Drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain. There are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needles are also at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C infections.
Causes of drug use.
Drugs of abuse are usually psychoactive drugs that are used by people for various different reasons which may include:
- Curiosity and peer pressure, especially among school children and young adults
- The use of prescription drugs that were originally intended to target pain relief may have turned into recreational use and become addictive
- Chemicals may be used as part of religious practices or rituals
- Recreational purposes
- As a means of obtaining creative inspiration