SUBSTANCE ABUSE:

DETOUR OR DEAD END

Class project: Group Sample

WHAT IS SUBSTANCE ABUSE?Drugs are chemical substance that change how persons function, feels, thinks or react and can be harmful to the user and cause a certain degree of intoxication resulting in a change of character or behaviour.

TYPE OF SUBSTANCE Depressants – Alcohol Stimulants – Cocaine Hallucinogens-

Marijuana Over-the- counter

medicine

REASONS FOR DRUG ABUSE Experiment with new things Prove their independence Overcome feelings of

insecurity Seek acceptance from peers Influenced by friends Deficiency of support

structures Norm in the community

DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE Health (Medical) Legal & Economic Emotional & Social Addiction

Dangers of Drug Abuse

HOW DRUG USE CAN IMPACT YOUMaking an informed decision Need to know the facts about the

drug you choose, and understand the risks related to taking that drug.

Feeling confused about whether or not taking drugs is the right choice for you is not unusual.

Drugs can appear initially to have positive effects

However, they can also have negative impacts on your mental and physical health, your relationships, and your life in general.

QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF Do you know what you are really taking?

For example, most ecstasy is not actually MDMA.

What do you know about the person who's selling you the drug?

Are you taking anything else (alcohol, illicit drugs, over the counter or prescribed medication) that might interact with the drug?

How likely is it that you will have a positive experience?

How do you know that the next experience is also going to be a positive one?

QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF Can you really afford it? Do you know the safest method of use? Are you in the right environment – is

there someone to help if something goes wrong?

Do you know what the risks are, and what to do if something goes wrong?

It is your choice to decide whether or not the risk of taking the drug is worth it for you?

Do you know that you will be able to control your drug usage and that it will be safe?

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY FRIEND IS ABUSING DRUGS Physical warning signs; Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are

larger or smaller than usual. Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain. Deterioration of physical appearance

and personal grooming habits. Unusual smells on breath, body, or

clothing. Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired

coordination

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY FRIEND IS ABUSING DRUGSBehavioral signs of drug abuse Drop in attendance and performance

at work or School. Unexplained need for money or

financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it. Engaging in secretive or suspicious

behaviors. Sudden change in friends, favorite

hangouts, and hobbies. Frequently getting into trouble

(fights, accidents, illegal activities).

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY FRIEND IS ABUSING DRUGS Psychological warning signs

of drug abuse; Unexplained change in

personality or attitude. Sudden mood swings, irritability,

or angry outbursts. Periods of unusual hyperactivity,

agitation, or giddiness. Lack of motivation; appears

lethargic or “spaced out.” Appears fearful, anxious, or

paranoid, with no reason

WHERE TO GO FOR HELP Alcoholics Anonymous: 012 322 6047 Narcotics Anonymous: 088 130 0327 SADAG: 0800 121314 or SMS 32312

PEOPLE TO ASK FOR HELP Parents Family members Teacher School Councillor Pastor Friend

CONCLUSION Substance Abuse: Detour

RESOURCES USEDReferences http://helpguide.org/mental/drug_s

ubstance_abuse_addiction_signs_effects_treatment.htm

http://www.southafrica.info/services/health/abuse-260608.htm

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/drugs/publishing.nsf/content/campaign/$file/How%20drug%20use%20can%20impact%20your%20life.pdf

http://www.mrc.ac.za/adarg/substance.pdf

http://www.livestrong.com/article/17689-dangers-substance-abuse/