5 Ways to Curb Drug Abuse in your Community
by Morenikeji Haruna
Every year, at least 11.8 million people die due to the direct or indirect effects of hard drugs on the body. Also, drug abuse is responsible for at least 1.5% of the disease burden in the world currently. Apart from the effect of these drugs on the health of people, drug abuse is also the root of various psycho-social challenges that face the world at large. It causes sub-optimal living in its users and could also have dire consequences ranging from depression, anxiety, mental disorders, and even changes to the structure and function of the brain.
The world recently took a stand against Drug abuse and illicit trafficking on June 26th, 2021. While we recognize the weighty effects of harmful substances and clamour for the cessation of these acts, it simply isn’t enough to speak about this issue once in a year and be done with it. As healthcare professionals, we have a huge role to play in our circles if we are to see a reduction in these activities. Harmful substances majorly include drugs that have an effect on the nervous system such as opioids and cannabinoids and psychoactive drugs like LSD and ecstasy. Mood-altering medications like barbiturates have also finagled their way into the drug market. This article aims to share five tips on how you can actively participate in the lowering of drug abuse in your community as a young Pharmacist.
1. ASK
The first step to obliterating drug abuse from your community especially in a community Pharmacy setting is to ask questions. These questions help to understand each patient and obtain knowledge about their drug use. Without this knowledge, efforts to intervene would yield wrong or no results at all. In asking questions, subtlety is a requirement. Most people who abuse drugs do so secretly and are unlikely to pour out their secrets with one question. There is a higher probability that they would clam up when direct questions are asked about their abuse. A professional should start with simple questions before going ahead to ask about their use or dependence on harmful substances or medications. Many organisations take this questioning seriously. One of such is the AHRQ ( Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) which recommends that all patients be asked about tobacco use at every visit to the health center.
2. EDUCATE
One of the duties of a Pharmacist is to provide drug education to all patients. This role comes to play in the fight against Drug abuse. Proper education on the effects of drugs on patients’ overall health as well as potential or active drug interactions would serve to discourage patients from the use and abuse of harmful drugs. To educate your community, you also have to amass sufficient knowledge to properly counsel them. For this purpose, certification programs or diplomas can be taken to equip yourself.
3. ENGAGE
On discovery of patients who you have to be intentionally engaged with the patients who abuse drugs to ensure they take the road to cessation and recovery. This is especially if they have co-morbid conditions that would increase their mortality rate. Another means of engagement is to organise outreaches or programs that would serve to educate community members and also initiate engagement.
4. COUNSEL
Continuous counselling is necessary for a drug abuser or addict to break out of their addiction. This service can be offered in-house by a certified professional. Group support would also aid patients on the road to recovery. Family and friends are also an important way to provide a support system for patients.
5. REFER
In managing patients with drug abuse, there are varying effects on the patients and some of these may be beyond the scope of a Pharmacist. In this case, a referral is inevitable. Psychiatrists, psychologists amongst others. These professionals should be involved in the management, especially when mental disorders are being addressed. The effect of drug abuse does not affect only the individual engaged in the act. It has far-reaching effects on their lifestyle, work, family, and even community. The statistics are mind-boggling and it is up to us if they are to improve. As a young Pharmacist, the onus is on you and me to initiate change in our communities. As we inculcate these few tips, the world becomes a better and healthier place. Free of drug abuse and its far-reaching consequences!!!
