Read the following passage carefully and answer the question on it.
Drug abuse is a menace in many countries The continued abuse of drugs usually leads to addiction. This problem is more common among youths The drugs that can be abused vary from prescribed medication to more controlled substances. Alcohol cigarette and controlled substances such as cocaine heroin, methamphetamine and so on are addictive drugs that are often used by many young people They can be smoked, swallowed, inhaled or injected into the bloodstream.
There are numerous adverse medical and psychological consequences associated with drug addiction Individuals have been known to suffer irreversible damage from the abuse of drugs. It can affect the central nervous system as well as cause memory loss, brain damage and depression.
Drug addicts may display psychotic behaviours, mood swings and may be predisposed to irascible decision making. They are also likely to suffer general health problems related to the lungs, heart and kidneys. In fact, the adverse behavioural and physical effects of drug addiction on the individual are enormous.
Apart from the problems for the individual the families of drug addicts are not spared Since addicts are usually incapable of functioning as ‘normal’ members of the society they abuse their families. They are prone to abusing spouses and children. There have been reports of children harming their parents because the latter did not give them money to buy drugs. Drugs addicts may eventually require expensive treatment and rehabilitation. These have huge cost implications that put a lot of pressure on the family budget. In addition their families face stigmatization in their communities.
The society at large also suffers. Drug addicts are more likely to be involved in criminal activities than people who are not. Many of the heinous crimes reported have been attributed to drug addiction. The abuse of alcohol is one of the reasons for the increasing number of road accidents. An increase in crime rate forces the government to commit huge resources to fighting crime resources that could have been used to provide more social amenities. Moreover, most criminal gangs are formed and thrive on money from drugs. Although the addicts have made the drug trade seemingly attractive and profitable no one should promote it.
Regardless of the apparently insurmountable nature of the problems associated with drug addiction some measures could be taken to curb this menace People need to be more educated on the effects of addiction on themselves and their families. Children must be taught in schools and at home the need to stay away from drugs. The law-enforcement agencies should also be better empowered and resourced to apprehend dealers in order to curtail the availability of drugs in circulation. Another step is to ensure that drug addicts receive early treatment. Such treatment should be based on the specific drug the individual is addicted to. While it may appear impossible to eliminate the problems of addiction, relentless efforts in taking the steps above will help to weaken the grip of drug abuse on our society
(a) In three sentences, one for each state three categories of people that are affected by drug addiction and what they suffer.
(b) In three sentences one for each, identify three ways to combat drug addiction in the society.
Explanation
(a) (i) The individual suffers from medical and psychological problems (ii) The families of drug addicts suffer abuse, financial loss and stigmatisation (iii) The society suffers increased crime rate and accidents; deprivation of more social amenities.
(b) (i) People should be (more) educated on the (negative) effects of drug addiction (ii) Law enforcement agencies should be empowered and equipped to arrest drug dealers. (iii) Early treatment should be provided for addicts.