2019 year of proactive drug information

Mthandazo Ndlovu

We continue answering the questions that have been brought through which l believe will benefit a lot of people in the understanding of the effects of various drugs and substances of abuse .

How dangerous is Heroin? 

Heroin is very dangerous, and highly addictive. It enters the brain rapidly and makes people think and react slowly.  It causes them to have difficulty remembering things.

It affects the way they act and make decisions.

The drug poses special problems for those that inject it because of the risks of HIV, hepatitis and other diseases that can occur from sharing needles.  These health problems can be passed on to sexual partners and newly born babies .

Heroin is one of the top three frequently reported drugs in drug abuse deaths.  Violence and crime are linked to its use.

Does smoking marijuana lead to taking other drugs?

Marijuana can lead to the consumption of other stronger drugs.  When the effects of marijuana start to wear off, the person may turn to stronger drugs to rid himself of the unwanted conditions that prompted him to take the drug in the first place.

Marijuana itself does not lead the person to taking the other drugs: people take drugs to get rid of unwanted situations or feelings.

The drug (marijuana) masks the problem for a time (while they are high).  When the “high” fades, the problem, unwanted condition or situation returns, more intense.

The user may then look to stronger drugs to mask the problem as they grow tolerance in the marijuana that is why we find it now laced with either some other drugs or pills.

What are the dangers of inhalants? 

Inhalants affect the brain.  They are substances or fumes from products such as glue, paint thinner, gasoline or spray paint that are inhaled through the nose or mouth.

Inhalants can cause irreversible physical and mental damage.

They starve the body of oxygen and force the heart to beat irregularly and more rapidly.

People who use inhalants can: lose their sense of smell; experience nausea and nosebleeds and develop liver, lung and kidney problems.

Chronic use can lead to reduced muscle mass, tone and strength.  Inhalants can make people unable to walk, talk and think normally.

Much of the damage is caused directly to brain tissue when the toxic fumes are sniffed straight into the sinus passage.

Aren’t inhalants found in household products safe?

No.  Inhalants include a large group of chemicals that are found in such household products as aerosol sprays, cleaning fluids, glue, paint, paint thinner, nail polish remover, correction fluid and marker pens.

None of these are safe to inhale—they are harmful and dangerous.  These products are not intended to be inhaled.

νMthandazo Ndlovu is a drug prevention and rehabilitation specialist.For more information and help contact 00263772399734 and join the Rechabites in creating a drug free healthy and productive society.

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