Drug abuse and the effects of Drug abuse on Human Health

Drug is a chemical substance which when taken alter the normal body function.

Medicine is a drug taken (with proper prescription) to cure diseases.

Drug abuse is the use of drugs for unintended purpose or overdose of drugs.

Curative drugs include; quinine, metronidazole

Addictive drugs include; heroine, cocaine, cannabis, khat

Effects of Drug Abuse

• Depressed appetite and poor feeding habits leading emaciation.
• Lead to sterility and blindness due to interference with absorption of vital vitamins such as vitamin K and E.
• Lowers nervous coordination leading to loss of posture and balance.
• Irritation of lungs and respiratory tract leading to frequent coughs and infections.
• Lead to cancer of the lungs, throat and urinary bladder.
• Cause stomach ulcers.
• Damage to tissues of the heart and liver leading to heart attacks and liver cirrhosis respectively.
• Interference of temperature regulation leading to excessive heat loss.
• Damage caused to the brain may lead to:
• Sleeplessness (insomnia).
• Loss of memory (amnesia).
• Mental illness (madness).
• In women, drug abuse may lead to poor foetal development and pregnancy complications.