For many people, drug use and alcoholism is a reality. Families are worn out by this kind of problem, which is often fatal. When ingesting substances such as drugs and alcohol, a person assumes a state of consciousness other than their own. Decisions and attitudes are made without thinking rationally and without the possibility of dealing with the consequences.
In addition, the effects of drugs and alcohol on the body can lead to chemical dependence on these compounds and organ degradation. Although the feeling of using these substances seems positive at the time of ingestion, it does not take long for all the negative effects to appear.
Considering the importance of preventing people from being affected by this type of problem, the National Day to Combat Drugs and Alcohol was created, celebrated on February 20th. The focus of the date is to alert the young public about the damage that these substances bring to the body and to life in society. With education, knowledge and prevention, it is possible to prevent dependence from developing.
Although many institutions and organizations mobilize on National Day Against Drugs and Alcohol to educate and help those who depend on chemical substances or who do not know the risks of them, anyone can be part of the fight against drugs and alcohol. The important thing is to disseminate the correct information about chemical dependence and alcoholism.
Prevention
Drugs and alcohol are substances that cause pleasure in those who consume them. For this reason it is difficult to convince a person that he should not ingest something that apparently will only bring benefits.
Prevention must start with the dissemination of information about the harm that these substances can cause. In the case of drugs that are legal and sold in pharmacies, for example, the drug leaflet instructs on all the side effects and all the consequences that the chemical substance will cause in the body, if ingested inappropriately.
In the case of alcohol, which is legal for people over 18 years of age, the negative consequences are better known and discussed, especially in beer commercials. It is known that alcoholic beverages can cause confusion, irritability and difficulty concentrating, for example. In the long term, they can also cause liver problems, which will have difficulty processing the drink, as well as episodes of memory loss.
For illicit drugs, which are more difficult to find and trade without legal permission, the consequences are just as bad or worse. Organ failure, aggression, impulsiveness, shaking, headaches, respiratory problems, sexual impotence, cancer, difficulty performing simple tasks, severe weight loss and changes in appearance are some of the harm that drugs can cause.
Although the cigarette is a legal drug, in all packages it is possible to know one of the negative consequences that this substance can cause. Regardless of the drug or alcohol, there is a harm that unites them all: dependence. If a person did not know the product they were ingesting or if, despite knowing it, they chose to use it, the next step is treatment.
Treatment
Treating an addiction will always be difficult. A person may refuse to accept help, may believe they are still in control of the situation, or may not receive enough support to get out of the situation. In many cases, family members and friends believe that the dependent person cannot be saved.
On National Day Against Drugs and Alcohol, however, it is important to emphasize that it is possible to free yourself from addiction. There are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) groups throughout Spain to provide assistance to those who are experiencing this situation.
There are also Basic Health Units (UBS), Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS) and Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs III (24-hour CAPS AD), in which a person can get free help to get rid of addiction. There are also private treatment clinics, for those who can afford the cost.
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Who will recommend and indicate the best form of treatment will always be a medical authority, but there are some measures that can help in all cases. The distance from people who consume alcohol and drugs frequently, the search for new leisure activities, the practice of physical exercises, the process of finding new interests and the unconditional support of family and friends is essential for the end of addiction.
On National Day Against Drugs and Alcohol, understand that people who are addicted need help, not exclusion from society. As addiction is a problem that can affect anyone, it is necessary to know it in depth and fight it, so that we all live in a healthy and free society.
