The Remedial Measures of Drug Addiction.?

 

INDEX

1                   Introduction

2                   Some important definitions

2.1                       What is drug abuse and drug addiction?

2.2                       Prescription drug abuse

2.3                       Alcohol and smoking

2.4                       Definition of remedial measures

3                   Classification of Drug Abuse

3.1                        Natural drugs and

3.2                        Psychotropic substances (or synthetic substances).

4                   Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction

4.1                        How can I tell if I or a looved ne has a drug abuse or addiction problem?

4.2                        Physical signs of abuse and addiction

4.2.1                Tolerance and withdrawal

4.2.2                Mental and emotional signs of abuse and addiction

4.3                        Teenagers and drug abuse

5                   Effects of drug abuse and addiction

5.1                        Health, employment and crime

5.1.1                Staying addicted: Denial and rationalization

5.1.2                Drug abuse and the family

5.1.3                Family stress

6                   Drug and Crime:

7                   Remedial measures of drug addiction

7.1                       Licensing system should be strong

7.2                       Proper enforcement of law

7.3                       Awareness among the people

7.4                       Proper treatment of drug addicts

7.5                       Treatment centre should be introduced

7.6                       Policy and legislation should be so Strong

 

7.7                       Plans and programmes, which were taken, should be performed

7.8                       Different Organization should act to prevent it

7.9                       Awareness of people through International cooperation

7.10                 To stop the advertisement of drug

8                   Conclusion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1         Introduction:

The drug habituation has been prevalent in most societies over the ages because of their allegedly pleasurable and relaxing effects or as a means of relieving physical tensions, fatigue and as stimulant to withstand adversities. It is the misuse of drugs. Drug addictions are indicative of the irresponsibility and weakness of the character of the persons using these intoxicants. There is a considerable increase in such alcoholic-criminal episodes. Efforts to control drug addiction have been made by introducing stringent legislative measures to regulate the manufacture, transportation and sale of these products and ban their possession or use for other than medical and scientific purposes. Like any other socio-legal problem, the problem of drug addiction and abuse is a complex problem. Besides the legislative measures for combating this menace, some other remedial remedial measures that are my topic I will discuss it latter.

2         Some important definitions:

Before going to main topic I have to discuss some important definitions. So I want to discuss those.

2.1           What is drug abuse and drug addiction?

Drug abuse, also known as substance abuse, involves the repeated and excessive use of chemical substances to achieve a certain effect. These substances may be “street” or “illicit” drugs, illegal due to their high potential for addiction and abuse. They also may be drugs obtained with a prescription, used for pleasure rather than for medical reasons.

Different drugs have different effects. Some, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, may produce an intense “rush” and initial feelings of boundless energy. Others, such as heroin, benzodiazepines or the prescription oxycontin, may produce excessive feelings of relaxation and calm. What most drugs have in common, though, is overstimulation of the pleasure center of the brain. With time, the brain’s chemistry is actually altered to the point where not having the drug becomes extremely uncomfortable and even painful.  This compelling urge to use, addiction, becomes more and more powerful, disrupting work, relationships, and health.

2.2           Prescription drug abuse

Prescription drug abuse is just as dangerous as street drug use. When used appropriately, prescription drugs can have beneficial effects medically or psychologically. Prescription drugs in the opiate family, such as vicodin (hydrocodone) and oxycontin, are often prescribed for chronic pain or recovery from surgery. Benzodiazapines, such as valium or Xanax, are prescribed to treat anxiety. The problem arises when these drugs begin to be used ‘off label’. Furthermore, prescription drugs provide an easy access point to other family members susceptible to abuse.

2.3           Alcohol and smoking

While legal, both alcohol and nicotine can be highly addictive and have serious health effects.

See Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism or Ways to Quit Smoking for more information

2.4           Definition of remedial measures:

 

Remedial measures mean action taken to remove destroys, reduce, or prevent the spread of any thing which is harmful to people.[1]

Remedial measures mean any thing is taken to cure or designed to improve or cure. [2]

Remedial measures mean any thing which affords a remedy; as, a remedial statute, or one which is made to supply some defects or abridge some superfluities of the common law. 1 131. Com. 86. The term remedial statute is also applied to those acts which give a new remedy.[3]

3         Classification of Drug Abuse:

Drugs of abuse are of two types:

3.1            Natural drugs and

3.2            Psychotropic substances (or synthetic substances).

The former includes opium, cocaine and cannabis. The latter includes pethidine, barbiturates, tranquillisers, amphetamines, lysergic acid diethalmide.

Both types are subject to control under United Nations Conventions. Drugs which are mostly abused in Bangladesh are heroin, hemp (ganja), pethidine and some psychotropic substances such as mandrax, valium, librium, secondal, etc. Previously ganja was cultivated in naogaon. In the past, this was a good source of revenue but now, since Bangladesh is a signatory of the UN Convention, its production was stopped in all phases in this country.

4         Signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction

4.1            How can I tell if I or a loved one has a drug abuse or addiction problem?

Although different drugs may have different effects on overall physical and mental health, the basic pattern is the same. Getting and using the drug becomes more and more important than anything else, including job, friends and family. The physical and emotional consequences of drug abuse and addiction also make it difficult to function, often impairing judgment to a dangerous level.

4.2            Physical signs of abuse and addiction

Drug abuse affects the brain and body directly. While high, the drug affects the entire body, from blood pressure to heart rate. Stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamine “amp up” the body, increasing blood pressure, metabolism and reducing the ability to sleep. Drugs like opiates and barbiturates slow down the body, reducing blood pressure, breathing and alertness sometimes to dangerous levels. Some physical signs of abuse and addiction include:

• Cycles of increased energy, restlessness, and inability to sleep (often seen in stimulants)
• Abnormally slow movements, speech or reaction time, confusion and disorientation (often seen in opiates, benzodiazepines and barbiturates)
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain
• Cycles of excessive sleep
• Unexpected changes in clothing,  such as constantly wearing long sleeved shirts, to hide scarring at injection sites
• Suspected drug paraphernalia such as unexplained pipes, roach clips or syringes
• For snorted drugs, chronic troubles with sinusitis or nosebleeds
• For smoked drugs, a persistent cough or bronchitis, leading to coughing up excessive mucus or blood.
• Progressive severe dental problems (especially with methamphetamine)

 

4.2.1                Tolerance and withdrawal

Most abused drugs are not only mentally addictive but physically addictive as well. Tolerance is built up to the drug.  More and more of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effect. As the body physically adjusts to the drug, trying to cut down or stop is unpleasant or even painful. These withdrawal symptoms, depending on the drug, can include shakes, chills, severe aches and pains, difficulty sleeping, agitation, depression, and even hallucinations or psychosis. Avoiding withdrawal adds to the urgency of keeping up drug abuse and increases drug dependence.

4.2.2                Mental and emotional signs of abuse and addiction

Abuse and addiction also affect mood, as drugs are abused for the temporary good feelings they provide. These feelings can vary depending on the drug used. Some mental and emotional signs include:

• Cycles of being unusually talkative, “up” and cheerful, with seemingly boundless energy.
• Increased irritability, agitation and anger
• Unusual calmness, unresponsiveness or looking “spaced out”
• Apathy and depression
• Paranoia, delusions
• Temporary psychosis, hallucinations
• Lowered threshold for violence

 

4.3            Teenagers and drug abuse

It can sometimes be hard for parents to tell if their teenager has a drug problem. After all, teenagers are notorious for oversleeping, being argumentative and pushing boundaries, or wanting their own privacy and space. If you suspect your teen has a drug problem, look for marked changes in behavior, appearance and health. Is your teen suddenly having trouble in school? Does he/or she seem more and more isolated, or have a new group of friends? A teen with drug problems may spend a lot of time sleeping- or be keyed up or unable to sleep. Have you noticed that money or objects that could be sold for drugs seem to be disappearing? Do prescription drugs seem to be used up too quickly?

5         Some picture of Drug Addicts:

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6         Effects of drug abuse and addiction

What makes drug addiction problems so challenging to face, as opposed to other mental or physical problems? Drug abuse affects the person’s life in many ways, including health, finances and stability. But it also affects the entire family, friends, colleagues-- and even the community. What’s more, the strong denial and rationalization of the person using drugs makes it extremely difficult to get help, and can make concerned family members feel like they are the problem.

6.1            Health, employment and crime

Those who abuse drugs have a greater risk for health problems down the road, from neglecting their own health to risk of infectious disease like hepatitis or HIV from sharing needles. Heavy drug use directly affects health as well, including lung disease, arthritis, heart problems, brain damage and death from overdose. Productivity at work often suffers, and eventually trouble keeping a job or even homelessness can occur. The urge to use is so powerful that criminal activity for money or more drugs can be a strong temptation.

6.1.1                Staying addicted: Denial and rationalization

One of the most powerful effects of drug abuse and addiction is denial. The urge to use is so strong that the mind finds many ways to rationalize drug use. Someone abusing drugs may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs they are taking, how much it is costing them, and how much time it takes away from their family and work. They may lash out at concerned family members, making the family feel like they are exaggerating and overstating the problem. What makes this so frustrating for family members is the person abusing drugs often sincerely believes they do not have a problem, and can make the family member feel like the dysfunctional one.

This denial and rationalization can lead to increased problems with work, finances and relationships. The person abusing drugs may blame an “unfair boss’ for losing her job, or a ‘nagging wife’ for why he is increasingly going out with friends to get high. While work and relationship stresses happen to everyone, an overall pattern of deterioration and blaming others may be a sign of trouble.

6.1.2                Drug abuse and the family

Sadly, drug abuse and addiction doesn’t only affect the person abusing drugs. It affects friends, family and the entire society. Child abuse and neglect is much more common when there is drug abuse in the family. The abuser may neglect a child’s basic needs in the quest for more drugs, or lack of impulse control can lead to increased physical and emotional abuse. Drug abuse by a pregnant woman affects the developing baby’s health. Domestic violence also happens more frequently. Abusing drugs leads to higher risk of injuries and death to self and others in car accidents.

6.1.3                Family stress

If you have someone you love abusing drugs, it is an enormous emotional strain. You might feel obligated to cover for the abuser, cutting back from work to deal with the abuser’s problems— or working more to make financial ends meet.  You might not be able to see friends and engage in hobbies, as coping with the abuse takes more and more time.  The shame of drug abuse in the family stops many family members from asking for help, instead pretending nothing is wrong. The emotional toll can be overwhelming.  Children are especially sensitive.

7         Drug and Crime:

The use of illegal drugs and crime go hand in hand. Drug users do anything to obtain drugs to satisfy their habit. crimes most frequently committed by drug users are pick pocketing, theft, robbery, extortion, prostitution, public nuisance and drug peddling. Many crimes are committed under the influence of drugs. Data on drug incidents show the steady increase of drug addiction and as a natural corollary; these have their due repercussion in the overall crime incidence in the country.

The numbers of drug-related arrests, illicit drug seizures and people seeking medical help have increased during the past decade in Bangladesh. The problems of drug abuse are related to violence, crime, family disruption, health problems, including interference with normal reproductive functions, and long-term damage to the brain, heart and lungs. The most devastating problem associated with drug use is the spread of HIV among injecting drug users and from injecting drug users to non-injecting or non-drug users through sexual contact.

8          Remedial measures of drug addiction:

Like any other socio-legal problem, the problem of drug addiction and abuse is a complex problem. Besides the legislative measures for combating this menace, some other remedial may, to a large extent, help in preventing this evil are as follows:

8.1           Licensing system should be strong:

There is dire need to evolve an effective control mechanism to check unrestricted production of drugs and their sale in open markets. The present licensing system has proved inadequate in exercising proper control on the producers of drugs especially cannabis and alcohol.

8.2           Proper enforcement of law:

As stated earlier, lack of proper enforcement and implementation of related legislation on drugs has resulted into steady increase in drug menace. For this purpose, there is greater need to muster public support and co-operation through active publicity programmes.

8.3           Awareness among the people:

Perhaps the best remedy to contain this evil is to educate people about the harmful effects of drug addiction and consumption of liquor. This kind of education would bi most beneficial for the adolescents and school or college going students. The voluntary social organizations and mass-media can also usefully impart this education. Scientifically correct knowledge and education about evil effects of intoxication and drug-addiction should in fact form a part of regular curriculum at the school level.

8.4           Proper treatment of drug addicts: