ALBERTON – According to Van Kerken, drug use and abuse among school children is increasing at an alarming rate.
Dr Wessels said children should take note that their organs are not yet mature and the use of drugs could be detrimental to their development.
“Drugs like cocaine is a common cause of heart attacks in the younger population as the drug causes a spasm of the coronary arteries. Respiratory depression and convulsions cause secondary damage to the brain and can in some cases be fatal,” he said.
He added that drugs are mainly used because of the mind-altering properties. It provides a means of escape from the stresses of daily living and studying. This comes at a significant cost.
Drugs can impact on judgement resulting in people putting themselves in risky situations. Actions include unsafe sex and criminal activity. The risk of sexually transmitted diseases increases.
There is a higher risk of suicide and accidental death when unsafe acts are performed while experiencing hallucinations.
Dr Wessels said that although physical addiction usually does not develop from a single dose, there is an acceptance that if the first experience was enjoyable there will be another experience.
“Humans are naturally programmed to seek pleasure and anything that provides this will be pursued. With drugs, physical addiction develops rapidly and addicts find themselves having to use the drugs more to prevent withdrawal symptoms instead of just the pleasurable experience,” he said.
Van Kerken urged parents to educate themselves about drug use among children and to make sure they know what is happening out there.
For more information on Anti Drug Alliance SA and its services call 081 577 7715 (Gauteng and inland provinces) or visit www.antidrugalliance.com.
ER24’s Emergency Contact Centre can be reached 24 hours a day on 084 124 for any medical emergency.
