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Coordination in animals
For example, alcohol consumption kills Factors leading to drug abuse
cells in the brain and liver. Sniffing glue is
dangerous because it damages cells in the
kidneys, liver and brain. Thus, drugs must
be carefully handled. The correct ways of
FOR ONLINE READING ONLY
handling drugs include;
(a) Never take a drug without a doctor’s
prescription;
(b) Take the drug correctly and at the
right time according to doctor’s
prescription. Never take more or less
than what is prescribed by a doctor;
(c) Always keep drugs away from the
reach of children or persons who are
addicted to drugs; and
(d) Never use expired drugs.
Drug abuse
This is excessive use of drugs or using
them for reasons other than medical. Some
people take drugs for pleasure. When drugs
are taken for this purpose it may lead to
drug addiction. A drug addict becomes
dependant on a drug to the point that life feels
unbearable without it. Drug addicts suffer
withdrawal symptoms if they stop suddenly
using drugs. Withdraw symptoms refers to
physical and mental symptoms that depend
on the type of drug being discontinued.
The intensity and duration of withdrawal
symptoms vary widely depending on the
type of drug and biological makeup of a
person. The symptoms can be extremely
unpleasant and may be fatal. The symptoms
associated with withdrawal include change
in appetite, fatigue, muscle pain, nausea,
sleeping difficulty and sweating.
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BIOLOGY FORM 3 FINAL EDITED 16.09.2025.indd 58 KAMISHNA
KAMISHNA
While some people seek drugs for temporary
relief, drug abuse usually leads to addiction,
severe health consequenses and irreversible
damage. As such, it is important to seek for
medical advice on safe and healthier ways
to cope with the underlying challenges.
There are different reasons that make
people take drugs, some of them include
the following:
(a) Familial factors: Family history of
drug abuse, poor parental supervision,
childhood trauma, and family
instability significantly increase the
risk of substance abuse among youth.
(b) Social and peer influences: Peer
pressure, association with drug
abuse peers, and media or cultural
influences that normalise drug use
strongly encourage experimentation
and continued use.
(c) Individual and psychological
factors: Mental health issues, low
self-esteem, identity struggles, and
genetic predisposition can lead youth
to drugs abuse as a form of coping or
self-medication.
(d) Educational and socioeconomic
factors: Academic stress, lack of drug
education, and living in poverty or
disadvantaged neighbourhoods are
linked to higher rates of drug abuse.
(e) Environmental and situational
factors: Easy access to drugs,
unsupervised living arrangements, and
exposure to drug use in social settings
increase the likelihood of drug abuse.
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