DRUGS AND DRUG ABUSE – EMERGING ISSUES IN THE SOCIETY – CIVIC JAMB & WAEC GUIDE KEYPOINTS

April 3, 2026 Be first to comment Daniel DTW Tutor

CHAPTER 2 — DRUGS AND DRUG ABUSE

2.1 DEFINITIONS AND BACKGROUND

Meaning of Drug

Drugs are substances manufactured mainly for curing illnesses or relieving unpleasant conditions in the body. Drugs used to treat symptoms of illness or to prevent diseases are called medications.

Drugs are meant to have positive effects when properly used. However, when they are wrongly administered, excessively taken, or used without prescription, they result in drug abuse.

Before taking any drug, one must check:

  • Prescription
  • Dosage
  • Indication for use
  • Expiry date

Examples of drugs: Paracetamol, Aspirin, Cough Syrup, Antibiotics, Anti-malaria drugs, etc.

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Meaning of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse refers to the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including illegal drugs or the inappropriate use of prescription medications. It involves repeated use of substances in a way that causes physical, mental, social, or psychological harm.

Drug abuse goes beyond casual or recreational use and leads to addiction, impaired judgment, damaged relationships, health problems, and sometimes death.

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2.2 KEY POINTS ABOUT DRUG ABUSE

  • Drug abuse does not involve only illegal drugs; prescription and over-the-counter drugs can also be abused.
  • The focus is on the harmful consequences of misuse.
  • Drug abuse is complex and influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, peer pressure, and mental health.

2.3 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF DRUG ABUSE

  1. Using drugs more frequently or in larger quantities than intended
  2. Inability to control drug use
  3. Spending excessive time and money on drugs
  4. Strong cravings when not using drugs
  5. Neglect of responsibilities at home, school, or work
  6. Legal and financial problems
  7. Continued use despite negative consequences

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2.4 EXAMPLES OF DRUGS COMMONLY ABUSED

1. Pain Killers

Used to relieve pain but often abused.

  • Examples: Panadol, Paracetamol, Novalgin

2. Stimulants (Mild)

Used to increase alertness but harmful when taken excessively.

  • Examples: Coffee, Tea

3. Antibiotics

Used to fight infections but abused through self-medication.

  • Examples: Tetracycline, Ampiclox, Ampicillin

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2.5 TYPES OF HARD DRUGS / SUBSTANCES

  1. Stimulants
  2. Cannabis
  3. Narcotics
  4. Hallucinogens
  5. Anabolic Steroids
  6. Alcohol
  7. Inhalants
  8. Sedative Depressants

1. STIMULANTS

Stimulants are drugs that increase alertness and energy temporarily. They can be smoked, sniffed, or injected.

Examples: Cocaine, Cigarette, Tobacco

Effects

  • Increased alertness
  • Feeling of excitement or “high”
  • Reduced appetite and sleep

Consequences

  • Anxiety and heart failure
  • Brain damage and mental disorder
  • Chronic cough
  • Premature death

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2. CANNABIS

Cannabis is made from dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant and can be smoked or eaten.

Examples: Indian Hemp, Marijuana, Hashish, Weed

Effects

  • Lung diseases
  • Depression
  • Anxiety and euphoria

Consequences

  • Brain damage
  • Mental retardation in unborn children
  • Infertility

3. NARCOTICS

Narcotics reduce pain and induce sleep.

Examples: Morphine, Opium, Adolophine

Effects

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Irritability
  • Running nose

Consequences

  • Premature death
  • HIV/AIDS (through injections)

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4. HALLUCINOGENS

These drugs alter perception and make users see or hear unreal things.

Symptoms

  • Euphoria
  • Anxiety
  • Poor judgment of space and distance

Consequences

  • Mental disorder
  • Panic reactions
  • Violence
  • Sudden death

5. INHALANTS

These are substances inhaled for intoxication.

Examples: Petrol, Rubber Solution, Correction Fluid, Nail Polish Remover

Symptoms

  • Bad breath
  • Nausea
  • Nose bleeding
  • Fatigue

Consequences

  • Lung damage
  • Sudden death

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6. ALCOHOL

Alcohol contains ethanol and is taken orally.

Examples: Beer, Wine, Ogogoro, Whisky

Symptoms

  • Slurred speech
  • Staggering
  • Emotional instability

Consequences

  • Weight loss
  • Weakness
  • Drug dependence
  • Sudden death

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7. ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Hormonal drugs taken to enhance body performance.

Consequences

  • Stunted growth
  • Infertility
  • Cancer
  • Masculine features in females

8. SEDATIVE DEPRESSANTS

Includes barbiturates and chloral hydrate.

Consequences

  • Convulsions
  • Drug dependency
  • Premature death

2.6 WHO IS A DRUG ADDICT?

A drug addict is a person who cannot stop taking harmful drugs.

2.7 CHARACTERISTICS OF A DRUG ADDICT

  1. Red or watery eyes
  2. Aggressive behavior
  3. Poor sense of humour
  4. Desire for isolation
  5. Weight loss and poor appetite
  6. Changed social relationships

2.8 PREVENTION OF DRUG ABUSE

  1. Education and public awareness
  2. Early identification and intervention
  3. Strong family support and communication
  4. Community-based programmes
  5. Mental health support
  6. Strict drug laws and enforcement
  7. Peer education
  8. Access to treatment and rehabilitation
  9. Development of healthy coping skills
  10. Building positive relationships
  11. Refusal skills against peer pressure
  12. Healthy lifestyle choices

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2.9 COMMUNITY STRATEGIES

  • Supporting anti-drug programmes
  • Providing positive alternatives for youths
  • Early intervention for at-risk individuals

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