(a) Definition of Drug abuse

- Drug abuse refers to the use of drugs through self-medication or without due medical prescription and administration. It is the indiscrinate use of any drug, i.e. marijuana (Indian hemp) e.g. heroine, morphine, cocaine, stimulants, alcohol, etc.
- Drug abuse is the overuse and misuse of legal and illegal drugs by individuals without prescription by medical personnel to cause a change in their physiological and psychological state which lead to legal and interpersonal problems.
(b) Ways by which drug abuse can be curbed in the society
i. Access to hard drugs should be controlled by those in authority
ii. Creation of job opportunities
iii. Community action and involvement
iv. Involvement in school and extra-curricular activities such as sports may keep people out of drug abuse
v. Psychological reinforcement of behaviours of drug abusers when appropriate
vi. Media campaign against drug abuse should be intensified vii. Proper family upbringing should be encouraged
viii. Counseling the drug abusers of its consequences may prevent them from future drug abuse
ix. You should be encouraged to resist negative peer pressure
x. The youth should taught moral and religious principles
xi. Selected and recognized outlets for the sale of drugs should be controlled
xii. Good knowledge of drugs by individuals and the public should be encouraged