Life Span Development II School Age and Adolescence

Life Span Development II: School age and Adolescence 3 (2+1)

Lesson 23 : Problems in Identity Development

Drug abuse

The use of a drug for other than a medical purpose or in improper quantities / administration is referred as drug abuse.

A drug is defined as any substance (with the exception of food) that, when taken by an individual, alters one or more of the functions (ex. Excitation level, sensory problems, heart rate, blood pressure) of the individual. The health hazards resulting from adolescents abuse of drugs constitutes a serious problem for adolescents and society.

The drugs commonly used may be grouped into number of categories – narcotics, stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, marijuana cocaine, cannabis and inhalants.

Specific drugs and their effects

S.No.	Name of the drug	- Ve Physical Effects	- Ve Mental effects
1	Cannabis	Substantial increase in the heart rate Bloodshot eyes A dry mouth and throat Increased appetite	Impair or reduce short–term memory and comprehension Alter sense of time Reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration and coordination. Long term effects Psychological dependence on drug.
2	Inhalants	Nausea, sneezing, coughing, nose bleeding, fatigue, lack of coordination Loss of appetite Long term effects Weight loss, fatigue, electrolyte imbalance, muscle fatigue and permanent damage to nervous system.	Violent behaviour Disorientation Unconsciousness
3.	Cocaine	Dilated pupils and elevated blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature Long term effects Ulcerate the mucous membrane in nose	Psychological dependency

Adolescents use certain drugs out of curiosity, for fun, sexual pleasure, social pressure from peer, but mostly to escape from reality and stressful situations. The main reasons found are poor family relationships and personal problems.