Problem:
Adolescents who use marijuana weekly are six times more
likely than nonusers to report they run away from home, five times more likely
to say they steal from places other than home, and four times more likely to
report they physically attack people.
One risk factor that appears most relevant for
adolescents is behavior problems, variously described as antisocial or
aggressive behavior or as deviance. These behaviors include shoplifting;
vandalism; temper tantrums; behavioral problems in early childhood; and variety
of other antisocial, acting out behaviors. Also, rejection of authority and
heightened impulsivity and aggressiveness are part of the behavioral patterns
that have long been recognized as risk factors(Scickedanz A, Judith, Forsyth G. Alfred, 1998).
«Paranoia
«Aggressiveness
«Hallucinations
«Addiction
«Impaired Judgment
«Impulsiveness
«Loss of Self-Control
Effects on The Brain:
Although initial drug use may be voluntary, drugs have been
shown to alter brain chemistry, which interferes with an individual's ability
to make decisions and can lead to compulsive craving, seeking and use. This
then becomes a substance dependency.
«All
drugs of abuse - nicotine, cocaine, marijuana, and others - effect the brain's
"reward" circuit, which is part of the limbic system.
«Drugs
hijack this "reward" system, causing unusually large amounts of
dopamine to flood the system.
«This
flood of dopamine is what causes the "high" or euphoria associated
with drug abuse (Scickedanz A, Judith, Forsyth G. Alfred, 1998).
Cancer:
Within a few
minutes after inhaling marijuana smoke, a person’s heart rate speeds up, the
breathing passages relax and become enlarged, and blood vessels in the eyes
expand, making the eyes look bloodshot. The heart ratenormally 70 to 80 beats
per minutemay increase by 20 to 50 beats per minute or may even double in some
cases. Taking other drugs with marijuana can amplify this effect.
Limited evidence suggests that a
person’s risk of heart attack during the first hour after smoking marijuana is
nearly five times his or her usual risk.This observation could be partly
explained by marijuana raising blood pressure (in some cases) and heart rate
and reducing the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen.Marijuana may also
cause orthostatic hypotension(head rush or dizziness on standing
up), possibly raising danger from fainting and falls. Tolerance to some
cardiovascular effects often develops with repeated exposure.These health
effects need to be examined more closely, particularly given the increasing use
of “medical marijuana” by people with health issues and older adults who may
have increased baseline vulnerability due to age-related cardiovascular risk
factors(Brien D. Robert, M.D.
Morris Chafetz, Sidney Cohen, 2004).
A few studies have shown a clear link
between substancesabuse in adolescence and increased risk for an aggressive
form of testicular cancer (non-seminomatous testicular germ cell tumor) that
predominantly strikes young adult males (2004).The early onset of testicular
cancers compared to lung and most other cancers indicates that, whatever the
nature of marijuana’s contribution, it may accumulate over just a few years of
use.
Cardiovascular Effects:
Researchers
have found that most drugs can have adverse cardiovascular effects, ranging
from abnormal heart rate to heart attack. Injection drug use can also lead to
cardiovascular problems such as collapsed veins and bacterial infections of the
blood vessels and heart valves (Scickedanz A, Judith, Forsyth G.
Alfred, 1998).
Respiratory Effects:
Drug use can
lead to a variety of respiratory problems. Smoking cigarettes, for example, has
been shown to cause bronchitis, emphysema, and lung cancer. Marijuana smoke can
also cause respiratory problems, including chronic bronchitis. Smoking crack
cocaine can also cause lung damage and severe respiratory problems. The use of
some drugs, such as opioids, may cause breathing to slow, block air from
entering the lungs, or make asthma symptoms worse (Scickedanz A, Judith,
Forsyth G. Alfred, 1998).
Birth Effects:
Nearly 6 percent of pregnant women in Bangladesh use illicit
drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, Ecstasy and other amphetamines, and heroin (1998).
These and other illicit drugs may pose various risks for pregnant women and
their babies. Some of these drugs can cause a baby to be born too small or too
soon, or to have withdrawal symptoms, birth defects or learning and behavioral
problems. Additionally, illicit drugs may be prepared with impurities that may
be harmful to a pregnancy.
Studies show that various drugs may
result in miscarriage, premature birth, low birth weight, and a variety of
behavioral and cognitive problems in the child. A baby can also be born
dependent on the drug if the mother uses it regularlya condition called
neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Drugs that may have adverse prenatal effects (Scickedanz
A, Judith, Forsyth G. Alfred, 1998).
- cocaine
- heroin
- inhalants
- marijuana
- MDMA
- methamphetamine
- nicotine
- prescription
and over-the-counter drugs
Finally,
pregnant women who use illicit drugs may engage in other unhealthy behaviors
that place their pregnancy at risk, such as having extremely poor nutrition or
developing sexually transmitted infections.
Traffic
Accidents:
Particularly troubling is
the high rate of alcohol-related automobile fatalities among young drivers.
Alcohol-impaired adolescent drivers usually have significantly lower. Blood
Alcohol Concentrations (BAC) than adults involved in such accidents, suggesting
that they are at greater risk due to both their inexperience at driving and
their low tolerance for alcohol.
Nearly
half (45%) of all deaths from traffic accidents are related to alcohol
intoxication or influence of other drugs, and an estimated 18% of drivers age
16 to 20 (or 2.5 million adolescents) drive under the influence of alcohol (The
Daily Star, 2014).
Risky
Sexual Practices:
Adolescents who use drugs and alcohol are more likely than
non-using teens to have sex, initiate sex at a younger age, and have multiple
sex partners, placing them at greater risk for unplanned pregnancies and HIV/
AIDS, hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted diseases (The Daily Star,
2014).
Developmental
Problems:
Substance abuse can compromise an adolescent’s psychological
and social development in areas such as the formation of a strong
self-identity, emotional and intellectual growth, establishment of a career,
and the development of rewarding personal relationships.
Smoking marijuana can have negative effects on the user’s
mind and body. It can impair short-term memory and comprehension, alter one’s
sense of time, and reduce the ability to perform tasks that require
concentration and coordination, such as driving a car. Evidence also suggests
that the long-term effects of using marijuana may include increased risk of
lung cancer and other chronic lung disorders, head and neck cancer, sterility in
men, and infertility in women (The Daily Star, 2014).
Infections:
Increase in incidences of HIV, hepatitis B and C and
tuberculosis due to addiction adds the reservoir of infection in the community
burdening the health care system further. Women in Bangladesh face greater
problems from drug abuse. The consequences include domestic violence and
infection with HIV, as well as the financial burden.
Chronic
alcoholic myopathy:
A slowly progressive disease, it is characterized by
weakness and muscle atrophy, particularly in the legs. This form of myopathy is
associated with heavy drinking over an extended period of time but, as with
other forms of myopathy, it can be alleviated if the patient abstains from
alcohol.
Insomnia:
A disturbance of the biologic rhythm of waking and sleeping,
insomnia is characterized by insufficient or poor sleep and fatigue during
waking hours.
Hormonal Effects:
Appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs disrupt the
normal production of hormones in the body, causing both reversible and
irreversible changes. These changes include infertility and testicle shrinkage
in men as well as body hair growth and male-pattern baldness in women.
Neurological Effects:
All addictive drugs act in the brain to produce their
euphoric effects. However, some can also cause damage due to seizures, stroke,
and direct toxic effects on brain cells. Drug use can also lead to addiction, a
brain disorder that occurs when repeated drug use leads to changes in the
function of multiple brain circuits that control pleasures/reward, stress,
decision-making, impulse control, learning and memory, and other functions.
These changes make it harder for those with an addiction to experience pleasure
in response to natural rewards- such as food, sex, or positive social
interactionsor to manage their stress, control their impulses, and make the
healthy choice to stop drug seeking and use.
Repeated
heroin use changes the physical structure and physiology of the brain, creating
long-term imbalances in neuronal and hormonal systems that are not easily
reversed. Studies have shown some deterioration of the brain’s white matter due
to heroin use, which may affect decision-making abilities, the ability to
regulate behavior, and responses to stressful situations. Heroin also produces
profound degrees of tolerance and physical dependence. Tolerance occurs when
more and more of the drug is required to achieve the same effects. With
physical dependence, the body adapts to the presence of the drug and withdrawal
symptoms occur if use is reduced abruptly. Withdrawal may occur within a few
hours after the last time the drug is taken. Symptoms of withdrawal include
restlessness, muscle and bone pain, insomnia, diarrhea, vomiting, cold flashes
with goose bumps “cold turkey”, and leg movements. Major withdrawal symptoms
peak between 24-48 hours after the last dose of heroin and subside after about
a week.
Musculoskeletal Effects:
Steroid use
during childhood or adolescence, resulting in artificially high sex hormone
levels, can signal the bones to stop growing earlier than they normally would,
leading to short stature. Other drugs may also cause severe muscle cramping and
overall muscle weakness.
Kidney Damage:
Some drugs may
cause kidney damage or failure, either directly or indirectly, from
dehydration, dangerous increases in body temperature, and muscle breakdown. No
matter how they ingest the drug, chronic heroin users experience a variety of
medical complications including insomnia and constipation. Lung complications
(including various types of pneumonia and tuberculosis) may result from the
poor health of the user as well as from heroin’s effect of depressing
respiration. Many experience mental disorders such as depression and antisocial
personality disorder. Men often experience sexual dysfunction and women’s
menstrual cycles often become irregular. There are also specific consequences
associated with different routes of administration. For example, people who
repeatedly snort heroin can damage the mucosal tissues in their noses as well
as perforate the nasal septum (the tissue that separates the nasal passages).
Short-Term Effects:
- "Rush"
- Depressed respiration
- Clouded mental functioning
- Nausea and vomiting
- Suppression of
pain
Long-Term Effects:
- Addiction
- Infectious disease
(e.g., HIV, hepatitis B and C)
- Collapsed veins
- Bacterial infections
- Infection
of heart lining and valves
- Liver
and kidney disease
87% of adolescent addicts being treated in a de-addiction
center run by the Bangladeshi police acknowledged being violent with family
members (The Daily Star, 2014). Most of the domestic violence is directed
against women and occurs in the context of demands for money to buy drugs. At
the national level, drug a bus e is intrinsically linked with racketeering,
conspiracy, corruption, illegal money transfers, terrorism and violence
threatening the very stability of governments. Drug abuse and suicide have
strong association.
Future Use Disorders:
The earlier the age at which a person first drinks alcohol,
the more likely that person is to develop an alcohol use disorder. A person who
starts drinking alcohol at age 13 is four times more likely to develop alcohol
dependence at some time in his or her life than someone who starts drinking at
age 20.Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse People who interact with
adolescents in the home or community need to be alert to changes in an
adolescent’s behavior and appearance that may signal substance abuse. By
recognizing the potential warning signs and symptoms of substance use, you may
be able to get help for a teenager in need of treatment.
The
following behavior changes, when extreme or lasting for more than a few days,
may indicate alcohol-related or drug-related problems and the need for further
screening by a professional.
« Sudden changes in personality
without another known cause
« Loss of interest in once favorite hobbies, sports, or other
activities
« Sudden decline in performance or attendance at school or
work
« Changes in friends and reluctance to talk about new friends
« Deterioration
of personal grooming habits
« Difficulty in paying attention, forgetfulness
« Sudden aggressive behavior, irritability, nervousness, or
giddiness Increased secretiveness, heightened sensitivity to inquiry Screening
and Assessment of Adolescent Substance Abuse
« Screening for adolescent substance abuse should be
conducted by health care delivery systems, juvenile justice and family court
systems, and community organizations such as schools, vocational
rehabilitation, and religious organizations.
Hallucinogens:
Individuals who use hallucinogens can develop tolerance to
their specific drug of choice, as well as cross-tolerance to other types of
similar hallucinogens. For instance, a chronic user of LSD may experience
diminished effects when using psilocybin or peyote (a kind of Mexican tree).
There is limited research available as to the long-term health effects of
hallucinogen abuse, but there are two conditions that have been documented.
« Persistent psychosis:
Chronic psychotic symptoms that don’t dissipate once intoxication wears off.
These symptoms include paranoia, mood and visual disturbances, and disorganized
thought.
« Hallucinogen Persisting Perception
Disorder (HPPD): Characterized by the re-experiencing
of symptoms experienced while under the influence of a hallucinogen (i.e.,
“flashbacks”). These symptoms could include hallucinations, intensified colors,
and other visual disturbances.
MDMA,
orEcstasy, is
a unique hallucinogen that also possesses stimulant qualities and can have a
number of long-term consequences. The Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) reports effects associated with nervous system toxicity, such as:
«Persistent
memory impairments.
«Psychological
dysfunction.
«Imbalance
of hormone production.
«Serotonin
malfunction.
«Sleep
problems.
«Hallucinations.
«Synesthesia,
or mixing of senses.
«Intensified
perceptions.
«Significant
anxiety or depression.
«Increased
heart rate.
«Heart
palpitations.
«Dilated
pupils.
«Excessive
sweating.
«Tremors.
«Paranoia.
«Impaired
judgment.
«Impaired
motor control.
Hallucinogen
intoxication is commonly referred to as a “trip,” and a negative experience is
called a “bad trip.” Tripping on a hallucinogen may increase the risk of
suicide, although it is rare.
A disease of the Liver, characterized by inflammation and
necrosis (cell death), alcoholic hepatitis may develop abruptly in alcoholics
after a severe drinking bout. Its appearance is sometimes accompanied by fever,
jaundice and abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Fatty
infiltration and increased fibrosis of the liver are frequent but not constant
symptoms of this disease. Alcoholic hyaline, a clear glassy substance, is after
found in the livers of patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Hyaline on deposits
may be a result of the degenerative effects of alcohol on subcellular
structures called microtubules, which are important to the secretory activity
of the liver cells. The mortality rate for those with severe alcoholics’
hepatitis is high, ranging from 10% to 30%. Even alcoholics with few or no
symptoms are in danger of contracting this disease if they continue to drink.
The disease can rapidly develop to CIRRHOSIS, or it can be arrested and
recovery of normal liver function can be attained.
Redness and eruptions on different parts of the body. They
generally begin on the nose, and after gradually extending all over the face,
some times descend to the limbs in the form of leprosy. They have been called
“Rum-buds,” when they appear in the face. In persons who have occasionally
survived these effects of ardent spirits on the skin, the face after a while
becomes bloated, and its redness is succeeded by a death like paleness. Thus,
the same fire which produces a red colour in iron, when urged to a more intense
degree, produces what has been called a white heat.
Crime:
Crimes related to drug
abuse include stealing to obtain money needed to buy drugs, buying or selling
drugs and offenses related to the lifestyle of drug abusers that results in
illegal activities. Half of those arrested for serious crimes including murder,
robbery and assault were under the influence of illegal drugs. The Bureau of
Justice Statistics (BJS) reports that approximately 70 percent of state
prisoners and 57 percent of federal prisoners used drugs on a regular basis
before incarceration. Economic costs of crime include law enforcement, court
and imprisonment (2014).
Adolescent
drug use has led to increase in the crime rate. Addicts resort to crime to pay
for their drugs. Drugs remove inhibition and impair judgment egging one on to
commit offences. Incidence of eve- teasing, group clashes, assault and
impulsive murders increase with drug abuse. Adolescents age 12 to 16 who have
ever used marijuana are more likely at some point to have sold marijuana (24
percent vs. less than 1 percent), carried a handgun (21 percent vs. 7 percent),
or been in a gang (14 percent vs. 2 percent) (The Daily Star: 2014) than youth who have never used
marijuana.
Death:
Drug-related
deaths have more than doubled since 2000. There are more deaths, illness, and
disabilities from substance use than from any other preventable health
condition. Today, one in four deaths is attributable to alcohol, tobacco, and
illicit or prescription drug use(Department of Narcotics in Bangladesh (DNC):
2013).
Conclusion:
Use of other illicit drugs by adolescents and effects of
abuse of drugs and alcohol. Drug addiction beings on rapid erosion of
educational and cultural, moral and family values. The addicts lose their
professional and educational capabilities, self-dignity, and get involved in
serious or petty criminal activities. The sole aim in life of an addict becomes
the procurement and use of drugs.
Time
is ripe for leaders at the highest level to wake up to the danger posed to
healthy existence of society as more and more new addicts join the ranks of the
hardcore ones. This slide must be arrested at all costs. The Drugs and
Narcotics Department was created nearly two decades ago, especially to counter
the production and availability of addictive drugs. But it has done little over
the years to attain its given objectives. The corruption, allegedly, runs high
in it. Political commitment is required to combat the illicit drug-traffickers
who are sucking the blood of innocent youths and becoming rich very quickly
through smuggling of drug.
Preventive
education against drug abuse is essential. Enforcement of laws by the law
enforcing agency is needed to curb drug trafficking. The whole community should
participate in awareness raising program and peer-counseling is important to
change the negative behavior of the youth. If we fail to control of this problem
it will destroy the whole civilization. In the second chapter discussed about
effects of abuse of drugs and alcohol, but there are some solutions to control
the abuse of drugs and alcohol whereas discussed in the third chapter.
Chapter
– III
Certain
Solutions of substances abuse
Parents
can prevent drug abuse! Parents are the best protection youngsters can have
against drug abuse. Prevention is the process, which builds into children a
resistance to abusing drugs, so that drug use never begins. Prevention is a
simple concept but it requires constant work to be successful. Prevention is a
positive process. It is a process, which cannot be started too soon. Research
indicates that children and teenagers diagnosed with ADHD are at greater risk
to alcohol and drug abuse than children and teenagers in the normal population.
The following are important elements in helping kids resist becoming involved
with drugs and alcohol:
i) Love and affection as the child grows.
ii) Consistent and fair discipline.
iii) Open channels of communication for thoughts and feelings.
iv) Opportunities for successful experiences at home and in school.
v) A stable family atmosphere (family time together, family rituals).
vi) Tolerance of the child's mistakes (no put-downs).
vii) Models of strong, thoughtful and feeling adults.
i) Love and affection as the child grows.
ii) Consistent and fair discipline.
iii) Open channels of communication for thoughts and feelings.
iv) Opportunities for successful experiences at home and in school.
v) A stable family atmosphere (family time together, family rituals).
vi) Tolerance of the child's mistakes (no put-downs).
vii) Models of strong, thoughtful and feeling adults.
Accurate information about the problems
of growing up today (sexuality, drugs, crime, etc.)
There is nothing more important in preventing drug abuse than spending time with your children. Take time to do what they enjoy, to share some skills, to build family rituals and rapport.
There is nothing more important in preventing drug abuse than spending time with your children. Take time to do what they enjoy, to share some skills, to build family rituals and rapport.
According to the Principles of Effective
Treatment no single treatment model is effective for all clients. Different
modality of treatment has been developed or practiced in Bangladesh to
addressthe unique needs of individual client. They are as follow.
Family
Based Treatment:
Usually provided by
psychiatrist or physicians in Government hospital or in the private chamber.
The important criteria for this type of treatment are strong motivation of the
client, good family support with proper accommodation facilities, absence of
cooccurring medical or psychiatric disorder, and first-time treatment with
moderate number of drugs taken in a day. Both the client and his or her family
members are informed about the withdrawal symptoms and complications(Department of
Narcotics in Bangladesh (DNC): 2013). Medicines are usually
prescribed by the physicians to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms and
stabilized the condition of the patient (2013).
Medically Managed Treatment:
Short term in-patient treatment is most
frequently available in Bangladesh. Withdrawal symptoms and complications are
managed by using pharmacotherapy and other interventions. This type of
treatment is provided by psychiatrist or physicians in Government or private
hospital. After management of withdrawal and stabilization counseling is
provided on weekly basis or may be referred to long term rehabilitation center (Schickedanz A. Judith, Forsyth G.
Alfred: 1998).
Long Term Psycho-Social Approach:
This type of treatment is provided for
the clients who had repeated relapse, history of criminal activities, no family
support or live in an environment where maintaining abstinence are difficult,
no job or productive activities. Different activities or program of Self-help
and mutual help, narcotics anonymous or TC model or behavioral approach are
integrated in this type of treatment modality which suit our socio-cultural
attitude(Department of Narcotics
in Bangladesh (DNC): 2013). Initially they are very shy of medical or
psychiatric or pharmacotherapy. At present, there are change of attitude among
them.
Integrated
Treatment Approach:
In this type of
settings Substance Use Disorder(SUD) and co-occurring mental disorder can be
addressed simultaneously where multidisciplinary team can provide treatment
under the same roof with the same professionals. Harm Reduction Approach: The
client who use injectable drug, has history of multiple relapse, co-occurring
medical condition such as HIV positive client, or patients with hepatitis B or
C positive are provided with Opiate Substitution Therapy (OST) with methadone.
Study indicates that OST significantly improve the quality of life of the
client which include among other in reducing thefrequency of criminal
activities or arrest.Religion Based Approach are also available but there is
lack of scientific studies on the effectiveness in our country.
Developmental
Stages:
Treatment
for adolescents must address their unique developmental needs, which vary with
the age of the client. Developmental features of younger adolescents are
different from those of older adolescents. For example, older adolescents are
more capable of abstract thinking and are more likely to openly rebel than
younger adolescents(Ahmad AF (2001).
Ethnicity and Culture:
Norms, values, and health beliefs differ across cultures and
can affect substance abuse treatment. For example, some cultural groups may
consider treatment invasive; others may wish to involve the extended family.
Treatment services need to be culturally competent and use the preferred
language of adolescent clients and their families.
Gender and Sexual Orientation:
Factors
that influence adolescent substance abuse and involvement in treatment differ
by gender. For example, whereas adolescent girls more often have internalizing
coexisting disorders such as depression, boys are more likely to have
externalizing disorders such as conduct disorders. Effective treatment for gay,
bisexual, and transgendered youth includes helping them to acknowledge and
accept their sexual identity (Schickedanz A. Judith, Forsyth G. Alfred: 1998).
Coexisting Mental Disorders:
Adolescents
with substance abuse disorders are more likely than their abstinent peers to
have coexisting mental health problems such as anxiety disorders, attention
deficit-hyperactivity disorder, and depression. In these teens, substance abuse
may disguise, exacerbate, or be used to “self-medicate” psychiatric symptoms(Schickedanz A. Judith, Forsyth G.
Alfred: 1998). Without tailored treatment, coexisting mental disorders could
interfere with the adolescent’s ability and motivation to participate in
addiction treatment and could increase the potential for relapse (1998).
Family Factors:
An adolescent’s family has a potential role both in the
origin of his or her substance abuse problem and as an agent of change in the
adolescent’s environment. Treatment should take into account family factors
that increase risk for substance abuse problems in youth, such a s any history
of parental or sibling substance abuse problems or addiction; domestic
violence; physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, and neglect. Whenever possible,
parents should be involved in all phases of their adolescent’s treatment.
Identification of Community Resources.
«Your
school district’s nursing staff, psychologist, social worker, or substance
abuse coordinator or counselor may be able to identify local treatment
programs. Other possible sources of referral information include your doctor,
local hospital, pastor or clergy, and county mental health society.
«Public
and private agencies, such as local health departments, state alcohol and drug
authorities, and state and local professional societies may compile directories
that can help you locate treatment programs. Consider taking one or more of the
following actions to support youth undergoing treatment for and recovery from
substance abuse.
«Encourage
schools to offer student assistance programs, counseling on substance abuse,
and confidential referral to treatment and recovery resources in the community.
«Encourage
purchasers of health insurance to obtain comprehensive coverage for substance
abuse and mental health services.
«Encourage
treatment centers, schools, and community-based youth organizations to conduct
support groups for children of parents who are addicted to alcohol and drugs.
«Encourage
adolescents who have recovered successfully from addictive disorders to
participate in community events that target their peers.
«
Because alcohol and drug use among youth often occurs in groups, be aware that
encouraging one young person to seek help may lead others in his or her social
group to seek treatment.
«
Encourage environmental changes in your community that promote recovery such as
reducing the number of billboards advertising alcoholic beverages and holding
alcohol-free recreational events.
«
Encourage the participation of family members in all aspects of the treatment
and recovery process for adolescents, and foster the availability of
family-centered support groups and other services that address the needs of the
entire family.
«
Be a positive role model for young people in treatment and recovery by not
engaging in any illegal or unhealthy substance use.
«
Get involved in organizations that advocate public policies and funding to
support substance abuse treatment and recovery programs for adolescents.
Intervene in Media:
Drugs are often a part
of television shows or movies. These forms of media many times glorify or
romanticize the use of drugs, thus making using drugs look enticing and
thrilling to the people watching, especially teens. To help overcome this
perception, it's important for people to talk and discuss what they saw in the
movie or television show. According to MayoClinic.com, teens also are often
exposed to drug use over the Internet and other media outlets; therefore, it is
important for caregivers to talk with their teens about what they saw in the
media about drug use. These discussions can help counter any positive images of
drug abuse displayed in the media. Discuss and analyze popular movies, music videos and
television shows that promote and glamorize the drugs. Contact the National
Clearing house for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) for information about
media literacy resources for youth. Talk with parents and other trusted adults
about these issues.
Creating positive peer pressure:
Create
positive peer pressure. So that they may not engage in any illegal drugs-use
practices. Set an example for their friends and younger brothers and sisters.
Remember, over 86 % of youth ages 12-17 have never tried any kinds of drugs.
Get them involved in the game(The Daily Star:
2013). Sports and exercise can help to
reduce the stress and strain of growing up. They keep our health and strong.
When our mind and body are free drugs, we have the performance edge (2013).
Information:
The
provision of accurate, objective information about all types of drugs and their
effects on the body. Parents can help inoculate their child from alcohol or
other drug use by educating themselves about the signs of alcohol/ other drug problems(Schickedanz A. Judith, Forsyth G.
Alfred: 1998).
Intervention:
The
provision of assistance and support to adolescents during crisis periods,
through counseling, hot lines, peer support networks, mentoring and so on (Department of Narcotics in Bangladesh
(DNC): 2013).
Education and skills-development:
The
provision of training aimed at the clarification of value and the improvement
of problem-solving and coping skills through group discussions and role-plays(Department of Narcotics in Bangladesh
(DNC): 2013).
Resilience training:
The
provision of training designed to promote confidence, self-reliance and
efficacy, through challenging experiences in school and early exposure to
positive(The Daily Star: 2013).
Conclusion:
Moreover, many of the Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD)
like Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are closely associated with
intravenous drug use. Based on present findings, the policy makers and planners
of the government and non-government organizations should take some
initiatives, such as; firstly, increase social awareness through the mass media
to create a sense of social responsibility among the people. Secondly, the
traditional social control agents, such as the family, school, community,
religious institutions etc., have to be strengthened so that they may play a
significant role in establishing social norms, values and social rules.
Thirdly, drug related law and law enforcement agencies have to be strong and
effective. Finally, it is necessary to conduct further study about other
dimensions of drug addiction.
General
Conclusion:
Substances abuse and crime/ misbehavior are intimately
interrelated, identifying substances abusing youth in the young justice system
is an important first step for intervening in both their substances abuse and
their misbehavior. Drug abuse is a complex problem thought to result from a
combination of genetic, psychological, and environment factors. It affects
people from the newborn stage to old stage. With increased knowledge of
chemical dependency, one may be able to identify and encourage a patient,
coworker, or family member to seek the support needed to change substance abuse
habits.
Drug identification strategies, followed by effective
interventions, help prevent further illicit drug use and crime/ misbehavior.
The self-assessment checklist and list of resource may provide insight and
information helpful to someone who must take that difficult first step to
recovery. At the same time the government should take some steps to control
abusing substances such as policy and legislation, plans and awareness
programs, training etc. There are some suggestions in order to free from
Bangladesh of abusing drugs:
Concerned
administration should be reshuffled. Culprits, those who are hidden in the
police, BGB and narcotics control department, must be punished. At the same
time, rewards may be declared for good performance. It is
obvious that, drugs business in Bangladesh would fall rapidly if
border-crossing areas can be checked properly. Leaders of social institutions
like schools, colleges, clubs etc. should come forward to build resistance
against drugs. The addicts, while talking with the investigators sought
treatment to wipe out the negative effects of drugs. Then the substances abuse
can be under of controlled.
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