1. PRESENTED BY
COMMUNITY PSYCHIATRIC NURSE
(PANTANG HOSPITAL)
PRESENTATION ON CONTRIBUTORY
FACTORS TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE AT PTA
MEETING, SOLID ROCK FOUNDATION
SCHOOL.
SUNDAY,17TH
FEB.,2013.

2. OUTLINE OF THE PRESENTATION
Introduction.
Definition of substance abuse and some key concepts.
Type of substances abused.
Causes of subs. Abuse/Alcoholism.
Contributory factors of substance/drug abuse.
Signs and symptoms of substance abuse and the
withdrawal.
The effects of substance abuse.
Preventive measures of substance abuse.
Questions for clarification.
Sharing of experiences from participants.

3. INTRODUCTION
Abuse of substance or drugs is a problem that has
plagued most countries in the 20 to 30 years, esp.
among young adolescents.
Its effects are so enormous that most countries
have national policies aimed at prevention of drug
problem.
Generally, drugs have two main effects on the CNS,
(stimulants or depressants).
While stimulants act to activate or excite CNS,
depressants act to lower arousal level.

4. DEFINITION OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Substance abuse could also be called Drug abuse.
Substance abuse is excessive consumption or misuse
of substance for the sake of its non-therapeutic
effects on the mind or body, esp. drugs or alcohol.
OR
Taking drugs that are not prescribed by medical
officer/practitioner.
OR
Deliberate and indiscriminate use of natural and
chemical substances for non-medical purpose.

5. SOME KEY CONCEPTS
Intoxication- this is a set of behavioural and
psychological changes that take place as a result of
effects of drugs on the CNS.
E.g. when a person uses some type of drugs s/he is
likely to experience sleepiness, drowsiness,
diminished attention, aggression, etc.

6. KEY CONCEPTS Continued…
Abuse- There is abuse of drug when continued use
results in harmful consequences.
E.g. someone is abusing alcohol when it
continuously leads to loss of employment, marital
difficulties, etc.
We cannot say someone is abusing drugs only b’cos
the person uses the drug too much but rather it
MUST interfere with the person’s life significantly.

7. KEY CONCEPTS Continued…
Substance dependence-this is when the individual
shows tolerance or withdrawal.
Tolerance is when individual starts drinking for the
first time, one glass is likely to get him/her
intoxicated and with time s/he may need more than
one glass to have the same effect,
Withdrawal- are certain symptoms one experienced
after prolonged use of a particular drug and sudden
stopped of that drug use.

8. CAUSES OF SUBSTANCE ABUSE
The cause of substance abuse/alcoholism is not well
established.
There is growing evidence for genetic and biological
predispositions for this disease, but this research is
controversial.
However, some varieties of factors contribute to the
problem.

9. TYPE OF SUBSTANCES ABUSED
Cocaine
Marijuana
Alcohol
Valium (Diazepam)
Pethidine
Antibiotics
Others like, over-the-counter drugs e.g. Para.,
ibuprofen, diclofenac, etc.
Cigarette smoking

10. CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS OF
SUBS/DRUG ABUSE.
This can be classified into two types;
 Social factors and,
 Psychological factors.

11. SOCIAL FACTORS
Curiosity & adventure.
To rebel against authority.
Influence of Peer, family, & society.
Easy availability and accessibility.
Social and cultural practices e.g. funeral, outdooring,
wedding, etc.
Divorced or separation

12. PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS
To escape from emotional problems, e.g. financial,
marital, responsibilities, etc.
Elevated levels of stress
Inadequate coping mechanisms
Reinforcement of alcohol use from other drinkers.
To relieve boredom.
Loss of loved ones.

13. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SUBS/DRUG
These have divided into three groups;
Physical
Social
Psychological

14. PHYSICAL S/S
Frequent falls
Blackouts
Irritability
Weight loss
Frequent intoxicated appearance or behaviour
Premature delivery,
Feotal Alcohol Syndrome(FAS)-mental retardation-brain damage,impaired growth etc

15. PHYSICAL S/S
Red eyes, reddening libs.
Drowsiness
Hyperactivity
Tremor of hands & legs
Negligence of personal hygiene
Dry mouth, halitosis (bad breath)
Rapid pulse & rapid heart rate
Insomnia (Sleeplessness)
Bruises/multiple body scars

16. PSYCHOLOGICAL S/S
 Anxiety (nervousness, worry, etc)
 Chronic depression
 Insomnia (sleeplessness)
 Hallucination (auditory, tactile, visual)
 Delusions (grandeur & persecution)
 Euphoria (great feeling of joy, excitement, well-
being)
 Korsakoff’s dementia
 Seizures

17. SOCIAL S/S
Frequent automobile collisions
Prostitution, armed robbery
Loss of social status
Loss of employment
Frequent/total absence from work, school
Financial difficulties/poverty
Divorce or separation
Rebel against authority
Failure in life resulting to suicide, suicide attempt
etc

18. EFFECTS OF SUBS. ABUSE
Individuals are at higher risk of psychiatric disorders
and suicide as been mentioned above in the s/s.

19. S/S OF MEDICAL CONDITION FOR SUBS/DRUG ABU.
Pancreatitis (medications, infections,etc)
Gastritis * Neuropathy
Cirrhosis
Severe anaemia
Cerebral atrophy
Malnutrition
Peptic ulcer
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Lack /depletion of vitamin B

21. PREVENTIVE MEASURES
‡ Awareness creation on dangers of substance abuse.
‡ Compliance and adherence to medication prescribed
by medical practitioner.
‡ Consultation with health workers in health facility on
issues bordering the mind. Or, Seek early
intervention in health facility concerning your health
‡ Avoid bad companies.
‡ Adults should desist from sending children to buy
cigarette, alcohol, drugs, etc.
‡ Seek counseling from well trusted religious leaders.

22. PREVENTIVE MEASURES continued…
‡ Proper Enforcement of narcotic legal laws.
‡ Bi-laws should be enacted in communities by District
Assemblies to regulate the use of alcohol in social
functions and should be strictly enforced.
‡ Stiffer punishment should be meted out to drug
barons.
‡ Parents should not expose their wards to substance
abuse in any form.
‡ Parents should be inquisitive in the affairs of their
wards. Etc.

23. QUESTIONS FOR CLARIFICATION
QUESTION
TIM
E

24. SHARING OF EXPERIENCES

25. CONCLUSION
We have come to the end of the lengthy presentation.
We defined substance abuse as taking drugs not
prescribed by medical practitioner.
We mentioned types of drug abuse, causes,
contributory factors, effects and preventive
measures.

26. THANKS FOR YOUR ATTENTION