Where There Is No Doctor 2011 417
People usually start taking drugs
to escape the hardships, forget the
hunger, or calm the pain in their daily
lives. But once they start, they often
become ‘hooked’ or addicted. If they
try to stop, they become miserable,
sick, or violent. In order to get more
drugs, they will often commit crimes,
go hungry, or neglect their families.
Thus drug use becomes a problem for
whole families and communities.
Drug dependence can cause:
Self-neglect,
Some drugs such as cocaine and
heroin are very addictive; a person
may try the drug only once and feel
family problems,
aggression,
and violence.
that he needs to keep taking it. Other
drugs become addictive after longer
periods of time. Addiction is a dangerous trap that can lead to health problems
or even death. But with determination, effort, and support, addictions can be
overcome.
When a person first gives up a drug he is addicted to, he will usually feel
miserable and act strangely. This is called ‘withdrawal’. The person may be extremely
nervous, depressed, or angry. He may feel that he cannot live without the drug.
With some drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, withdrawal may be so severe that
the person can become violent and injure himself or others. He or she may need
the help of a special clinic. For other kinds of drugs, such as alcohol, marijuana,
tobacco, and chemical sniffing, medical care is usually not necessary, but the care
and support of family and friends is very important.
Here are a few suggestions to help solve the problem of drug use and addiction:
♦ Be as helpful and supportive as possible to someone trying to overcome drug
use. Remember that their difficult moods are because of their addiction, not
because of you.
♦ Members of the community who have been addicted to drugs but have
overcome the habit can form a ‘support group’ to help others trying to give up
alcohol or drugs. Alcoholics Anonymous is one such organization (see p. 429).
This group of recovering alcoholics has successfully helped people all over
the world to deal with problems of addiction.
♦ Families, schools, and health workers can tell children about the dangers
of cigarettes, alcohol, and drugs. Help children learn that there are other,
healthier ways to ‘feel good’, to act ‘grown up’, or to rebel.
♦ Work to correct some of the problems in your community that may lead
people to use drugs: hunger, exploitative working conditions, and lack of
opportunities to lead a better life. Help disadvantaged persons organize and
stand up for their rights.
Actions that are supportive and kind work better
than those that are punishing and cruel.