Topic: Drug abuse in Malaysia

General Purposes: To inform



Specific Purposes: To inform the audience about the drug abuse in Malaysia; its types, risk factor, sign and symptom, its problem and prevention method for drug abuse.



Central Idea: To inform the audience about the disadvantages of using drug and prevent people to use it.



Definition

Wikipedia.com defined drug, broadly speaking, is a substance used as a medicine or narcotic.

Dictionary.com defines a drug as "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being

University Of Maryland Medical Center defined drug abuse as the use of illicit drugs, or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

American Medical Association defined drug abuse as refers to self-administration of these drugs without medical supervision and particularly in large doses that may lead to psychological dependency, tolerance and abnormal behavior.





1.0 Introduction

Drug abuse is the habitual misuse of a drug. It may include using illegal drugs or using prescription medications for non-prescribed purposes.
Drug abuse can result in tolerance, whereby increasingly larger amounts of a drug must be taken to produce the same effect.
Some people who abuse drugs become addicted. Addiction is a chronic illness that involves the uncontrollable craving and use of drugs despite the potential or actual harm to the person that may result from it. Addiction is different from using a large quantity of drugs or using drugs frequently. Those addicted to drugs often cannot quit by themselves and must receive treatment to help them stop using.
Drug abuse is not a new issue. It is how governments of the world look at it. At one time, drug was a trading commodity. But since the Geneva Convention (No.1) in 1925, Geneva Convention (No.2) in 1931, governments started rethinking about the impacts of drug abuse on societies. Now NGOs, such as PENGASIH, PEMADAM, Agensi Dadah Kebangsaan Malaysia, Ministry of Education Malaysia and are taking initiatives and efforts towards demand reduction in Malaysia.




2.0 Types and differences of drug abuse
Many different types of legal and illegal drugs are abused. They can be taken in a variety of ways, such as swallowing pills, smoking and injection in a vein. They include:
2.1 Cannabinoids (chemicals found in the cannabis plant, which effect physical and mental processes). It is usually smoked in pipes, and sometimes in joints mixed with tobacco. It can also be added to brownies or other food and ingested. When smoked or eaten, the following cannabinoids produce intoxicating effects, such as mild euphoria:
2.1.1 Hashish (hash). A type of cannabis that comes from the resin of the plant. The resin is dried and pressed into a solid lump.
2.1.2 Marijuana. A type of cannabis that comes from the flowers of the plant.
2.2 Depressants (medications that suppress the nervous system, causing the body to slow down and relax). They usually come in pill form and can be habit-forming when taken in high doses for long periods of time. Types include:
2.2.1 Barbiturates. A class of drugs that slow down the central nervous system (CNS) and cause relaxation. They are commonly prescribed as sleeping medications and for seizure prevention.
2.2.2 Benzodiazepines. Medications used to produce sedation, induce sleep, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms and prevent seizures. They can be habit-forming when taken in high doses for long periods of time.
2.3 Club drugs. (Recreational drugs often used at dance clubs, parties and concerts). Types include:
2.3.1 Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Commonly known by the street name ecstasy or XTC, a synthetic, psychoactive drug which usually comes in pill form.
2.3.2 Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Central nervous system depressant that is colorless, tasteless and odorless and can be added to beverages and ingested unknowingly. Street names include liquid ecstasy and soap.
2.3.4 Ketamine. Anesthetic approved for both human and animal use only in medical settings. It can be injected or snorted. It is sometimes called vitamin K or special K.
2.3.5 Methamphetamine. A stimulant drug that can also increase blood pressure and heart rate. It can be smoked, snorted or injected. Crystal meth is among its street names.

2.4 Hallucinogens (psychoactive drugs that induce hallucinations or altered sensory perceptions). Types include:
2.4.1 Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). A powerful drug that causes intensification and alteration of the senses, feelings, memories and self-awareness. It is sometimes called acid. It can come in many forms, but is usually swallowed.
2.4.2 Phencyclidine (PCP). A depressant drug developed in the 1950s as an intravenous anesthetic. However, PCP was never actually used for that purpose because of severe side effects.
2.4.3 Mescaline. A hallucinogen obtained from the peyote cactus and certain other cacti native to Central and South America.
2.4.4 Psilocybin. A hallucinogenic compound obtained from certain types of mushrooms.

2.5 Opioids (painkilling drugs prescribed to treat acute pain, cancer pain or chronic pain) and morphine derivatives. Types include:
2.5.1 Codeine. Sedative and pain-relieving agent obtained from opium. It is also used in cough medication as cough suppressant.
2.5.2 Fentanyl. Narcotic opioid drugs used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain.
2.5.3 Heroin. An illegal, highly addictive drug made from morphine, which is derived from the opium poppy. It can be snorted, smoked or injected.
2.5.4 Morphine. The most commonly used opioid drug. It is used to treat severe pain.
2.5.5 Opium. Drug obtained from the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy.
2.5.6 Oxycodone. Very powerful opioid pain medication. It is similar to codeine, but is more potent and has a higher potential for dependency. Drugs abusers tend to crush it up and add it to beverages.
2.5.7 Hydrocodone. Semisynthetic narcotic pain reliever and cough suppressant similar to codeine. It is prescribed for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

2.6 Stimulants (drugs that act on the central nervous system to produce excitation, alertness and wakefulness).
2.6.1 Amphetamines. Medication with a stimulating effect on the central and periphera nervous system. It increases energy and decreases appetite.
2.6.2 Cocaine. A highly addictive stimulant drug from the leaves of the coca plant that elicits sensations of euphoria, restlessness, excitement and well-being. It can be snorted or smoked.
2.6.3 Nicotine. Addictive drug found in tobacco.

2.7 Other drugs. These include:
2.7.1 Anabolic steroids. A class of natural and synthetic steroid hormones that promote cell growth and division, resulting in growth of muscle tissue and sometimes bone size and strength.
2.7.2 Inhalants. Substances that are inhaled. Many recreational drugs fall under this category, as do many common household chemicals that produce fumes, including glue, gasoline, aerosol sprays and paint thinner.





3.0 Risk Factors for Drug Abuse

3.1 Genetics. People with family members that abuse drugs are more likely to abuse drugs.
3.2 Mental health problem. Substance abuse is particularly common among people with mental health problems, such as anxiety or depression
3.3 A chaotic home environment. Children who live in homes with a parent who abuses drugs or alcohol are at greater risk of abusing these substances
3.4 Poor or ineffective parenting. Children who are not well nurtured and have poor relationships with parents are more likely to use drugs
3.5 Poor social and coping skills.
3.6 Poor school performance.
3.7 Inappropriately shy or aggressive behavior.
3.8 Associating with a deviant peer group.
3.9 The perception that parents, teachers or other adults approve of drug abuse.



4.0 Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse


Signs and symptoms vary according to the type and quantity of drug used. Signs and symptoms of some of the most commonly abused drugs include:
4.1 Change in activities. Giving up past activities such as sports or homework or spending time with new friends that may be unknown to caregivers
4.2 Behavior changes. This may involve aggression, irritability or forgetfulness
4.3 Declining school performance. A drop in attendance and/or grades, or being suspended from school
4.4 Changes in appearance. This may include a sudden lack of interest in clothing or grooming
4.5 Risky behavior. This may include drinking and driving or having unprotected sex.



5.0 Problem of Drug Abuse
Drug abuse can cause a variety of problems, including:
5.1 Disruptions in family, work, school or social settings. Relationships often suffer because of drug abuse. Some people who abuse drugs also have difficulty performing at work and school.
5.2 Legal problems. People can be arrested for using drugs. Also, sometimes people commit crimes, such as theft and prostitution, to support drug habits
5.3 Financial problems. Spending money on drugs can reduce the amount of money available for other needs
5.4 Health issues. Drug use can result in many health problems, such as heart and lung damage. Abusing drugs may cause people to participate in unsafe behaviors, such as having unprotected sex or sharing needles
5.5 Death. People can die as a result of taking too much of a drug (overdose) or by engaging in reckless behaviors while under the influence of a drug





6.0 Prevention Methods for Drug Abuse
6.1 Parents can take the following steps to help prevent drug abuse in children, including:
6.1.2 Talk. Inform children of the risks associated with drug use.
6.1.3 Listen. Listen to children’s concerns about peer pressure, school and other issues.
6.1.4 Set a good example. Do not abuse drugs or alcohol.
6.1.5 Strengthen relationship with children. Children who share a strong bond with parents are less likely to abuse drugs.

6.2 Tips for patients who have been treated for drug dependency and are trying to avoid relapse include:
6.2.1 Be patient. Most people need at least three months to see significant improvement with drug abuse problems.
6.2.2 Seek treatment for mental health disorders. Patients with untreated mental health disorders, such as depression, are more likely to abuse drugs.
6.2.3 Avoid risky situations. Avoid places or social situations where drugs will be available. End friendships that involved drug use



7.0 Conclusion

Understanding drug abuse helps in understanding how to prevent use in the first place. The comprehensive prevention programs involving the family, schools, communities, and the media are effective in reducing drug abuse. It is necessary to keep sending the message that it is better to not start at all than to enter rehabilitation if addiction occurs.
In Malaysia, campaign such as “belia benci dadah” or youth hate drug has been announced by the government to prevent people to take the illegal drug. Million of Ringgit has been spending as such program with the hope that people especially youth or teenagers prevent to take the drug.



8.0 Reference


1) Polis DiRaja Malaysia(PDRM)

2) http://www.druginterventions.net

3) http://www.yadim.com.my

4) http://pengasih.net

5) http://www.pemadam.org.my

6) http://en.wikipedia.org

7) www.darvsmith.com

8) http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov

9) http://www.nida.nih.gov

10) http://www.drugd-tech.com