Say NO to DRUGS

The World Health Organization describes substance abuse as, “The harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs.”
Initially people especially youngsters try to use drugs just for the sake of an experience. Unfortunately, don’t realize they are addicted until it is too late. Once addicted, the drug user will continue to use drugs even though it can cause great harm. The National Institute on Drug Abuse in the United States describes addition as, “A chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite harmful consequences.
Trouble thinking clearly, paying attention and remembering are consequences of drug use. As a result, students who use drugs may do poorly in colleges or even drop out. Adults might have trouble with their work performance and maintaining employment. In addition, social relationships regardless of age could suffer. Individuals may act on at risky behaviours while under the influence of drugs which can result in violence and infectious diseases. Drug use can alter the function and structure of the brain. Other medical problems which can result of drugs use are: Mental disorders, cardiovascular disease, stroke, HIV/AIDS, cancer, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and lung disease and Death just to name a few. Pregnant women who use drugs endanger the health of their unborn child. The child could be born prematurely, have a low birth weight and have trouble with both intellectual development and behaviour.
How to quit use of drugs:
Building Motivation – Helps you identify and keep up with your reasons to quit. Why do you want to quit smoking pot – what will keep you focused on that goal?
Coping with Urges – Dealing with urges and cravings is part of recovery. SMART has tools designed to help our members cope with urges to use or smoke pot that can help you maintain abstinence.
Managing Thoughts, Feelings and Behaviors – We frequently turn to using drugs to either escape from or avoid solving our problems. SMART’s members learn problem-solving tools to help them manage challenges along the way.
Lifestyle Balance – When you are addicted to, or abuse a drug like marijuana, your life frequently falls out of balance – you may find yourself opting to smoke pot rather than go to work or school. You may find that things you used to enjoy aren’t fun anymore. SMART Recovery helps members build skills to help balance both short and long-term goals, pleasures and needs that were once out of balance due to drug abuse.

By-

VIVEK PINNAMANENI