This document discusses myths and facts about drug abuse and provides statistics on drug use. It also covers signs of addiction, reasons for addiction, how drugs affect the brain, and ways to help someone who is addicted. Teachers and parents can help by recognizing signs of substance abuse, being approachable, and knowing where to get help for addiction issues. The global statistics estimate 269 million people used drugs in 2018 and 35 million have drug use disorders.

1. Myths about
Drug Abuse
Role of teachers
Dr. Ajaz Ahmad Suhaff

2. How do we classify drugs of Abuse
GATEWAY
DRUGS
Depressant Drugs
Stimulant
Drugs
Narcotics
Hallucinogens
Inhalants

3. STATISTICS
• Around 269 million people used drugs
worldwide in 2018.
• Globally, 35 million people are estimated to
suffer from drug use disorders.
World Drug Report, released today by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

4. Prevalence of Alcohol in India (10-
75 years of age) about 14.6% of
people (16 Crore people.)
Tripura 62.1%
Chhattisgarh 57.2%
Punjab 51.7%
Jammu and
Kashmir
7.4%
Bihar 0.9%
Lakshadweep 0.2%
Prevalence of Cannabis in India (10-75
years of age) About 2.8% of Indians (3.1
Crore individuals)
Sikkim 7.3%
Nagaland 4.7%
Jammu and Kashmir 0.7%
Tamil Nadu 0.1%
Rajasthan 0.1%
Kerala 0.1%
Puducherry 0.0%

5. Prevalence of Opioids in India (10-75 years of age)
60 lakh people with opioid use disorders
Mizoram 6.9%
Sikkim 5.7%
Punjab 2.8%
Jammu and Kashmir 1.50%
Kerala 0.4%
Bihar 0.1%
Magnitude of Substance Abuse In India @ 2 The Ministry of Social Justice &
Empowerment 017-2018

7. Why do only some people get addicted to drugs?
Peer Pressure
Freedom
Mental illnesses
Genes
Traumatic life events/ Stress
Self medication & escape
The availability of drugs
Curiosity
Economic status/ Unemployment

8. Are all drugs addictive? What makes them addictive?
A: Different drugs have different effects on the
brain and body, but in nearly all cases,
repeated drug use will lead to addictive
behaviors.

9. How do you know if someone is addicted to drugs?
• Changes in relationships with his friends or family members
• Recent isolation and withdrawal from others; exhibiting signs
of depression
• Hostile, angry, uncommunicative and/or demanding of privacy
• A lack of coordination, lethargic, and having the inability to
focus on priorities
• Hanging out with different friends
• Not caring about your appearance
• Getting worse grades in school/college/office etc
• Missing classes or skipping school/college/office
• Losing interest in your favorite activities
• Getting in trouble with the law
• Having different eating or sleeping habits

10. What are the new forms of addiction
• Gaming Disorder/Social Media
• Gambling Disorder

11. Physical symptoms :
Bloodshot eyes
Frequent nosebleeds (from snorting drugs)
Lack or personal hygiene or care in his appearance
Shakes or seizures
Slurred speech
Skin abrasions/track marks
Sweatiness and headaches

12. How can we help someone who is addicted to drugs?
Offer him or her support.
Talk to them and let them know that you are
there for them.
Encourage them to seek help from a trusted
adult, such as a school counselor, a doctor, or
an addiction professional.
You can be a positive influence.

14. Fact: No, It is not so easy,,,,,,,It needs
Multidimensional Approach
Myth: You can stop using drugs anytime.

15. Myth: You have to use drugs for a long time before
they can really hurt you.
Fact: Even Single dose can be dangerous.

16. Myth: Teenagers are too young to get
addicted.
Fact: Addiction can happen at any age. Even
unborn children can get addicted because of
their mother's drug use.

17. Myth: As soon as a person feels
normal, all the drug is out of the body.
• Fact: Long after the effects of the drug stop
being felt, the drug can still be in the body.

18. Myth: Drugs relieve stress. They help
deal with problems.
Fact: Drugs only make people forget and not
care about their troubles. When the drug
wears off, the problem is still there.

19. HOW TEACHERS AND PARENTS CAN
HELP
• Identifying and Recognize the physical
signs/injuries of substance abuse:

20. Recognize what drugs look like

22. Be familiar with the typical hiding
places for drugs (especially at home).
• Stuffed animals,
• Stereo speakers,
• Base of lamps,
• Books /magazines,
• Pillows, Matresses
• Flush tanks

23. Create an environment where students/children feel
comfortable approaching you, expressing their feelings, and
asking questions.
• Children need to feel they have a safe place
where they will be able to talk openly and
honestly

25. .
Remain friendly and non-confrontational.

26. Encouraging reading for pleasure outside of
school hours;

27. • Giving praise and rewards for good behaviour,
achievements and accomplishments;

28. Most Importantly
Know where to get help

29. • .