The issue of drug addiction remains one of the most pressing concerns for both public health and society as a whole. This is primarily due to the severe medical and social consequences associated with the use of psychoactive substances, with personality degradation being among the most significant effects. Certain drugs can induce addiction after just one or two instances of use. According to conservative estimates, approximately 3 to 4 percent of the global population engages in drug use.

Recognizing the gravity of this issue, the United Nations General Assembly designated March 1 as the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking in 1987.

Drug addiction is characterized by a compulsive dependence on the systematic use of narcotic substances, resulting in profound impairments in both mental and physical functions. It often drives individuals who have lost control over themselves to engage in criminal activities and negatively impacts nearly every aspect of society.

Medical Consequences of Drug Use:

·       Development of both mental and physical dependence.

·       Damage to the central nervous system, leading to impaired memory, attention, intellectual abilities, thinking, coordination of movements, speech, sleep patterns, and emotional regulation.

·       Mental disorders of varying severity, including psychosis and complete personality disintegration, such as schizophrenia.

·       Dysfunction of various organs and bodily systems.

·       Risk of poisoning, overdose, and fatal outcomes.

Psychological Consequences:

·       Personality deterioration, characterized by apathy towards one's own life, future, and loved ones.

·       Weakening of willpower, with drug use becoming the dominant priority in life.

Social Consequences:

·       Breakdown of social relationships, leading to the loss of friendships, family connections, education, and employment.

·       Restrictions on certain professional activities and limitations in obtaining specialized training.

·       Inability to operate a vehicle.

·       Exposure to administrative and criminal liability.

Parents should be vigilant if they observe signs that are often considered typical for teenagers but may indicate underlying issues. These signs include:

·       Increased secrecy without a noticeable deterioration in the parent-child relationship, accompanied by more frequent and prolonged outings. Additionally, a decline in interest in academics or usual hobbies may be observed, along with school absenteeism and decreasing academic performance.

·       Heightened financial demands, with the teenager actively seeking ways to fulfill them, which may coincide with the unexplained disappearance of money or valuables from the household.

·       The emergence of new, suspicious acquaintances and changes in the behavior of existing friends. Conversations may be conducted in hushed tones, with vague phrases or in isolation.

·       Frequent mood swings that appear without clear reason and do not align with the given situation.

Signs of Drug Abuse Onset

·       Wearing long-sleeved clothing regardless of weather or environmental conditions.

·       Unnaturally constricted or dilated pupils, independent of lighting conditions.

·       A detached or vacant gaze.

·       Frequently unkempt appearance, including dry hair and swollen hands.

·       Slurred or abnormally prolonged speech.

·       Clumsy and sluggish movements without the odor of alcohol.

·       A noticeable tendency to avoid interactions with authorities.

·       Increased irritability, abruptness, and disrespectful responses to questions.

·       Presence of needle marks.

The most effective defense against the consequences of drug use is to refuse the first attempt.

If drug use has already begun, it is crucial to assess the severity of the threat and seek professional help promptly. Specialized medical professionals can provide consultations, evaluate the situation, and determine appropriate treatment methods.

Effective Measures for Preventing Drug Addiction

Efforts to combat drug trafficking should not rely solely on enforcement measures but must also incorporate educational initiatives. Individuals considering violating anti-drug laws should be fully aware of the legal consequences of their actions. For instance, imprisonment may not only disrupt their lives but also have severe repercussions for their families, particularly if the punishment involves property confiscation.

Attempting to completely block an individual’s access to drugs is often ineffective, as they may still find ways to obtain them, sometimes with minimal effort, such as through the Internet. What is essential is fostering awareness that drug use leads to significant personal and legal consequences, including imprisonment and long-term harm to one’s well-being.

Drugs administered intravenously should be regarded separately, as they not only induce severe dependence but also contribute to the development of incurable diseases. If preventive measures are implemented in a timely and adequate manner, any adolescent would recognize that even a single use could result in hepatitis, AIDS, or overdose.

 

Jumaeva L.F. c.m.s., assistant professor, department of children’s diseases №2

---