2 days ago
The importance of saying no to drugs: Protecting health and well-being
Dr Edmond Fernandes is a physician and Founder of CHD Group - a global public health organization holding UNECOSOC Special Consultative Status. He is also the Director at Edward & Cynthia Institute of Public Health in Mangalore and empaneled Consultant to UNESCAP and External Consultant to NHSRC, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. Additionally, Dr. Edmond is a Senior Fellow with the Atlantic Council and a US Department of State Alumni. He can be reached on office@ LESS ... MORE
In today's fast-paced world, the pressure to experiment with drugs can be overwhelming, especially for young people navigating social, academic, and personal challenges. The allure of drugs—whether recreational, prescription, or illicit—often comes with promises of escape, euphoria, or enhanced performance. However, the consequences of drug use far outweigh any temporary benefits, impacting physical health, mental well-being, relationships, and future opportunities. Saying 'no' to drugs is not just about resisting peer pressure; it's about safeguarding one's health, preserving mental clarity, and building a foundation for a fulfilling life.
Immediate health risks
Drug use, even in small amounts, can have immediate and severe consequences for physical health. Many substances, such as alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or opioids, alter the body's natural processes, leading to short-term risks like impaired coordination, heart palpitations, or respiratory issues. For example, stimulants like cocaine can cause heart attacks or strokes, even in first-time users, while depressants like alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning, which can be fatal. Inhalants, often found in household products, can cause sudden sniffing death syndrome, where the heart stops abruptly due to chemical exposure.
Long-term health consequences
The long-term effects of drug use are even more alarming. Chronic use of substances like tobacco, alcohol, or methamphetamine can lead to organ damage, including liver cirrhosis, lung cancer, or severe dental decay (often referred to as 'meth mouth'). Opioids, which have fueled a global epidemic, can cause respiratory failure and increase the risk of overdose with prolonged use. Additionally, drugs like marijuana, while sometimes perceived as 'safe,' can impair lung function and increase the risk of chronic bronchitis when smoked regularly. Injectable drugs, such as heroin, carry additional risks like hepatitis C and HIV due to needle sharing. Furthermore, many drugs disrupt the body's immune system, making users more susceptible to infections and diseases. The physical toll of drug use not only shortens life expectancy but also diminishes quality of life, leading to chronic pain, fatigue, and disability.
Impact on the brain
Substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, and even excessive alcohol consumption can alter brain chemistry, affecting areas responsible for decision-making, memory, and emotional regulation. For adolescents and young adults, drug use can have lifelong consequences, impairing cognitive development and enhances the risk of mental health disorders. Over time, addiction can rewire the brain's reward system, making it difficult for users to experience pleasure without drugs, perpetuating a cycle of dependency.
Mental health consequences:
Long-term use of drugs like methamphetamine or cocaine can lead to psychosis, characterized by delusions and erratic behavior. Even prescription drugs, when misused, can exacerbate or cause mental health conditions such as depression or bipolar disorder.
Addiction itself is classified as a mental health disorder, as it involves compulsive behavior despite harmful consequences
Emotional consequences
Beyond clinical disorders, drug use can erode emotional stability. Users often experience strained relationships with family and friends, leading to feelings of guilt and loneliness. The pursuit of drugs can dominate one's life, causing individuals to neglect hobbies, goals, and personal values. This loss of identity can lead to a diminished sense of self-worth, making it harder to break free from the cycle of addiction. Moreover, the emotional highs promised by drugs are fleeting, often followed by crashes that leave users feeling worse than before. This rollercoaster of emotions can make it difficult to maintain healthy coping mechanisms, leading to a reliance on substances to manage stress or sadness.
Impact on relationships
Drug use doesn't just affect the individual; it ripples out to their social circle. Family members often bear the brunt of a loved one's addiction, experiencing emotional distress, financial strain, and sometimes physical harm. Trust is eroded as users may lie, steal, or manipulate to sustain their habit. Romantic relationships can crumble under the weight of secrecy and unreliability, while friendships may dissolve as non-users distance themselves from risky behaviors. For young people, peer pressure can be a significant factor in initiating drug use, but it can also work in reverse: saying no to drugs can strengthen relationships with those who share similar values. Choosing sobriety often means choosing healthier, more supportive social networks, which can enhance one's sense of belonging and purpose.
Social stigma and isolation
Society often stigmatizes drug users, which can lead to further isolation. Those struggling with addiction may face judgment from employers, educators, or community members, making it harder to seek help or reintegrate after recovery. This stigma can perpetuate a cycle of shame and substance use, as individuals feel trapped by their circumstances.
Saying no to drugs helps individuals avoid this social fallout, allowing them to maintain their reputation and connections. It also sets a positive example for others, particularly younger siblings or peers, fostering a culture of health and responsibility.
International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking is marked on 26th June every year. This is a time to revisit emergent policies and social developments in society and also to support young people who are very vulnerable to drug use. The growing peer pressure in schools and colleges, often fueled by social media is leading to young people going astray. The responsibility to safeguard our youth from drugs becomes a collective responsibility of elders who care for each other, care for their children and care for a better world. We must look at youth who consume drugs with empathy and provide solutions that take them out of such toxic situations. Often so, as elders we tend to blame them and to point a finger. Social and commercial determinants of health must serve to focus on solutions that make societies better and we must collectively rise up to this quest for a better world.
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Views expressed above are the author's own.
