Drug Abuse – Centre for Family Health Initiative

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF TOBACCO

Drug Abuse, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide. Despite extensive public health campaigns and increasing awareness, millions of people continue to use tobacco in various forms, exposing themselves to numerous health risks.¹ Some of the health implications include;

Cardiovascular Disease

Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral artery disease. Nicotine, the addictive component of tobacco, raises blood pressure and heart rate, putting extra strain on the heart. Additionally, carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke reduces the blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity, further exacerbating the risk of heart disease. Smokers are 2 to 4 times more likely to develop heart disease than non-smokers.²

Respiratory Disorders

The respiratory system is directly exposed to the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, leading to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. The tar and chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the airways and alveoli, causing inflammation, reduced lung function, and chronic respiratory symptoms. Long-term smokers often experience breathlessness, persistent coughing, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Cancer

Tobacco use is the leading cause of cancer and cancer-related deaths. It is responsible for approximately 85% of lung cancer cases, the deadliest form of cancer.³ Beyond lung cancer, tobacco use is also linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, cervix, and stomach. The carcinogens in tobacco smoke cause mutations in DNA, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development.

Impact on Oral Health

Tobacco use significantly affects oral health, causing gum disease, tooth loss, and oral cancers. Smokers are more prone to periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss if untreated. The chemicals in tobacco also reduce the blood flow to the gums, impairing healing and making the mouth more susceptible to infections.

Reproductive Health Issues

Tobacco use can adversely affect reproductive health in both men and women. In women, it increases the risk of infertility, complications during pregnancy, and adverse outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. Men who smoke may experience reduced sperm quality, erectile dysfunction, and decreased fertility.

Secondhand Smoke

The dangers of tobacco are not limited to users themselves. Secondhand smoke, which is the smoke exhaled by smokers and the smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, is a serious health hazard. Non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke are at increased risk of heart disease, respiratory infections, and cancer. Children exposed to secondhand smoke are particularly vulnerable, experiencing higher rates of asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and ear infections. According to the World Health Organization, tobacco kills more than 8 million people per year, including an estimated 1.3 million nonsmokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke.⁴

In 2023, the Centre for Family Health Initiative, through the Community Action against Drug misuse (CAADA) project, conducted a road walk in the Dawaki, Dutse Alhaji, and Dutse Sokale areas, educating over 200 youths about the hazards of drug misuse.

The health implications of tobacco use are extensive and severe, affecting virtually every organ in the body and leading to numerous preventable diseases and deaths. Despite these known risks, tobacco addiction continues to pose a significant public health challenge. Combating this issue requires ongoing education, stronger regulatory measures, and support for individuals trying to quit. By reducing tobacco use, we can improve health outcomes and save millions of lives each year.

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2 Comments / Drug Abuse, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Schizoaffective Disorder in Adolescents
Schizoaffective disorder is part of a cluster of diagnoses called the schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. Schizoaffective disorder is a neuropsychiatric or mental disorder in which a person experiences a combination of schizophrenia symptoms and mood disorder symptoms (typically either major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder).
The symptoms and behavior of children and adolescents with schizoaffective disorder may be different from those of adults with this illness. The following symptoms and behaviors can occur in children or adolescents with schizoaffective disorder: Changes in weight or appetite, Suicidal thoughts or attempts, agitation, sleeplessness, and paranoia; depressive symptoms, including sadness, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and loss of interest in daily activities; and/or psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations, delusions, and confused thinking. Without treatment, the disorder may lead to difficulty functioning at work, at school, and in social situations.
Adolescents schizoaffective disorder is very hard to accurately diagnose, as it is difficult to distinguish from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders. Many adolescents with schizoaffective disorder are often initially misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
The greatest risk factor for developing a schizoaffective disorder is generally family history of the same illness or other forms of psychosis, there are a few other risks associated with the development of a schizoaffective disorder in Adolescents, which includes but not limited to drug abuse (Overuse of mind-altering substances such as; methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, alcohol, amphetamines, and psychedelics. Some drugs, like ecstasy, can produce lasting or persistent psychosis even after single use in certain individuals) and trauma ( An extremely stressful event triggering latent symptoms. Though trauma is entirely subjective. A horrific event witnessed by multiple persons may only leave one or two struggling with traumatic mental health issues afterwards).
There is no effective cure, but symptoms can be managed and reduced to the point where a normal life without dire consequences can be possible. Adolescents are highly adaptive, and with some therapeutic intervention and possibly the use of medication, most adolescents with schizoaffective disorder can find relief. However, the disorder cannot be completely removed from a person’s mind. Managing it is an ongoing process, and there can be setbacks at times.
Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address basic health issues. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more health-related articles.

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Drug Abuse, Drugs, Health, Uncategorized, WHO / cfhinitiative

DRUG ABUSE

According to Environmental and Public Health Journal in December 2018, drug abuse refers to the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, and the continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. It is “the taking of drugs, herbs or home remedies on one’s own initiative, or on the advice of another person, without consulting a medical expert. Also, according to Dr. Ananya Mandal, drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.

Medical Life Sciences reports that there are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needles are at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C. Not only does this affect the drug abuser directly, the family members and the society at large are affected negatively in one way or another.

Drug abuse in regards to the usage of antibiotics is reported as being highly prevalent and common in developing nations in Africa, according to World Health Organisation, which can pose a risk to the abuser. Another drug that is constantly abused is Paracetamol and Vitamin C tablet. Research has it that the excessive use of Paracetamol causes the inflammation of the liver and weakens the immune system, and high doses of Vitamin C can cause neurological symptoms, such as tingling and numbness, and possibly permanent nerve damage.

It is essential to consult a medical expert before treating any form of illness. Centre for Family Health Initiative continues to sensitize people especially in rural communities to the dangers ascribed to drug abuse on their health.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more health related articles on all our social media platforms.

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