Week 7 and 8 – Jss 2 Third Term Basic Science Lesson Notes

 WEEK 7&8: DRUG ABUSE
A drug can also be defined as any substances other than any other than food that by its chemical or physical nature, can affect the structure or functions of a living organism.
When drugs are administered under proper medical supervision they can serve three objectives namely

1. To save life
2. To relieve suffering
3. To combat diseases {fight against diseases}

   However, when drugs are misused or abused, they can be harmful to the human body or even cause death.
   THE CONCEPT OF DRUG ABUSE
   Drug abuse can come under two major dimensions. One of this is the overuse and over dependence on prescription drugs. Many people depend heavily on and over use drugs such as paracetamols, panadols and other relieving drugs etc. this is one aspect of drug abuse. The other aspect is the use of hallucinogenic drugs which give the users a strange (high) feeling during which they may not have control over their senses. Such drugs include Indian hemp, cocaine, heroine, marijuana etc. These drugs are often expensive and not readily available. For these reasons, many reasons, many people resort to using other substances (thinners, glue, petrol etc) to have the same effect.
   COMMON WAYS OF MISUSING DRUGS
   

• Such drugs which people develop an urge to take are called habit-forming drugs.
  
• Common ways of using these drugs are by smoking and inhaling (Indian hemp, cocaine, thinners, glue, petrol etc.)
  
• Sometimes these drugs can also be in liquid form (heroine) which is injected into the blood stream with the use of syringes.
  

  SOCIAL RISK FACTORS IN DRUG ABUSE
  Negative peer influence among school children often lead to drug abuse which makes them perform poorly in school and eventually drop out.

1. 
   The effects of a drug may be temporary or it may last long time, depending on the amount taken.
   
2. 
   The incidents of drug abuse have a very negative impact on individuals, families and society.
   
3. Individuals who take drugs become problems to themselves and their families.
   
4. Drug abuse is also known to be a major contributing factor to road accidents.
   
5. Drug abuse can lead to break up of marriages if the users are adults and are married.
   
6. The overall impact of drug abuse is on the society and government.
   

    EVALUATION
   

   1. Explain the meaning of drug and drug abuse. 2. State methods of drug use.

   3 .List common ways of misusing drugs.
   4. Mention social risks factors in drug abuse.
   5. Name any kind of commonly abused drugs.