Drugs

The Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON) has, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria, advised against indiscriminate use of drugs, saying it destroys the body immune system and other organs.

The institute gave the advice in a publication entitled “Drug Demand Reduction Sensitisation”, today in Abuja. The publication described drugs and other auxiliaries used for the production of medicines as “chemicals”.

“Drugs are habit forming substances like tobacco and alcohol, among others; they can be dangerous drugs because of their stimulating and narcotic effects. They actually lead their victims to absolute or total dependency on them with its associated destructive and devastating effects,” it warned.

The publication noted other unwanted effect of drug usage as immediate, long and short term, depending on the classes. It identified such effect to include destruction of some internal organs, impaired motivation, infertility or impotence, violence dependency, emotional disturbances and sometimes premature death.

The publication, according to NAN, also identified some classes of drugs to include narcotics, depressants, stimulants, hallucinogens, anabolic steroid, marijuana, alcohol and inhalants cocaine, heroin and tobacco. The publication further noted that drug abuse affects all sectors of the society. It said that the policies of the institute were geared toward fighting the menace of drug abuse to an end.

“Actions to reduce the demand for drugs are a priority and covers a broad range of measures like prevention, treatment, harm reduction and rehabilitation,” it said.