Substance abuse applies not only to taking hard drugs but also to taking prescribed drugs in an unprescribed manner or excessively. Using more than the required dosage is one of the many ways controlled or prescribed drugs are abused, however, there are many other ways people misuse drugs in their everyday life.
While some people are aware of their abuse of these substances, others are quite oblivious of the how harmful the things they consume might be.
Here’s a list of things that amount to substance abuse that everyone needs to pay attention to:
- Overuse of Prescribed Drugs or Over-the-Counter Drugs
Pain killers like paracetamol have become one of the most abused drugs and many people innocently take them to relief headaches or more intense pain. Although it may seem convenient to consume these kinds of drugs without a prescription, it causes more danger to the body system than one may be aware of.
- Alcohol Intoxication
Drinking alcohol is another very common one and it can be abused when consumed in excess which leads to drunkenness. Everyone reacts differently to alcohol; some people are more tolerant than others, but drinking too much on a regular basis could lead to alcohol poisioning or harm one’s mental and physical state.
- Eccentric Drug Use
Some people argue that substances like Marijuana have health benefits and are not addictive. Research has however proven this to be false and even confirmed that Marijuana is the most commonly used addictive drug after tobacco and alcohol – and it has a number of short and long-term effects which could also affect brain development.
- Caffeine Addiction
Caffeine addiction is the excessive intake of caffeine over time which adversely affects one’s health. People with caffeine addiction cannot function without starting their day with coffee. It is important to know that caffeine is also contained in food items like chocolate and some energy drinks, as such, they should be taken with caution.
- Synthetic Drugs
Although these type of drugs may not be considered unlawful but they are equally as dangerous. Synthetic drugs are extremely intoxicating and mimics the effects of illegal drugs. Some common examples are bath salts, Ecstasy, LSD, and more.
Many young Nigerians indulge in these type of activities which they do not consider substance abuse and try to get ‘high’ through any possible means. This makes it important for corporations and organisations to intensify efforts in enlightening and sensitising people on the issue of drug abuse. MTN Nigeria, through the MTN Foundation has put together the annual Anti-Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP) to educate people on the dangers of drug abuse, provide counselling/therapy, and rehabilitate substance abusers as they journey towards getting out of addiction.
