PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES DRUG ABUSE What are Psychoactive Substances

PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES/ DRUG ABUSE What are Psychoactive Substances ? § These are substances which changes the way in which a person feels, thinks or behaves AFTER consuming them. These Psychoactive substances do not always lead to addiction. People are allowed by law to use same psychoactive substances such as alcohol, tobacco and some medications contain some of these substances but in quantities that are recommended by professional doctors, which affect the central nervous system.

cont and United Nations conventions. They can not be allowed and cannot be sold. eg marijuana FORMS OF PSYCHO-ACTIVE SUBSTANCES. • Stimulants. These increase the activity of the central nervous system e. g Cocaine, crack nicotine, inhalants like gases e. g Fuel. • Depressants. These decreases or hinder the activity of the central nervous system e. g alcohole heroin, inhalant. • Hallucinogens. These creat changes in perception, thinking and feelings change, the way in which users see and hear things e. g Marijuana. The above changes are observed in Psychiatric patients.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE USE PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCES • These reasons are categorized into two groups i. e personality and environment (a) Personality. These are certain aspects in the personality of either young or old people that can lead to the initial and continuing use of addictive substances

These reasons include • Curiosity and the desire to test the world and try new things • The desire to prove the others that one is anadult, is like them or better than them. • The desire to undertake risks • The desire to demonstrate to others that the things which they warn us against are not all that bad • The desire to belong to a certain peer group • Some people want to reduce stress or feel more open or secure in various life situations.

(b) Environment if anyone is living among peers who use drugs, it is more likely that he or she will also begin and continue to use the addictive substance. • If for example a young person’s parents Use drugs, the child is likely to do so. • The media has also advertised these drugs and promoted their use either directly or indirectly. • Continued domestic violence in homes can also lead and young persons to start using drugs. • To fit in the modern 21 st Century life style • Availability of these drugs.

SIGNS THAT A PERSON IS USING DRUGS The signs described below normally appear after either a very long period of time or short period of time depending on the quantity and the frequence at which an individual is using these drugs In most cases its impossible to tell that person is /not using drugs without a more detailed examination. Therefore avoid making any judgments on a person’s drug use behavior. This is a task of a professional

The signs include the following: There are external signs which include • abnormally large or small pupils in the eyes. • The eyes can be reddish • There can be facial swelling • A person may speak less than clearly • The skin can be pale or grayish • Movements can become uncoordinated • The person may appear drunk eve though no alcohol has been consumed.

• Behavioral change become evident • They can miss school or work • General body weakness • Occasionally they either sleep abnormally or they can not sleep • They can laugh hysterically with no reason • They can be extremely very harsh etc.

Key notice about psychoactive substances. (a) Stimulants These increase the activity of the central nervous system. They include: - Cocaine informally known as coke or snow. Cocaine is a white powder which can be sniffed or infected. It comes from leaves of the coca plant commonly found in Mexico and Asia. • Crack is almost improved cocaine and works like cocaine. • Eastasy. This oftenly comes inform of tablets of different size and color but commonly white. • Tobacco it is smoked • Amphetamines. They can be sniffed, swallowed injected and smoked.

(b) Depressants: These decrease or hinder the activity central nervous system. They include the following: • Alcohol. This is found in beers, wines, energy drinks and others • Inhalants. These are found in fuel cans, air fresheners, hair spray, deodorants etc. they are sniffed or breath into the lungs. (c) Hallucinogens: These create change interception thinking and feelings, change in the way users see and hear things. They include Marijuana.

Risks involved when using psychoactive Substance. The level of risk in the use of Psychoactive substances depends on a number of things such as amount consumed and the frequence at which a user uses these drugs. There is no quality control systems I illegal drugs markets since they are sold in black markets.

Below are the risks • Contraction of diseases such as HIV incase of sharing equipments like needles with infected people. • Excessive use of these drugs leads to death, permanent brain damage, permanent damage of liver. • Loss of respect in the community. • Leads to Domestic Gender based violence (DGBV) • Can cause mental disorder • Can cause long term or permanent confusion.

GROUP QUESTIONS 1 What are psychoactive substances 2 Why do people use psychoactive substances in your community? 3 What are the signs of someone being a drug user? 4 Show the forms of Psychoactive substance 5 What can we do to avoid drug abuse

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