Dangers Of Self-medication On Society Archives

Drug Education ‘Drug’ is any chemical substance other than food which is intended to affect the functions of the body. A drug can be harmful if taken in a dosage not prescribed by the doctor, or taken too frequently for unjustified reasons. Drug use refers to the taking of drugs for an intended purpose in an appropriate amount, frequency and proper manner. It is necessary for drugs to be prescribed by a physician before usage. Drug misuse Drug misuse is the practice of using drugs for pleasure rather than for medical reasons. It is the use of drugs without medically valid prescription. Even when drugs are prescribed, they may be misused if not taken in the right quantity, dosage and length of time. Drug abuse Drug abuse is the indiscriminate and excessive taking of drugs for other purposes apart from medical reasons. This has a lot of negative effects on the physical, social, emotional and mental health of the person. Factors that can lead to drug abuse 1 To relieve pain and ache. 2 To calm down tension and stress. 3 To build up boldness and bravado. 4 To boost power and strength. 5 To enhance performance mentally and physically. Dangers of self-medication on the individual 1 It may damage body organs, especially the lungs, heart and kidney. 2 It may cause mental retardation or mental illness. 3 It may make such an individual useless and worthless. 4 It may lead to kidney failure. 5 It may reduce one’s lifespan. Dangers of self-medication on the family 1 It may create social problems in the family. 2 It may cripple the finances of the family. 3 It may generate unnecessary tension and unrest in the family. 4 It may damage the image and reputation of the family. 5 It may create sadness and unhappiness in the family. Dangers of self-medication on society 1 It may create youth restiveness and unrest in society. 2 It can lead to civil strife and tension in society. 3 It may destroy societal values. 4 It may slow down the growth and development of society. 5 It may create sadness and unhappiness in society. Qualities needed for protection against drug addiction 1 Self-discipline: This is the ability to do the right thing at the right time. It means taking the right drug as prescribed by the physician. There should be no self-medication. 2 Personal hygiene: Personal and environmental hygiene reduces illness and disease, which would make an individual healthy and free from medication. 3 Self value: This means having self-confidence and believing in one’s ability to perform well without drug aid or drug enhancement. 4 Respect: Total respect for the law, particularly laws against drug addiction. 5 Assertiveness: Self-assertiveness makes an individual able to say no to drug abuse and maintain it despite peer pressure. 6 Self-control: This is the ability to control your emotion, so that you will not involve yourself in drug addiction due to undue imitation or copying of friend’s habits. Strategies & Activities Step: Teacher revises the previous topic Step 2: Teacher introduces the new topic. Step3: Teacher endeavors to explain all the points to the pupils thoroughly. Step 4: Teacher welcomes pupils’ questions. Step 5: Teacher evaluates the pupils. Assessment & Evaluation 1 Explain the meaning of drug abuse. 2 State four factors that can lead to drug abuse. 3 Write four dangers of self-medication on the individual. 4 Explain why self-medication should not be encouraged in society. 5 List and discuss three qualities needed for protection against drug addiction. See also Swimming Martial Art Computer Games Recreation Gymnastic: Stunts

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