INDISCRIMINATE USE OF DRUGS AND SELF MEDICATION

 As I sit to write this important topic, I can’t help but wonder how many lives must have been lost due to the indiscriminate use of drugs.  According to the world health organization (WHO). ’DRUG’, can be defined as any substance or product that is given to modify or explore pathological conditions and physiological state for the benefit of man.’ INDISCRIMINATE’ according to Longman Dictionary is defined as that which is “done without considering who will be affected or harm”. In a lay man's language, the inappropriate use of a drug without proper prescription by a medical practitioner (usually a pharmacist) is termed SELF MEDICATION. However, most people that are found or fond of this habit consider it “FREEDOM”. Freedom which is “being able to do what you want without being a prisoner and without being under another person's control “But, when it involves the use of drugs or medication I bet to differ.

Most people blame it on ignorance, some carelessness while to a larger extent, even amongst elites, its FIRST AID……… “I laugh” but pardon my amusement. What is unknown to this people is that indulging in such an act is akin to DRUG ABUSE; which can be defined as a disorder that is characterized by a destructive pattern of using a substance that leads to significant problems or distress. A lot of people take different kinds of drug without prescription based on the fact that they suffer from the same condition (Health issues) as their friends, but, little do they know that we all have different body compositions, what Mr A would take to get better might not do well with Mr B. Self-medication is often seen as gaining personal independence from established medicine. There are different drugs categorized into different classes with different levels of dependence, But, whatever  the case might be, once a drug is used for what it’s not meant for, its abused. A drug like paracetamol (Acetaminophen) to some people can cure anything they suffer from and that's just because it’s readily available (over the counter drugs (OTC).

The stages of indiscriminate use of drugs develops gradually from,
- Tolerance to
- Dependence and finally into
- Addiction
Tolerance in medical terms can be defined as a stage whereby therapeutic efficacy is no longer derived from the normal dose(s) of a drug which leads to Dependence and occurs once the abused drug is no longer available, signs of withdrawal become apparent , a combination of such signs, referred to as the “Withdrawal symptoms” , defines DEPENDENCE. Addiction also known as psychological dependence, which consists of compulsive, relapsing drug use despite negative consequences.
Apart from the Non-psychoactive drugs being abused, the most commonly abused drugs in the world today are the PSCHOACTIVE drugs and they include. Alcohol, Amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, cannabis and so much more; Most of these drugs are taken for the effects that they give, which are:

- Ecstasy
- Mood elevation
- Euphoric feeling
- Performance enhancement, to mention a few.
It has been proven by researchers that drug abuse affects about 7% of the population at some point in their lives. Today, virtually any substance whose ingestion can result in an euphoric feeling can be abused.

CAUSES OF DRUG ABUSE
1. Ignorance
2. Hard times (euphoric feeling): to get pass it
3. Peer pressure amongst Youth
4. Biological, Social and environmental factors
There are different ways of curtailing this act, they include
- Effective deal with peer pressure
- Being knowledgeable (following prescriptions and asking questions)
- Organizing talks and other campaign programs
- Provision of rehabilitation centres
With proper monitoring and care this act can be stopped and our health, better protected.

Olasina Sodeinde (@Holarsheenah)