<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Adolescence and Drug/Alcohol Abuse</strong></p> </li> <li> <p>Adolescence means both ‘a period’ and ‘a process’ during which a child becomes mature in terms of his/her attitudes and beliefs for effective participation in society</p> </li> <li> <p>The period between 12-18 years of age may be thought of as adolescence period</p> </li> <li> <p>In other words, adolescence is a bridge linking childhood and adulthood</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>Adolescence is accompanied by several biological and behavioural changes</p> </li> <li> <p>Adolescence, thus is a very vulnerable phase of mental and psychological development of an individual</p> </li> <li> <p>Curiosity, need for adventure and excitement, and experimentation, constitute common causes, which motivate youngsters towards drug and alcohol use</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>A child’s natural curiosity motivates him/her to experiment</p> </li> <li> <p>This is complicated further by effects that might be perceived as benefits, of alcohol or drug use</p> </li> <li> <p>Thus, the first use of drugs or alcohol may be out of curiosity or experimentation, but later the child starts using these to escape facing problems</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>Of late, stress, from pressures to excel in academics or examinations, has played a significant role in persuading the youngsters to try alcohol and drugs</p> </li> <li> <p>The perception among youth that it is ‘cool’ or progressive to smoke, use drugs or alcohol, is also in a way a major cause for youth to start these habits</p> </li> <li> <p>Television, movies, newspapers, internet also help to promote this perception</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li>Other factors that have been seen to be associated with drug and alcohol abuse among adolescents are unstable or unsupportive family structures and peer pressure</li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Addiction and Dependence</strong></p> </li> <li> <p>Because of the perceived benefits, drugs are frequently used repeatedly</p> </li> <li> <p>The most important thing, which one fails to realise, is the inherent addictive nature of alcohol and drugs</p> </li> <li> <p>Addiction is a psychological attachment to certain effects –such as euphoria and a temporary feeling of well-being – associated with drugs and alcohol</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>These drive people to take them even when these are not needed, or even when their use becomes self-destructive</p> </li> <li> <p>With repeated use of drugs, the tolerance level of the receptors present in our body increases</p> </li> <li> <p>Consequently the receptors respond only to higher doses of drugs or alcohol leading to greater intake and addiction</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>However, it should be clearly borne in mind that use of these drugs even once, can be a fore-runner to addiction</p> </li> <li> <p>Thus, the addictive potential of drugs and alcohol, pull the user into a vicious circle leading to their regular use (abuse) from which he/she may not be able to get out</p> </li> <li> <p>In the absence of any guidance or counselling, the person gets addicted and becomes dependent on their use.Dependence is the tendency of the body to manifest a characteristic and unpleasant withdrawal syndrome if regular dose of drugs/alcohol is abruptly discontinued</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>This is characterised by anxiety, shakiness, nausea and sweating, which may be relieved when use is resumed again</p> </li> <li> <p>In some cases, withdrawal symptoms can be severe and even life threatening and the person may need medical supervision</p> </li> <li> <p>Dependence leads the patient to ignore all social norms in order to get sufficient funds to satiate his/her needs</p> </li> <li> <p>These result in many social adjustment problems</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Effects of Drug/Alcohol Abuse</strong></p> </li> <li> <p>The immediate adverse effects of drugs and alcohol abuse are manifested in the form of reckless behaviour, vandalism and violence</p> </li> <li> <p>Excessive doses of drugs may lead to coma and death due to respiratory failure, heart failure or cerebral hemorrhage</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>A combination of drugs or their intake along with alcohol generally results in overdosing and even deaths</p> </li> <li> <p>The most common warning signs of drug and alcohol abuse among youth include drop in academic performance, unexplained absence from school/college, lack of interest in personal hygiene, withdrawal, isolation, depression, fatigue, aggressive and rebellious behaviour, deteriorating relationships with family and friends, loss of interest in hobbies, change in sleeping and eating habits, fluctuations in weight, appetite, etc</p> </li> <li> <p>There may even be some far-reaching implications of drug/alcohol abuse</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>If an abuser is unable to get money to buy drugs/alcohol he/she may turn to stealing</p> </li> <li> <p>The adverse effects are just not restricted to the person who is using drugs or alcohol</p> </li> <li> <p>At times, a drug/alcohol addict becomes the cause of mental and financial distress to his/her entire family and friends</p> </li> <li> <p>Those who take drugs intravenously (direct injection into the vein using a needle and syringe), are much more likely to acquire serious infections like AIDS and Hepatitis B</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>The viruses, which are responsible for these diseases, are transferred from one person to another by sharing of infected needles and syringes</p> </li> <li> <p>Both AIDS and Hepatitis B infections are chronic infections and ultimately fatal</p> </li> <li> <p>Both can be transmitted through sexual contact or infected blood</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>The use of alcohol during adolescence may also have long-term effects</p> </li> <li> <p>It could lead to heavy drinking in adulthood</p> </li> <li> <p>The chronic use of drugs and alcohol damages nervous system and liver (cirrhosis)</p> </li> <li> <p>The use of drugs and alcohol during pregnancy is also known to adversely affect the foetus</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>Another misuse of drugs is what certain sportspersons do to enhance their performance</p> </li> <li> <p>They (mis)use narcotic analgesics, anabolic steroids, diuretics and certain hormones in sports to increase muscle strength and bulk and to promote aggressiveness and as a result increase athletic performance</p> </li> <li> <p>The side-effects of the use of anabolic steroids in females include masculinisation (features like males), increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, abnormal menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth on the face and body, enlargement of clitoris, deepening of voice</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>In males it includes acne, increased aggressiveness, mood swings, depression, reduction of size of the testicles, decreased sperm production, potential for kidney and liver dysfunction, breast enlargement, premature baldness, enlargement of the prostate gland</p> </li> <li> <p>These effects may be permanent with prolonged use</p> </li> <li> <p>In the adolescent male or female, severe facial and body acne, and premature closure of the growth centres of the long bones may result in stunted growth</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p><strong>Prevention and Control</strong></p> </li> <li> <p>The age-old adage of ‘prevention is better than cure’ holds true here also</p> </li> <li> <p>It is also true that habits such as smoking, taking drug or alcohol are more likely to be taken up at a young age, more during adolescence</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li> <p>Hence, it is best to identify the situations that may push an adolescent towards use of drugs or alcohol, and to take remedial measures well in time</p> </li> <li> <p>In this regard, the parents and the teachers have a special responsibility</p> </li> <li> <p>Parenting that combines with high levels of nurturance and consistent discipline, has been associated with lowered risk of substance (alcohol/drugs/tobacco) abuse</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <ul> <li>Some of the measures mentioned here would be particularly useful for prevention and control of alcohol and drugs abuse among adolescents</li> </ul> <p>(i) <strong>Avoid undue peer pressure -</strong> Every child has his/her own choice and personality, which should be respected and nurtured</p> <ul> <li>A child should not be pushed unduly to perform beyond his/her threshold limits; be it studies, sports or other activities</li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <p>(ii) <strong>Education and counselling -</strong> Educating and counselling him/ her to face problems and stresses, and to accept disappointments and failures as a part of life</p> <ul> <li>It would also be worthwhile to channelise the child’s energy into healthy pursuits like sports, reading, music, yoga and other extracurricular activities</li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <p><strong>(iii) Seeking help from parents and peers -</strong> Help from parents and peers should be sought immediately so that they can guide appropriately</p> <ul> <li> <p>Help may even be sought from close and trusted friends</p> </li> <li> <p>Besides getting proper advise to sort out their problems, this would help young to vent their feelings of anxiety and guilt</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <p><strong>(iv) Looking for danger signs -</strong> Alert parents and teachers need to look for and identify the danger signs discussed above</p> <ul> <li> <p>Even friends, if they find someone using drugs or alcohol, should not hesitate to bring this to the notice of parents or teacher in the best interests of the person concerned</p> </li> <li> <p>Appropriate measures would then be required to diagnose the malady and the underlying causes</p> </li> <li> <p>This would help in initiating proper remedial steps or treatment</p> </li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>

<p><Success style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:30px"><B>Human Health and Disease</B></Success></p> <p><Primary style = "float: center; text-align: center; font-size:26px"><B>Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</B></Primary></p> <hr> <main> <div style='float: left; width:100%; text-align: left;font-size:23px'> <p><strong>(v) Seeking professional and medical help -</strong> A lot of help is available in the form of highly qualified psychologists, psychiatrists, and deaddiction and rehabilitation programmes to help individuals who have unfortunately got in the quagmire of drug/alcohol abuse</p> <ul> <li>With such help, the affected individual with sufficient efforts and will power, can get rid of the problem completely and lead a perfectly normal and healthy life</li> </ul> </div> </main> <hr> <footer style= "font-size:18px">Introduction $\rarr$ Common Diseases in Humans $\rarr$ Immunity $\rarr$ AIDS $\rarr$ Cancer $\rarr$ <span style= "color:blue">Drugs and Alcohol Abuse</span></footer>