Drug and substance use is the excess use of psychoactive drugs, pain medications or illegal drugs for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. There are over 190 million people that use drugs around the world. These numbers have been increasing at alarming rates. The major problem that arises from abusing psychoactive drugs is dependence, the compulsion to use the drug despite the harm it causes. Drug addiction may start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations and for others, particularly with opioids, it begins when they take prescribed medicines or receive them from others who have prescriptions. Attempts to stop the use of drugs may cause intense cravings and may make the person feel physically ill.
TYPES OF DRUGS THAT ARE OFTEN ABUSED.
Alcohol: If you drink alcohol as a stress reliever it means that you have a problem. If you are a man and you drink more than four drinks a day, you are drinking too much. If you are woman and you are drinking more than three drinks a day, you are also drinking too much.
Cocaine: Cocaine speeds up your whole body. When a person uses cocaine, they may talk, think or move very fast. The person may fell very happy and full of energy, but the mood can quickly change.
Marijuana: Marijuana can make you feel silly and laugh for no reason. The use of marijuana can leave you burned out and not to think or care much. It can also lead to hallucinations and temporary psychosis.
Heroine: Heroine gives you a rush of good feelings, but when it wears off everything slows down.
Prescription drugs and over the counter (OTC): The most commonly abused drugs are cough and cold medicine that have dextromethorphan. high doses of this can leave you feeling drunk. You can also abuse medicine if you are taking medicine prescribed for someone, take extra doses. Opioid pain relievers, anxiety and sleep medicines are also often abused.
Drugs commonly used in Zimbabwe include Crystal meth, Glue, Guka, Mangemba and Mutoriro.
