By Ogechukwu Ubah (Abia Writers) Edited By Oge Izuwa The word "addict," according to the Advanced English Dictionary, means "...
By Ogechukwu Ubah (Abia Writers)
Edited By Oge Izuwa
The word "addict," according to the Advanced English Dictionary, means "to cause (someone or oneself) to become dependent on something, especially a narcotic drug," or "someone who is physiologically dependent on a substance, where abrupt deprivation of that substance produces withdrawal symptoms."
Addiction can occur not only with drugs but also with other substances or activities. The unfortunate aspect of addiction is that it often leads to destruction, whether through illness or even death. The most common form of addiction is drug abuse, particularly among young people, especially men, who may engage in it either knowingly or unknowingly.
If addiction is not addressed correctly, it can significantly impact a country's productivity and leadership. Young people are the future leaders, constituting about 60% to 70% of the workforce. For individuals struggling with drug addiction, they may find themselves unable to contribute meaningfully to their own lives or the well-being of their families.
Hard drugs such as Methamphetamine (Nkpuru Mmiri), Cocaine, and Cannabis (Igbo) are wreaking havoc among youths in Nigeria. Some are locally produced, like Nkpuru Mmiri in Lagos, Anambra and Imo State, while others are imported. The government needs to act against these drugs and initiate campaigns to educate youths about their dangers.
Cigarette smoking is extremely harmful and can lead to a variety of health issues, including lung cancer and other forms of cancer. It causes breathing difficulties and chronic respiratory conditions. Additionally, smoking is a major contributor to heart disease, stroke, and circulation problems. In the case of hard drug use, the risks extend beyond physical health challenges to include severe mental health issues. Many users, including those who smoke heavily, often consume excessive amounts daily, which can result in anti-social behaviour and even criminal activities, such as theft, to fund their drug habits. This jeopardizes their health and depletes their financial resources, making it difficult for them to save money.
Alcohol, when abused, can lead to addiction. In addition to addiction, excessive and long-term consumption of alcohol can harm vital organs such as the brain and nervous system, the heart, the liver, and even the pancreas. Heavy drinking can also raise blood pressure, potentially leading to hypertension if not controlled, as well as increasing cholesterol levels. A person struggling with alcohol addiction may feel unproductive for most of their life. Even when they are attempting to improve, others may continue to label them as drunk.
In my opinion, anything that you do or use in excess can be considered an addiction, and that includes phones. Unfortunately, Many have lost their lives because of their attachment to their devices. While phones have their benefits, when someone becomes addicted to them, the consequences can be severe.
For instance, some individuals react drastically when they lose their phones, go nearly mad or commit theft to upgrade. In such situations, they might get caught and face serious repercussions, including violence.
Additionally, many young women have jeopardized their lives and futures due to their obsession with phones; some have fallen victim to dangerous practices. The lure of social media and constant connectivity has led some young women into prostitution and nightlife.
It's essential to practice self-control, avoid greed and recklessness, and be mindful of the company you keep to prevent addiction.
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