Early this year daily mail news UK, published a story of a 21-year-old student, Charles Mann who stabbed his mother 11 times and cut off his own penis in drug-induced fit of violence, a worrisome statistic by Daily Times Newspaper
Nigerian, shows that one in every three secondary school students consumes alcohol. Another 8.3% smoke cigarettes while almost one in every ten (9.1%) chew Miraa. About 3% smoke bhang and use hard drugs like heroin, cocaine,
mandrax and tranquilizers.
Being a teenager is often a confusing, challenging time, which can make teens vulnerable to falling into a destructive pattern of drug use. While most teens probably see their drug use as a casual way to have fun, there are negative effects from the use of alcohol or other drugs. Even if adolescent drug use does not necessarily lead to adult drug abuse, there are still risks and consequences of adolescent drug use.
These negative effects usually include a drop in academic performance or interest, and strained relationships with family or friends.
Drug use can also change friendships as teens begin to associate more with fellow drug users, who encourage and support one another’s drug use.
Nevertheless, It is very imperative that teens be informed of the extreme dangers that are involved in the use of ANY type of illegal or legal drug .Some teens believe drugs will help them think better, be more popular, stay more active, or become a better athlete. Others are simply curious and figure one try won’t hurt. Others want to fit in. Many teens use drugs to gain attention from their parents or because they are depressed or think drugs will help them escape their problems. The truth is, drugs don’t solve problems. Drugs simply hide feelings and problems.
When a drug wears off, the feelings and problems remain – or become worse. Drugs can ruin every aspect of a person’s life.
Drugs are chemicals or substances that change the way our bodies work. When you put them into your body (often by swallowing, inhaling, or injecting them), drugs find their way into your bloodstream and are transported to parts of your body, such as your brain. In the brain, drugs may intensify or dull your senses, alter your sense of alertness, and sometimes decrease physical pain. A drug may be helpful or harmful. The effects of drugs can vary depending upon the kind of drug taken, how much is taken, how often it is used, how quickly it gets to the brain, and what other drugs, food, or substances are taken at the same time.
Many substances can harm your body and your brain. Drinking alcohol, smoking tobacco, taking illegal drugs, and sniffing glue can all cause serious damage to the human body. Some drugs severely impair a person’s ability to make healthy choices and decisions. Teens who are involved in drugs are more likely to get involved in dangerous situations, such as driving under the influence, having unprotected sex, stealing and going violent.
Recent happening have shown widespread drug use among adolescents and young adults, thus drawing global
attention to this problem. According to my finding there is however a rarity of data on drug uses among youths in Nigeria. To tackle this mayhem peer counseling, community awareness and working with adults who have adolescents at home would go a long way towards reducing drug use at community and household level, particularly among secondary school students.
Written by
Uwana ESSIENETTE
Communications specialist