Many people world over use abusive substances for various reasons, putting themselves at risk of health problems. The worrying issue is the youngsters who lay their hands on abusive substances in company of friends and then become addicted. Instead of becoming productive citizens, they become sick, apathetic individuals.

Cannabis or marijuana refers to the preparations obtained from the cannabis plant. Hashish and marijuana are derivatives obtained from the cannabis plant. The constituents are used variously as psychoactive substances and for recreation. As per United Nations, cannabis is the most abused illicit substance world over.

It has certain medicinal properties. For instance, it improves appetite in chronically ill patients, reduces nausea and vomiting and gives a sense of well being. But apart from this, it has many harmful effects on the body which outweigh the advantages.

Cannabis influences the driving ability of a person. It is harmful for fertility of a woman. If used in a pregnant woman, it is harmful for the fetus. In susceptible people, cannabis can induce psychosis. Long term use leads to memory loss and inattention.

Cocaine is one of the addicting substances abused all over the world. It can be used as oral preparations or to be inhaled or injected.

After use, it has a euphoric effect on the brain, making the person feel good. It causes constriction of the blood vessels of the body which can result in hypertension, nose bleed and cardiac problems. Physical tolerance to cocaine builds early, hence the user feels compelled to take it in higher doses. The dependence is therefore increased resulting in more problems.

Opium is yet another substance abused since ancient times. It is obtained from poppy plant. Morphine, codeine and heroin are contents of this plant which are all addicting, whereas 2 other substances, papaverine and narcotine are non addicting.

Opium and its derivatives were widely used for its pain killer properties. It helps to relieve severe pain. It also gives a sense of relaxation to the mind. But very soon its addicting properties were discovered. Even today morphine is used for severe pain but with caution. People with chronic pain have been known to become addicted to morphine. Opium is converted to heroin as it becomes more potent in addiction and lighter in weight to transport.

After regular use one craves for more and more quantity which harms the body. Opium and its addicting derivatives cause dulling of intellect, impairment of judgment, somnolence and visual problems.

All these addictive substances can be smoked as well. In that case, smoke of these drugs harms the body as much as tobacco smoke and increases risk of lung cancer.

The list of these abusive substances and various addictive substances derived from them is very long. But one thing is crystal clear. All these substances damage the physical and mental health of a person in multiple ways.

A person using any of these substances regularly becomes dull and sick with no drive or energy to do any work.

He loses all interest in better things of the world. The appetite is also lost and one often suffer from malnutrition.

Overdose of these substances is often fatal.

Therefore use of these substances is best avoided. If somebody has started this habit for whatever reason, it is better to nip it in the bud.

Those addicted to these abusive substances and having a desire to give up , can seek help from professional centers which can help them to quit and rehabilitate them to become normal and healthy once again.

Dr. Rachna Pande is a specialist in internal medicine at Ruhengeri Hospital