Article: Drug abuse .....1

Drug abuse is a patterned use of a drug where the user consumes the drug in amounts or with methods that are not approved by medical professional.

There is a need for collecting accurate statistical data about drug-related accidents, crimes or diseases so that researchers might be able to document the seriousness of drug-related problems to the Government.

We should advocate intensified drug eradication programmes and organizing leisure activities for the communities so as to eliminate drug consumption as a social activity.

The most frequently abused substance is alcohol. And the most frequently abused illicit substance is cannabis (marijuana).

Some other substances commonly abused in Nigeria are: heroin, cocaine, amphetamine, hypnosedatives (especially valium, lexotan, ativan ), volatile solvents. A relatively common pattern of abuse is the use of pentazocin injection.

This drug is a powerful but potentially additive analgesic which is used for severe pains resulting from conditions like sickle cell crisis, post surgical procedures, etc.

Sicklers who "self medicate" are potential addicts to this drug. A peculiar pattern of use of cannabis (marijuana) is in the form known locally as "monkeytail".

The Government of Nigeria already has the necessary infra-structures and only needs to recognize the seriousness of the problem and make it a national priority.


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