CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Historically, drugs have been part of the daily life of human beings. From the primitive mixtures and concoctions, to the present day highly effective tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions etc. Drugs have been vital to the survival and well being of humanity. According to Falawiyo (1988) cited by Oniyama and Ikekhua (2006), a drug is any substance which when taken alter the physiological and pharmacological functioning of the body. It is any substance other than food, which by its chemical nature; affect the structure and function of the body. Another definition that aids our understanding of the
manufactured to promote and protect the physical, mental, emotional and social well being of humans, a vast majority of people have made themselves victim through the misuse and abuse of drugs. Increase in life expectancy could be linked to the discovery of drugs, which has improved the quality of human lives. When drugs are administered under medical supervision / direction, they often appear to have a miraculous effect in relieving pain, suffering and treatment of diseases that other-wise would interfere with physical, mental and social health (Ajala, 2006).word drug is found in Awake! October 8th2005 edition, According to this edition of awake, drugs refer to any chemical substance whether of natural or synthetic origin, which can be used to alter perception, mood or other psychological states. Although most drugs are
The history of drug use is parallel to the history of human race. Since the earliest times man searched for herbs, roots, banks, leaves, animal and other substances to help relieve pains, control diseases and stress, to get the body ready for strenuous activities and maintain good health wellbeing and happiness. Substance abuse, a public and social problem has gradually become a cause for concern in Africa especially in Nigeria. United Nations publication on world drug report (2011) stated that in Nigeria, the consumption of illegal drugs and the harmful use of other psychoactive substances such as alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs, and inhalants have increased at an alarming rate over the years. According to United Nations, Nigeria is currently the highest consumer of cannabis and amphetamine in Africa. Understanding the nature and concept of drugs makes someone appreciate why caution must be exercised in use of drugs. Drugs are very dangerous unlike food which could be ingested anytime and to the individual satisfaction. Social theorist postulate that association with delinquent peers leads to delinquency. To them delinquency emerges as part of dynamic process of mutual influence. There is a relationship between drug abuser and peer pressure. Adolescents abuse drugs heavily which have negative effect on the systems and organs of the body. Innocent people have suffered one form of health problem to the other; they have been molested, raped, maimed, and even gruesomely murdered while some adolescents have dropped out of school. Drug is any substance that affects the functioning of living cells, used in medicine to diagnose, cure, prevent the occurrence of disease and disorders and prolong life of patients in curable conditions (Djebah, 2006 in Oniyama, 2007). Mohan (1980) cited by Ajala (2006) defined drugs as any substance which when taken by a living organism modifies one or more functions of the body. This modification can be physiological or psychological in nature, as the case may be. Akinwande (2004) classified medicine as drugs that are used for the prevention, treatment and management of diseases. All medicines according to Akinwande (2004) and Ajala (2006) are drugs but not all drugs are medicine.
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