EFFECTS OF
DRUGS IN TODAY’S
YOUTHS
WHAT IS DRUG ADDICTION
An overwhelming desire to continue taking a drug to which one has become
dependent on through repeated consumption because it produces a particular
effect and feeling the person likes. This usually results to the inability to stop
using the drug in spite of numerous attempts.
Drugs may be legal (e.g. alcohol, caffeine, tobacco) or illegal (e.g. cannabis, cocaine
and heroin)
TYPES OF DRUGS
There are seven different drug types and each has its own set of effects and
risks:
- Stimulants
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Opioids
- Cannabis
- Dissociates
- Inhalants
Psychological Effects of
Substance USe
Depends on
● Type of drugs
● Quantity of drugs
● Frequency of drug use
Can lead to both short term and long term behavioural changes
such as anxiety or confusion and hallucination or psychosis
TYPES OF DRUGS
STIMULANTS:
They are drugs that speed up the activity of the central nervous system. They
increase the user’s level of alertness, blood pressure, breathing and glucose level.
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine (METH)
- Ecstasy
- Caffeine
EFFECTS OF COMMON STIMULANTS
COCAINE AND METH
These drugs impact the body’s central nervous system by making the user feel
as if things are slowing down. They are often called downers
- Alcohol
- Xanax
- Heroin
- Valium
EFFECTS OF A COMMON DEPRESSANT
ALCOHOL
They work by disrupting communication in the brain and they distort the perception
of objective reality e.g. a hallucinogen user might believe that they see a person
speaking to them when that person does not exist.
2) Anxiety: Addiction is also associated with anxiety and panic disorders. It is difficult
to determine the cause and it is usually different amongst individuals. Many
substances, particularly stimulants like cocaine, can cause anxiety as a dose-
dependent side effects
3) Paranoia: Drugs like cocaine and marijuana can cause feelings of paranoia that
may increase with long-term use. Also, the fact that many of these drugs are illegal
can also contribute to mounting feelings of paranoia among long-term substance
users.
Drug Use in Nigeria Today
SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL GROUPS
TWITTER, FACEBOOK, FRIENDS, SCHOOL,ROMANTIC
INSTAGRAM, SNAPCHAT RELATIONSHIPS
BEHAVIOURS
EMOTIONS (FEELING)
THINKING
2) Planning ahead with activities to naturally elevate your mood, whether it be a nap
or other quiet, reflective time, yoga, or a walk
3) Surrounding yourself with loved ones who understand what you are going through
is hugely helpful.