PSYCHOLOGICAL

EFFECTS OF
DRUGS IN TODAY’S
YOUTHS
 WHAT IS DRUG ADDICTION
An overwhelming desire to continue taking a drug to which one has become
dependent on through repeated consumption because it produces a particular
effect and feeling the person likes. This usually results to the inability to stop
using the drug in spite of numerous attempts.

Addiction is considered being chronic, relapsing disease because drugs change

the brain; they change its structure and how it works.
 WHAT IS A DRUG?
A substance that alters the body’s function either physically and or physiologically
when taken in to the body.

Drugs may be legal (e.g. alcohol, caffeine, tobacco) or illegal (e.g. cannabis, cocaine
and heroin)
 TYPES OF DRUGS
There are seven different drug types and each has its own set of effects and
risks:

- Stimulants
- Depressants
- Hallucinogens
- Opioids
- Cannabis
- Dissociates
- Inhalants
 Psychological Effects of
Substance USe
Depends on

● Type of drugs
● Quantity of drugs
● Frequency of drug use

Can lead to both short term and long term behavioural changes
such as anxiety or confusion and hallucination or psychosis
 TYPES OF DRUGS
STIMULANTS:

They are drugs that speed up the activity of the central nervous system. They
increase the user’s level of alertness, blood pressure, breathing and glucose level.

Common examples of stimulants are:

- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine (METH)
- Ecstasy
- Caffeine
 EFFECTS OF COMMON STIMULANTS
COCAINE AND METH

Short term effects:

- extreme happiness and energy
- sensitivity to sound or light
- mental alertness
Long term effects :
- extreme weight loss
- anxiety
- confusion
- Paranoia and hallucinations,
 TYPES OF DRUGS
Depressants:

These drugs impact the body’s central nervous system by making the user feel
as if things are slowing down. They are often called downers

Common examples of depressants are:

- Alcohol
- Xanax
- Heroin
- Valium
 EFFECTS OF A COMMON DEPRESSANT
ALCOHOL

short term effects:

- Distorted vision, hearing and co-ordination
- Impaired memory
- Impaired judgement
- Low blood pressure

Long term effects:

- Sexual impotence
- Liver damage
- Memory loss
- Hallucinations
- Death from withdrawal
 TYPES OF DRUGS
HALLUCINOGENS:

They work by disrupting communication in the brain and they distort the perception
of objective reality e.g. a hallucinogen user might believe that they see a person
speaking to them when that person does not exist.

Common examples of hallucinogens are:

- Angel dust
- Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD)
- Magic mushrooms
- Happy pills
EFFECTS OF COMMON HALLUCINOGENS
LSD AND MAGIC MUSHROOMS

Short term effects:

- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
- Changes in sense of time

Long term effects :

- Increased blood pressure
- Paranoia
- Excessive sweating
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep problems
 TYPES OF DRUGS
OPIOIDS

These are powerful painkillers that produce a sense of happiness in users.

Opioids are often prescribed by doctors to patients who are suffering from
intense pain.

Common examples of Opioids are:

- Percocet
- Morphine
- Codeine
- Heroin
 EFFECTS OF A COMMON OPIOIDS
EFFECTS OF CODEINE

Short term effects:

- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Happiness
- Sedation( calm or sleep)

Long term effects :

- Liver damage
- Brain impairment
- Cardiac arrest (high dose)
 TYPES OF DRUGS
CANNABIS:
Mostly recognized as marijuana, it acts like a hallucinogen but produces depressant-
like effects. Marijuana is also used for medicinal purposes but it is often used by those
who do not require it medically.

Short term effects:

- Sleepiness
- Short term memory
- Reduced ability to perform tasks requiring concentration

Long term effects:

- Low sperm counts for men
- Increased risk of infertility in women
- Enhanced cancer risk
 Substance Use and Mental Disorders
Many people who are addicted to drugs are also diagnosed with other mental disorders.
Some mental disorders precede addiction while some mental disorders are diagnosed
after addiction.
COMMON MENTAL DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG ADDICTION:

1) Depression: There is a strong relationship between drug addiction and

depression. This relationship could be attributed to pre-existing depression that
led to drug abuse or it could be that substance used caused changes in the brain
that increased depressive symptoms.
 Substance Use and Mental Disorders
COMMON MENTAL DISORDERS ASSOCIATED WITH DRUG ADDICTION:

2) Anxiety: Addiction is also associated with anxiety and panic disorders. It is difficult
to determine the cause and it is usually different amongst individuals. Many
substances, particularly stimulants like cocaine, can cause anxiety as a dose-
dependent side effects

3) Paranoia: Drugs like cocaine and marijuana can cause feelings of paranoia that
may increase with long-term use. Also, the fact that many of these drugs are illegal
can also contribute to mounting feelings of paranoia among long-term substance
users.
 Drug Use in Nigeria Today
SOCIAL MEDIA SOCIAL GROUPS
TWITTER, FACEBOOK, FRIENDS, SCHOOL,ROMANTIC
INSTAGRAM, SNAPCHAT RELATIONSHIPS

RISK FACTORS OTHER RISK

BULLYING, FACTORS
LONELINESS,DRUG TRAUMA, GENETICS, LACK
AVAILABILITY, POVERTY OF PARENTAL AVAILABILITY
 HOW DO I KNOW I AM ADDICTED TO A
DRUG?
1) Taking a substance in higher doses or for longer than intended.
2) Wanting to quit using but being unable to.
3) Spending a lot of time trying to get, use, or recover from the substance.
4) Craving the substance, or having a strong desire to use it.
5) Being unable to fulfill school, home, or work obligations because of substance
use.
6) Continuing to use the substance despite recurring or persistent social or
interpersonal problems related to use.
7) Reducing or stopping important social, recreational, or occupational activities
due to substance use.
9) Consistent substance use despite knowing knowledge that it is causing or
worsening psychological or physical problems.
 TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR
PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF
DRUG ADDICTION
1) understanding how to identify which feelings are likely the result of continued
withdrawals, and which are normal everyday feelings, can help you put the side
effects in perspective.
RESULTS

BEHAVIOURS

EMOTIONS (FEELING)

THINKING
2) Planning ahead with activities to naturally elevate your mood, whether it be a nap
or other quiet, reflective time, yoga, or a walk

3) Surrounding yourself with loved ones who understand what you are going through
is hugely helpful.

4) Seeking professional help and attendance of meetings or group supports

 RESOURCES
● Suicide Hotline Lagos- +2348062106493, +23492106493
● BAGit Campaign- info@bagitcampaign.com, @BAGit_ _
● Aisha Popoola(Life Coach)- 09071755742
● Paula Bamgbose-Martins(Psychotherapist)
paulabbmartins@yahoo.com
● Olusola Lanre Coaching Academy- info@olcang.com
● Pinnacle Medical services- 0809 973 1259
● She writes woman- shewriteswoman@gmail.com