Drug Prevention
First of all, let us give Drug Abuse a standard definition. Drug abuse is the overuse of a drug without due regard to accepted medical practice resulting in the individual’s physcal, mental, emotional or behavior impairment. The use of drug without doctor’s prescription is also a form of drug abuse.
Let’s classify drugs and illegal substances of abuse.
- Narcotics
- Depressants
- Stimulants
- Inhalants
- Hallucinogens
- Marijuana
A narcotic according to Encarta is “a typically addictive drug, especially one derived from opium, that may produce effects ranging from pain relief and sleep to stupor, coma, and convulsions”. Opium is collected from the sap of unripe seed pods from the poppy. The most infamous area of opium production is the “Golden Triangle” region in Southeast Asia. It comprises Thailand, Laos and Burma (Myanmar). This area has been the major source of opium/heroin in the United States.
Depressants – are drugs that slow the body’s vital functions. These drugs are the total opposite of Stimulants. These drugs are considered by many as minor tranquilizers and anti anxiety. Alcohol is an agent of these drugs and one of the most commonly abused substances. Many people said that our body needs alcohol. That is correct! But we need to supply this alcohol in our body moderately. These drugs are produced in secret laboratories. Most legitimate pharmaceuticals are diverting these drugs to the black market.
Stimulants – a drug or agent that speed up the functional activity of a body organ or part through the nervous system, which is made up of the brain cells and spinal cord and produces alertness, sexual desire, excitability and inhibit sleep. Amphetamines, Cocaine and Methamphetamine are example of stimulants. The most common agent of this drug is coffee. Caffeine is a major ingredient of coffee. This caffeine produces mild stimulating effect to our body.
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Inhalants – are breathed in through the nose or mouth for its soothing effect as a medicine. It includes a diverse group of chemicals that are found in consumer products such as aerosols, nail polish, lighter fluid hair spray and cleaning solvents. Easy access and cheap price make inhalants one of the first substances abused.
Hallucinogens – are substances or drugs that can produce delusions and hallucinations. It induces a state of excitation of the central nervous system. It disorients the sense of direction, time, and distance of a person. Common sources of this are PCP (phencyclidine), LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) or simply called “acid”.
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Marijuana – A cannabis sativa that comes from Indian hemp plant. It is usually smoked as a cigarette. It also smoked in blunts. The main active chemical in Marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). THC begins a series of cellular reactions that eventually lead to hallucinations and delusions that users experience when they smoked Marijuana.
After the classifications of these drugs and substances, let’s proceed to prevention.
We have a saying; Prevention is better than cure. So let’s prevent these drugs.
- Improvement in family relations. The parents and children must communicate with each other and build a strong family ties to combat drug addiction.
- Adult members of the family should keep an eye on the young members.
- Learn and study your environment, discuss the potential dangers and treat to your family. Advise the young members of the family who they should not go with in a friendly manner.
- Rewards and recognitions are important. Members of the family should show recognition to the members who did an outstanding job. Give some rewards if possible.
- Strict and sincere action on the part of the parents to prevent their kids engaging in drug related activities.
- Help your kids in academics or emotional problem. Set a good example to them. Introduce some sports to them that you think they will enjoy by playing it or watching it.
I am sure there are still many ways to fight and prevent these illegal drugs and substances in your family. I have just given you few ways.
Liked it
butterflysects | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
some studs used drugs just to boost their energy into studying, but the more they used the more they abused..
thanks for the tips here!=)
rockjuneDrock | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
thanks for the helpful tips!
Westbrook | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
Good information and suggestions Amsky. The biggest problem parents face today is liberalism. Parents rules, teachings and encouragements are undermined by the media and peer pressure. It is very difficult to guide children today. Parents are often considered “old fashioned” and out of touch compared to all the corrupt influences of today’s society. I don’t mean that we should not try. I am only telling it like it is.
Darla Smith | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
A very informative article. Thanks for sharing.
stephencardiff | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
keep the weed and get rid of the rest… ha ha… great article and great information too… These drugs have no place in soceity and they ruin good people
Dee Gold | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
informative indeed
A Wallbank | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
A very interesting article about a particularly relevant subject! What do you guys think about legalising drugs? There are advantages and disadvantages, but it would kill drig trafficking at least!
Kate Smedley | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
Excellent and well written with some great advice.
Princess Arabia | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
Hi i found this very interesting, i dont think enough is said now days about the dangers of drugs.. If someone is capable of making their own mind up about drugs so be it, but its the younger generation we have to think of and the pushers of it all.
Peter Cimino | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
Nicely done. Great definitions, pics and advice. You really did your homework here.
Monica Sappleton | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
A very well researched article with a lot of great tips.
Monica
Tammy Wyrick | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
I have a question instead of a comment. What about nicotine? What catorgory does it fall under? What about the over-counter medications, can they be addictive? What about people with adverse reactions? I do agree you need to be a good example and form a trust bond with your children, but you can’t tell them no, for then they will do it just for spite. Good communication skills is the real key I think. Keep communication open and flowing both ways. Great piece though, very well written.
Daisy Peasblossom | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
This is an interesting article. Obviously, some thought went into it. I agree that communication is a big part of steering children toward a positive life-style. Example counts, too. I’m not sure, however, that our bodies need alcohol. To reply to Tammy: Nicotine is a kind of combination stimulant/relaxant. The full effect is described at http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_nicotine2.php .
Anne McNew | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
this is a very well presented, a very informative one too.
thanks for sharing this.
Paul Roberts | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
Great piece of information,but I disagree. If you are trying to tell me what needs to be inforced with drug abuse prevention, get in line. The information highway is at a trafic standstill. Each individual has the power to say no! At what age should we start and what age should we stop? I wont ever stand and say how to prevent it,I have raised 5 children in this house all the same way, 3 are in confindment because of drugs. I spent seven years fighting the drug wars, did we we win.no. Still keep writing, you have stimulated a rsponse. Your friend,fan,smile
MMV Abad | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
Well written and informative. Thanks for sharing this. Drug addiction is always a problem specially with youngster.
Morgana | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
I have a brother who is a drug addict. He is not a bad person but when he is using he becomes someone else, someone mean.
papaleng | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
a very informative article, and I know all that stuffs, tried them all 30 yrs ago.. I was once a drug addict you know that and been to a rehab for three months.
JK Kristie | Mar 16, 2009 | Reply
Informative and powerful article.
James DeVere | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
Any cure for people who preach abstinece? Society will never get rid of pleasure.
Amsky | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
Good questions Tammy. Nicotine is considered as stimulant.Nicotine increases the levels of several neurotransmitter.First causing a release of glucose from the liver and epinephrine (adrenaline) from the adrenal medulla, it causes stimulation.Over the counter medication can also be addictive though it is legal it is not advisable due to the absence of doctor’s supervision.Paracetamol is one example of this. Many people are taking paracetamol without knowing the side effects of this drug.While generally safe for human use at recommended doses, acute overdoses of paracetamol can cause potentially fatal liver damage and, in rare individuals, a normal dose can do the same.This will cause adverse effect due to high dosage.
JOSELITO B BISENIO | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
amsky, i just can’t figure out what kind of plant is in your second to the last image…it’s definitely not marijuana, right?
but the last picture rocks!!!! lol…
Amsky | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
The name of that flower is “Doc Lampong” That flower contains substance that can make people hallucinate. It is mainly found in Thailand. I took that picture when I was on a mountain.
To Tammy and Paul Roberts. I remember I wrote:”Advise” the young members of the family who they should not go with in a “friendly manner”. I did not say …”tell them who they should not go with”
Advise is a different approach of communication and giving it in a friendly manner is very effective. As parents it is our responsibility to give an advice to our kids.Once we already did then it is up to them if they will listen. We are not taking out their rights to choose, we are providing better choices. Thank you very much and I hope I clarified my statement.
Amsky
numismatic | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
If you ask me if America wanted to stop drugs coming into America what would the police do and homocide they would not have a job. America is based is based in currency and greed, everything is about money money money, even marriages money money money.
America is a vulcano waiting to erupt because of the trash we promote on our children and let them watch these crazy TV stations its a program to keep people in oppression. Keeping them down on day this system will have to end and start over.
The drug trade is a lucrative business and has no friends just enemies. Me myself were I grew up drugs has been the way of life, either doing it or selling it. You are one or the other, I really believe our government is the one who brings it in, because the corner boys do not own airplanes and after 911 its got to be more security on out of the country items import and export so where is all the drugs coming from that is supplying the united states. Its coming from the borders of the US; Mexico, Florida, Newyork, Texas is a big problem over there, cand lets not forget about good California. Its everywhere you look if they legalise drugs and tax it, until the economy goes back in shape this will only fix America in my opinion let Rite Aide sell the drugs 24 hours a day.
See how many Rite Aides get robbed, kinda funny but kinda sad but I had to voice my opinion I think they should legalise this stuff and make people get a waiver that makes them responsible for what they are taking. I am sure most of you think this is crazy but GWB, got the US in a mess Obama can not fix this over night, its going to take about 5 to 8 years to fix this economy or unless everyone gives up 2 years of there tax money to balance the economy other then that we are heading for a mess.
Take a look at North Korea they are prepared for war and for what no is bothering them but they are looking for a reason to fight. This is insane thinking the people over there have no say so in anything and thats a bad issue, but another subject. Lets stick to the topic and say Mr President Barack Obama is going to need two terms in office to fix our nation, because we should not have to have this as a subject get rid of the drugs and the alcohol and make it all disappear and the government control this for about the next 2 years, this economy will be in shape, Drugs and Drinking and all this stuff people want to be high or drunk because they can not face the reality of how there living or they just are very depressed this is the cause of the things we do to hurt ourselves its a form of self destruction but also a cry for help. America is in need of big help God can not fix this we everyone to be in control of there lives. I am sorry for all you Muslims and Christians but Religion is not this subject, we have a real problem in America and the POPE and save us, OSAMA BIN LADEN sure aint going to help us fix this economy, people just need to stop all this none sense and work together and we can be a better nation with less trouble on our hands.
Thanks for reading my comments!
Investinmenetwork | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
Great article , very well researched and informative , thanks for sharing
CutestPrincess | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
very informative article… i never heard of that flower before!
cole justify | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
This was definately informative and very factual. What’s interesting to note is that some legal drugs such as nicotine are factually more addictive than just about any other drug. Regarding #7 A.Wallbank’s comment , (about legalizing drugs) , I believe our government profits more from “street drugs” and the black market and I wouldnt be surprised to see cigarettes sold on the streets next due to their ridiculously high prices. I liked this article simply because it was very matter of fact equipped with advice and tips on preventing drug use. In my personal opinion , I think the best “cure” for drug addiction is preventing it in the first place. Great write Amsky…
God Bless you and yours……
kris miyasako | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
I really salute you in coming up with a very informative article such as this. I hope this enlightens darkened minds and souls. Thanks for sharing.
spirirtwalker | Mar 17, 2009 | Reply
Ver informative and interesting article. I am happy to get to read some of your work. Thanks.
nutuba | Mar 18, 2009 | Reply
Amsky, nice research and a great job presenting the information! Drug abuse is a serious problem. Many commenters have offered various solutions, and indeed there may be several valid approaches. I think one thing that you said that is key, though, is open communication between parent and child. Parents, spend time with your kids — not just when you tell them what to do or not do — but make sure they know how important they are in your life. That won’t solve all the problems, but it’s a start.
miraj | Mar 18, 2009 | Reply
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing this article with us,It had to be said by someone,those nasty pills and inhalants have been like a cancer to our society.A very noble-intentioned and well researched article.
my deepest respect and gratitude,Amsky
LOVE IS ALL
Walk in beauty change the world.
Melody Arcamo Lagrimas | Mar 18, 2009 | Reply
Yeah, prevention of this problem should be strongly promoted and implemented. Great post, Amsky.
Lisa Clayton Williams | Mar 18, 2009 | Reply
Informative article. I especially liked your ideas on preventing the drug abuse….I agree…prevention is better than a cure.
Colleen Ranney | Mar 19, 2009 | Reply
I agree, great job putting together a very informative article about this. It is helpful and I too agree prevention is a must. Thanks for the email informing me of your article.
Many blessings
rudscyber | Mar 19, 2009 | Reply
nice one again my friend indeed prevention is better than cure but still many people want to try the risk of curiousity.
congrats… cheers…
miss cornelia | Mar 20, 2009 | Reply
Interesting article, I noticed you classified Marijuanna in it’s very own section. Why did you do that?
Alexa Gates | Mar 20, 2009 | Reply
Great article! lots of good info!
Amsky | Mar 20, 2009 | Reply
Good question! Marijuana is an herbal and illegal drug that is not available in the pharmacies or hospital. This plant has its own classification due to its uniqueness. Every parts of this plant including the roots to seeds can produce the substance called”delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol” or THC in short term. This THC is never used as an ingredient to other medicine that prescribed by the doctors. While Morphine and Codeine are the main ingredients for analgesic tablets, Codeine is medically prescribed for the relief of moderate pain and cough suppression. Codeine and Morphine are comes from Poppy and of course comes from Opium plant therefore; it is considered a narcotic drug due to the usefulness of its substance. All of these drug classifications except Marijuana are available in the market, hospital and pharmacies. Although some of these drugs cannot obtain without doctor’s prescription. Another examples are (phencyclidine) PCP and (lysergic acid diethylamide) LSD. (Phencyclidine) drug were used in intravenous anesthetic until 1965 while LSD is being use as an acid that comes from fungus called Ergot. Did I explain it clearly?
Sakuragi | Mar 21, 2009 | Reply
Great article Amsky. You really know your stuff!
Unofre Pili | Mar 21, 2009 | Reply
That’s great of you to write about it kabayan. Great article.
OhSugar | Apr 2, 2009 | Reply
Excellent article, with a fantastic wealth of helpful information. This article is well presented. I have learned a lot from reading it.
mysticdave | Apr 2, 2009 | Reply
Really good article:)
Timothy P Stavert | Apr 2, 2009 | Reply
Very informative article and just goes to show how much we abuse our bodies these days without actually realising.
Tim
David De Jesus | Apr 9, 2009 | Reply
Sorry Just getting back my friend.
Very informative and well thought out.
I see you did your reseach.
Bless you and your family
D.De Jesus
swatilohani | May 28, 2009 | Reply
perfect