Describe the ill – effects of drug abuse in males & females. Also mention the preventive measures that is to be taken to reduce such effects.

Solution:
 

Drug abuse is a serious public health problem that affects almost every community and family in some way. Each year drug abuse causes millions of serious illnesses or injuries. It affects males and females differently.
Effects of drug abuse in males: Increased levels of aggressiveness, mood swings, reduction in size of testicles, decrease in number of sperms produced, premature baldness, depression, etc.
Effects of drug abuse in females: Masculinisation, mood swings, depression, abnormal menstrual cycle, excessive facial hair growth, etc.

Measures that need to be taken to reduce such effects are:

• Persistent counselling is required to teach the child to deal with failures, pressures, stress, and disappointments. In fact, guiding them towards productive activities such as music, painting, yoga, sports or one of their hobbies could also help.
• Children often pick up habits from their close ones. Thus, the attitude of parents and older siblings towards alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs also affect the child’s choices.
• In case the child is stressed out and on the verge of abuse, help must be sought from parents or even trusted friends who may guide them in the right direction, thereby helping them vent out their anxiety and guilt.
• Parents must stay connected with the child, keeping a track of his whereabouts at all times. Spending more family time together will help them stay close and honest with their parents.
• If it is found that children have fallen prey to alcohol and drug abuse, their friends must immediately bring this to the notice of their parents or teachers, so that the latter could take remedial measures for the same.
• Professional counseling from highly qualified psychiatrists or psychologists can be taken in extreme cases.