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Drug FAQ's
 | "What is a drug?" A drug is;
 | A chemical which people use for medical purposes, |
| A chemical which people take for pleasure, |
| A chemical which has the power to change a person's mood, or the way he or she thinks
about things, |
| A chemical on which the taker may become dependent |
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| "What is drug misuse?" Drug misuse is the use of any drug which leads to injury of the individual or
of society. The society isn't just where the misuser lives, but where he/she works, goes
to school, the person's friends and family, etc.
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| "Who misuses drugs?" Drug misusers come from all backgrounds and are of all ages.
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| "Why do young people start taking drugs?" There are many reasons, including;
| The influence or pressure of friends or just to "fit in", |
| For pleasure and enjoyment, |
| To relieve boredom, |
| To help them deal with pressures such as exams, |
| To relieve unhappiness, |
| Curiosity, |
| To feel grown up, |
| To establish independence, |
| As an exoression of rebellion, |
| To escape from reality. |
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| "When do people start taking drugs?" |
People can start taking drugs at any age but the majority start
during their teens. Also almost three quaters of all those treated in Ireland for ill
effects of drug misuse were male.
| "What can I do regarding your children and drug
use?"
| Learn about drugs yourself |
| Talk and listen to your children |
| Think about your views and the example you set through your
own drug/alcohol use |
| Help them get a good drugs education |
| Work out some rules together and stick to them - Be
Consistent |
| Encourage your children to become active in alternative
activities, i.e., sports, drama, music |
| Be realistic about their drug use and what you can do about
it |
| Become active in your Local community |
| Talk to other parents |
| Know where and how to get help if they or you need it |
| Keep drugs in perspective - Don't Panic |
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| "What are the risks and dangers of drug
misuse?" There are many risks and
dangers of taking drugs such as
| Th risk of accident or injury, |
| The risk of the drug affecting your brain, |
| The risk of family and other relationships suffering due to
drugs, |
| The risk of becoming dependent on the drug, |
| The risks of contracting drug related infections such as
HIV, |
| Finacial Considerations, |
| The risk of getting into trouble with the law due to drug related
crimes, |
| The risk of buying a bad or contaminated drug and having a bad
reaction to it, including death. |
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| "How long does it take for dependence to develop?" This can vary depending on many factors such as;
| The individuals personality, |
| The type of drug, |
| The strength or doseage of the drug used. |
Therefore it is very important to identify those who are at risk
whether it is a friend, son or daughter and assit them in getting the help they require.
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| "What should I do in an emergency?" If someone eoverdoses and you find them drowsey or unconscious:
| Never leave them alone, but comfort and reasure them, |
| Turn them on their side to prevent the inhalation of vomit, |
| Ring for a doctor or ambulance, |
| Collect any powder, tablets or anything used in taking the drug so
that it can be examined by the doctor. |
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