The readers should be able to:
o Describe substances that are abused by adolescents.
o Give reasons why adolescents engage in substance abuse.
o Assess the effects of each of the substances on the adolescent.
o Analyze the impact of substance abuse on the family and the nation.
o Suggest ways of avoiding substance abuse.
o Explain Female Genital Mutilation.
o Analyze the problems associated with FGM.
o Suggest measures to stop the practice of FGM.
o Explain Sexual Orientation
o Examine masturbation as a problem among adolescents.
o Examine the practice of occultism and its consequences.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is the use of natural or chemical substances for purposes other than medical which may result in impaired mental, physical or social well-being of the person.
The drug or substance may be addictive. The abuse is related to a number of different drugs or substances.
Common substances abused: cigarettes, alcohol, Marijuana/wee, cannabis, cocaine, heroin, LSD, pep-pills, glue/paints.
Drug Abuse
Drug abuse is also related to different drugs that are taken without them being prescribed by the doctor e.g., anaselgic drugs which are usually advertised or peddled, sleeping pills and anti-depressants. These are over the counter drugs".
Classification Of Substances (Drugs)
i. Sedative-Hypnotics
The drugs most commonly abused in this class are the barbiturates. Barbiturates are also known as depressant drugs; they include phenobarbitone, amytal, Seconal and luminal. These drugs are prescribed as sleeping tablets and also together with other medications to prevent epileptic seizure. Barbiturates are common drugs of abuse.
Effects on user
o They produce symptoms similar to drunkenness: loss of shyness, overexcited or violent behavior, unsteadiness and depression.
o They are physically addicting and produce severe withdrawal symptoms; overdoses can cause profound shock, coma, or death.
ii. Stimulants
A stimulant is any drug that excites the central nervous system, increases alertness, and alleviates fatigue. Caffeine is perhaps the most socially acceptable and commonly used stimulant. Other stimulants include cocaine and amphetamines, which create intense feelings of euphoria (well-being).
Cocaine is an alkaloid and is obtained from leaves of the coca plant. It is used medically as a local anesthetic. It is also widely abused as a drug. Cocaine is dangerous because it is very addictive.
Amphetamines are powerful stimulant drugs that act on the central nervous system (the brain and the spinal cord), increasing heart rate and blood pressure while reducing fatigue. They are widely used as slimming pills and stimulants.
Effects on user
1. Excessive intake of caffeine has been identified as a possible cause of cancer or of birth defects. Persons who stop drinking coffee do sometimes experience withdrawal headaches.
2. Serious mental illness including suspicion, delusions, hallucinations, and violent behavior may occur after prolonged use of cocaine and amphetamines.
3. The use of cocaine and amphetamines may produce withdrawal from reality and the tendency to commit suicide.
4. Chronic use of cocaine may cause perforation of the septum of the nose, weight loss, and damage to the nervous system.
5. Chronic use of amphetamines reduces appetite, this may lead to drastic weight loss, resulting in a skinny, wasted appearance.
iii. Cannabis
The plant Cannabis sativa is the source of both marijuana and hashish. Both drugs are usually smoked. Their effects are similar: a state of relaxation, accelerated heart rate, perceived slowing of time, and a sense of heightened hearing, taste, touch, and smell. A cause for concern is the regular use by children and teenagers, because intoxication markedly alters thinking and interferes with learning.
Effects on user
1. Cannabis acts on the nervous system and can damage the brain.
2. Serious mental illness including suspicion, delusions, hallucinations, and violent behavior may occur after prolonged use.
3. The drug removes the desire to work to enhance oneself.
iv. Opioids
This class includes drugs derived from opium, such as morphine and heroin, and synthetic substitutes such as methadone.
Medically, morphine is a potent pain reliever; morphine and other opium derivatives also suppress coughing, reduce movements of the intestine (providing relief from diarrhea). Heroin is synthesized from morphine and is used as a cough suppressant and no addictive substitute for morphine. It is normally injected either directly into the blood stream or under the skin. It either be swallowed or sniffed as a powder.
Effects on user
1. Symptoms of
withdrawal from opioids include kicking movements in the legs, anxiety,
insomnia, nausea, sweating, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
2. Excessive usage causes chronic constipation and
loss of interest in food and sexual activity. In women excessive usage disrupt
the menstrual cycle.
3. High cost of obtaining drugs leads to crime and violence
4. Users are also exposed to HIV and Hepatitis as a result of sharing
common needles.
5. Chronic use results in death due to damage to the brain, heart and
kidneys.
v. Inhalants
This class includes substances that are usually not considered drugs, such as glue, gasoline, and aerosols like nasal sprays. Most such substances sniffed for their psychological effects depress the central nervous system.
Effects
on user
1. Low doses can produce slight
stimulation, but higher amounts cause users to lose control or lapse into unconsciousness.
2. Low doses may also cause
headache, nausea, and drowsiness.
3. Sniffing inhalants can impair vision, judgment, and muscle
and reflex control. Permanent damage can result from prolonged use, and death
can result from sniffing highly concentrated aerosol sprays.
4.
Continued
sniffing of these easily obtainable substances can damage the circulatory
system and have related harmful effects.
REASONS
WHY ADOLESCENTS ENGAGE IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE
(i)
Curiosity: Some young people abuse substances in order to satisfy their
curiosity about the effect of those substances.
(ii)
Peer influence: Some people particularly the youth or adolescents abuse
substances due to influence of or pressure from their peer groups. This is done
for conformity to the norms of the peer groups.
(iii)
Feeling of frustration: People abuse substance because of boredom,
frustration or fatigue: This is because it is usually the belief of such people
that drugs can help them reduce the fatigue, boredom or frustration.
(iv)
Study for longer hours: People particularly students, abuse substances
with the view that it will help improve their learning ability and enable them
to study for longer periods of time.
(v)
Performance: Sports men and women also abuse substances because they
think that drugs or substances can help them improve upon their performance.
(vi)
Ignorance: Some people also abuse substances due to ignorance about
their effect on their lives.
(vii) Overcome nervousness and feeling of inadequacy:
People who feel shy to speak in public resort to the use of substances to
overcome the nervousness to speak in public.
(viii) Away of rebellion: Some parents often
interfere with the adolescent's lives, some adolescents thus use or abuse
substances to react to parental pressure by apparently enjoying direct
disobedience to their parents.
(ix)
Parental influence.
(x)
Lack of leisure activities.
(xi)
To feel good.
General
Effects of Substance Abuse on Adolescents
(i)
Violence: Substance abuse can lead to rampant deviant behavior such as
violence, disrespect, stealing, armed robbery and other social vices.
(ii)
Damage to brain and other organs of the body: Substance abuse can
destroy a healthy body and brain. It may lead to mental defects such as madness
e.g., Alcohol and cannabis have effects on the human brain which can lead to
madness and other abnormal behavior such as shouting and fighting.
(iii)
Reduces thinking ability: Substance abuse undermines academic ability
and performance of the adolescent in the long run. It reduces the mental
efficiency of the adolescent and his ability to memorize and recall what he has
learnt or studied.
(iv)
Behaves irrationally or abnormally: Substance abuse may lead to the
adolescent behaving abnormally at his work place or in school. Substance abuse
at the work place reduces
productivity
and increases job-related accidents. In school it leads to a breach or breakdown
of school discipline.
(v)
Body becomes immune to drugs: Substance abuse can lead to a situation
where the body becomes immune to the drug and therefore making the drug
ineffective in the cure of particular diseases.
(vi)
Drain on finances: Substance abuse can serve as a major drain on the
personal income for adolescents who indulge in it. This is because substances
such as cocaine, cannabis and heroine are very expensive.
(vii)
Social stigma on the abuser.
(viii)
It affects general health e.g., leading to nutritional deficiency.
Impact
of Substance. Abuse on the Family
(i)
Waste of family financial resources: Parents or relatives of the addict
will spend a lot of money treating him. The cost of medication therefore
becomes a burden on family finance. The addicts sometimes steal money or sell
family gargets to buy the substance.
(ii) Feeling of insecurity: Family
members may not feel secured because the drug user or addict can harm them.
They are sometimes dangerous to live with. They may also join armed robbers to
raid their house or that of other relatives.
(iii)
Feeling of disappointment: Family members especially parents become
disappointed when they think about the resources used to raise the
individual.
(iv)
Social stigma on family: Society sometimes looks at the family with
disappointment and the family also feels bad about their failure to socialize
one of their own to fit into the society.
(v)
Sorrow over the deviant: The family
becomes worried or not happy about the condition of one of their own.
Impact
Of Substance Abuse on the Nation
(i)
Human resources are reduced and wasted: Substance abuse can lead to a reduction
in the size of the labor force of the country since almost, if not all those
involved in this act are in the working class or productive age group. This can
lead to low productivity in the country.
(ii)
National resources needed for development are used to cure and rehabilitate
abusers. Money is spent on feeding or clothing and medication of abusers.
(iii)
Work force may be reduced by nonproductive abusers.
(iv)
Reduced productivity.
Ways
of Avoiding Substance Abuse
(i)
Adolescents should choose their friends wisely and parents should be interested
in knowing their children's friends.
(ii)
Adolescents should be encouraged to join youth clubs such as CYO, Boy Scout,
and Girl Guide, etc.
(iii)
Adolescents should develop a hobby or participate in sports and games. Active
participation in these activities take their minds off undesirable friends.
(iv)
Adolescents should learn to say 'no' to drugs.
(v)
Education on the effects and dangers of drug abuse on adolescent should be
embarked on or carried out.
(vi)
Parents should also be interested in their children's friends as well as their
activities.
(vii)
Effective communication between parents and children should be established and
maintained.
(viii)Adolescents
should also build strong self-confidence, love themselves and protect their
well-being.
(ix)
Adolescents should be encouraged to seek guidance and counselling from
teachers, priests, parents and good mature friends.
(x)
Parents and adults should desist from sending adolescents to buy drugs for
them.
Measures
that can be Adopted to Control Drug Abuse in Ghana
For
drug abuse to be controlled, the government, parents, religious and opinion
leaders must all get involved in the campaign against drug abuse. Below are
some of the control measures of drug abuse:
(i)
Impose sanctions and punishment: People caught abusing drugs such as
cocaine, cannabis and heroine should be severely sanctioned or punished so as
to deter others from this act.
(ii)
Provision of improved health services: Illegal drug peddling should be
stopped and the provision of improved health facilities throughout the country
undertaken by the government.
(iii)
Education: Education on the effects and dangers of drug abuse should be
intensified and carried throughout the country. In light of this, the mass
media should use posters and film shows, among others, to create awareness of
the dangers of drug abuse throughout the entire Ghanaian society. Religious and
other leaders should also educate their respective members on the effects or
dangers of drug abuse.
(iv)
Institute strict regulations or laws: Countries all over the world must
institute strict regulations or laws on drug trafficking and rigidly enforce
them so as to curtail the incidence of drug abuse.
(v)
Educate students: Students in particular, must be properly educated on
the
effects
and dangers of drug abuse on them. This can be done by both health workers and
teachers.
Female
Genital Mutilation (FGM)
Female Circumcision or Genital Mutilation (FGM): This is a serious cultural problem in Ghana particularly in the northern parts of the country. Female circumcision involves the removal of the clitoris (or part of it) of the female sexual organ.
REASONS WHY PEOPLE
PRACTICE FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION
The reasons often
advanced in favor of this cultural practice are that:
(i) It reduces the
intensity of the sex drive in women thus making them less promiscuous.
(ii) It reduces or
curtails pre-marital sex in the society by suppressing the sex urge of girls.
(iii) It aids child
delivery among women.
(iv) It reduces infidelity
or unfaithfulness among women in the marital home.
(v) It promotes cultural
identity.
(vi)
Penetration of the vagina by the penis during sexual intercourse is easier if
the clitoris is not there.
(vii)
Removing the clitoris allows free outflow of urine.
(viii)
It perpetuates male chauvinism.
Types
Of Female Genital Mutilation
There
are four main types of female genital mutilation or cutting. These are:
i.
Clitoridectomy: This refers to the partial or total removal of the
clitoris.
ii.
Excision: This is the most common type practiced in Africa. Here both
the clitoris and all other parts of the labia minora (the inner lips) are cut
off leaving the vagina exposed and not covered.
iii.
Infibulation: This type involves the removal of the clitoris, labia
minora and labia majora. This is narrowing the vaginal opening through the
creation of a covering seal. The two sides or surfaces are stitched or joined
together to form a closure of the whole vulva. A small hole is left to allow
the flow of urine and menstrual blood.
iv.
Other: All other manipulations of the female genitalia or any other
harmful procedures to the female genitalia. e.g., introduction of substances or
herbs into the vagina to cause bleeding or to tighten or narrow the vagina. Others
include pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, etc.
Dangers
or Health Implications of Female Genital Mutilation
(i)
It causes pain and shock on the victims
(ii)
It can lead to the spread of diseases from one person to another due to the
nature of the tools used and the ignorance on the part of those who administer
it about its medical implications. For example, it can lead to the spread of
AIDS.
(iii)
Female circumcision reduces the level of enjoyment of sex in women in their
marital homes. This sometimes leads to marital failure.
(iv)
Female circumcision further creates complications during child birth. For
example, it can result in severe bleeding during child birth.
(v)
Painful menstruation and urinary complications and make child birth difficult.
(vi)
It can cause infertility.
Measures
To Stop Female Genital Mutilation
(i)
To control female circumcision, societies which practice it as part of their
culture should be educated on its dangers.
(ii)
Also, laws against the practice should be promulgated and strictly enforced.
Offenders of such laws should be
severely punished or fined to deter others from practicing female
circumcision.
(iii)
Parents should be educated and
enlightened on the implications on their girl child and why they should
protect them.
(iv)
Communities should also be discouraged from abusing uncircumcised girls.
(v)
Parents who encourage or allow their children to be circumcised should be
punished severely.
(vi)
Practitioners should be encouraged to find more healthy alternatives for the
rites of passage to womanhood.
Sexual
Orientation
Sexual
orientation refers to a person's erotic, romantic, or affectional attraction to
the other sex, the same sex, or both.
Types
Of Sexual Orientation
(i)
Heterosexual or straight - a person who is attracted to the other or
opposite sex.
(ii)
Homosexual - a person attracted to the same sex. E.g., gay is often
applied to men, whereas the term lesbian is applied to homosexual woman.
(iii)
Bisexual - a person attracted to both male and female.
(v)
Transsexual - is a person whose sense of self is not consistent with his
or her anatomical sex e.g., a person whose sense of self is female but who has
male genitals.
Causes
of Sexual Orientation
(i) It is believed to be genetic or hormonal.
(ii) Financial pressures may compel
individuals to practice it.
(iii) It is believed that it doesn't lead to
pregnancy and STDs/HIV AIDS.
(iv) It is also said that sexual orientation
develops because of a person's environment.
Consequences
Of Sexual Orientation
(i)
It could lead to HIV/AIDS particularly in males because of exchange of body
fluids.
(ii)
It is culturally unacceptable in Ghana. e.g., homosexuality
(iii) Some of the sexual orientations are
condemned by society.
Solution
to Unacceptable Sexual Orientation
(i)
Society should not condemn but try to encourage them to change.
(ii)
Religious organizations e.g., churches and mosques should preach against such
practice.
(iii)
Legislation could be passed by the
government to make such a practice illegal.
Masturbation
Stimulating
one's genitals by fondling, robbing, stroking, pressing or other forms of
handling to a point of arousal or orgasm.
Causes
of Masturbation
(i)
Late marriage resulting from not having a steady partner.
(ii)
Believe by people that it prevents HIV/AIDS.
(iii)
Reading pornographic materials and watching pornographic films.
(iv) The adolescent having fantasies about
real or imaginary sex.
(v)
Peer pressure or influence.
Effects
Or Consequences of Masturbation Positive Effects
(i)
Medically it is believed to be a healthy sexual expression if it does not lead
to addiction.
(ii)
Protect against prostate cancer for males.
(iii)
Release sexual tension of adolescents.
(iv)
Helps adolescent to understand his/her own sexual desires.
Negative
Effects
(i)
Feeling of guilt and embarrassment.
(ii)
Bruising the genital organ leading to serious infection if not managed properly
(iii)
Medically associated with premature ejaculation.
(iv)
Becomes a habit which cannot be broken.
Occultism
It
is the beliefs and practices that involve magic or super natural forces or
powers and events.
Reasons
For Practicing Occultism
(i)
Confused identity of the adolescent.
(ii)
Alienation from friends and families.
(iii)
Weak cultural, religious, community and family ties.
(iv)
Feeling of powerlessness.
(v)
For the adolescent, they perceive the practice as a way of gaining certain
status through becoming rich.
(vi)
Because they have needs that are not being met.
(vii)
Gain a set of understanding and ethical system as a guide to behaviour.
(viii)
Psychological problem of experiencing a feeling of rootlessness, emptiness and
feeling of powerlessness.
Effects
of Occultism
(i)
Some members get themselves involved in human sacrifices.
(ii)
It leads to substance abuse.
(iii)
There could be a break in family ties.
(iv)
They involve themselves in sexual immorality.
(v)
They take a path away from God, bringing them into contact with demonic
cults/forces/powers.
(vi)
Affect their emotional, spiritual and mental status.
Role
Of the Family Towards the Fight Against Occultism
(i)
Families should be alert of the dangers of occultic practices especially during
the early stages of adolescent's involvement.
(ii)
Must be prepared to frankly and honestly discuss with adolescent's involvement
in occultism.
(iii)
Parents should interact with adolescents to get to know them better and observe
any changes that may come in them.
Role
of Society, Counselors, Teachers and Religious Leaders Towards the Fight
Against Occultism
(i)
Counselors, teachers, etc. should provide necessary information on the effects
of occultism on the adolescent.
(ii)
Civic organizations and government agencies must be enlisted and be prepared to
help adolescents or youth
to
overcome their development crises in more acceptable ways.
(iii)
Schools i.e., teachers should be alert to sudden changes in the behavior of
their students and intervene as quickly as possible.
(iv) Religious organizations must organize programs geared towards meeting the spiritual needs of the adolescents.
Examination Questions and Suggested
Solutions
1.(a)
(i) Define substance abuse,
(ii)
List six examples of substances that are abused,
(b)
Explain four reasons why people abuse substances,
(c)
Explain three impact of substance abuse on the family.
(d)
State two ways in which each of the following may help in avoiding substance
abuse:
i.
Parents:
ii.
The adolescents
iii.
The community
Solution
(a)
Substance abuse
Substance
abuse is the use of natural or chemical substances for purposes other than
medical which may result in impaired mental, physical or social well-being of
the person.
(ii)
Examples of substances that are abused,
Common
substances abused: cigarettes, alcohol, Marijuana/wee, cannabis, cocaine,
heroin, LSD, pep-pills, glue/paints.
(b)
Reasons why people abuse substances,
(i)
Curiosity: Some young people abuse substances in order to satisfy their
curiosity about the effect of those substances.
(ii)
Peer influence: Some people particularly the youth or adolescents abuse
substances due to influence of or pressure from their peer groups. This is done
for conformity to the norms of the peer groups.
(iii)
Feeling of frustration: People abuse substance because of boredom,
frustration or fatigue. This is because it is usually the belief of such people
that drugs can help them reduce the fatigue, boredom or frustration.
(iv)
Study for longer hours: People particularly students, abuse substances
with the view that it will help improve their learning ability and enable them
to study for longer periods of
time.
(v)
Performance: Sports men and women also abuse substances because they
think that
drugs
or substances can help them improve upon their performance.
(c)
Impact of substance abuse on the family
(i)
Financial resources are adversely affected
(ii)
Social stigma on the family
(iii)
Feeling of disappointment
(iv)Feeling
of insecurity among family members
(v)
Sorrow over the deviant.
(d)
Ways in which each of the following may help in avoiding substance abuse:
i.
Parents:
(a) Parents should also be interested in
their children's friends as well as their activities.
(b) Parents and adults should desist from
sending adolescents to buy drugs for them.
ii.
The adolescents:
(a)
Adolescents should develop a hobby or participate in sports and games. Active
participation in these activities take their minds off undesirable friends. (b)
Adolescents should learn to say 'no' to drugs.
iii.
The community:
(a) Adolescents should be encouraged to join
youth clubs such as CYO, Boy Scout, and Girl Guide, etc.
(b) Adolescents should develop a hobby or
participate in sports and games. Active participation in these activities take
their minds off undesirable friends.
Examination
Questions
1.(a)
Define "substance abuse".
b.
State four reasons for substance abuse
c
Mention four effects/ impact of substance abuse on the family and the
nation
2.a. What is Female Genital Mutilation?
b.
State reasons why FGM is practiced.
c.
Mention five dangers associated with FGM.
3.(a).
What is occultism?
b.
State four reasons for practicing occultism
c.
Mention four effects of occultism
4.
What are the causes and effects of masturbation?
5.a.
Explain the term "Sexual orientation
b.
Write short notes on the following
i.
Heterosexual
ii.
Homosexual
iii.
Bisexual
iv.
Transsexual
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