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Dementia: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Dementia is not a specific disease. Rather, several diseases cause dementia. The term ‘dementia’ is an umbrella term used to describe symptoms of cognitive impairment, and within the dementia umbrella, there are many different variations. Dementia is a group of thinking and social symptoms that interferes with daily functioning. Dementia is a group of conditions characterised by impairment of at…

Everything You Need to Know about Amphetamine Stimulants, Inhalants and Solvents, Cough Syrups

Background In 2014, there were an estimated 246 million (range 162 -324 million) people in the world that have used an illegal drug in the past 12 months. The drugs used include cannabis, opiates (such as heroin), cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants. Globally, the most common illegal drug used is cannabis. In Nigeria, drug use problems are found throughout the country…

Everything You Need to Know about Cocaine and Heroin

  Background In 2014, there were an estimated 246 million (range 162 -324 million) people in the world that have used an illegal drug in the past 12 months. The drugs used include cannabis, opiates (such as heroin), cocaine and amphetamine-type stimulants. Globally, the most common illegal drug used is cannabis. In Nigeria, drug use problems are found throughout the…

Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis

What is Cannabis?  Cannabis is derived from a plant called Cannabis Sativa. Cannabis is a depressant drug which means it slows down the activity of the central nervous system and the messages going between the brain and the body.  Taken in large doses, cannabis can be hallucinogenic and the person may have visions (seeing something) which are not real. The…

Talking About Drug Use in the Family

“Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble.”  – Yehuda Berg   Drug use happens in the best of families. Throughout the world, it has been found that no family, rich or poor, is fully protected against drug use. In Nigeria, drug use has been…

How to overcome fear and anxiety

 “Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.” —Arthur Somers Roche What is fear? Fear is a powerful emotion and a natural response to a threat either perceived or real. This emotion can have a strong effect on your mind and body. Fear can…

Why People Use Drugs

So, why do people use drugs? There is no one reason why a person will use a drug as the reasons will vary from one person to another. It can be for relaxation, enjoyment, excitement, peer pressure, rebellion, boredom and curiosity.  For other people, drugs can be used to avoid or reduce physical or psychological pain. The majority of people…

Treatment Options for Drug Dependency

What is drug dependency? “Drug dependence is a chronic relapsing medical condition. Drug dependence is not based on personal weakness or morals.” Drug dependency is both physical and psychological. With physical dependency the person using a drug over a period of time will have developed an intense reliance on drugs, often to avoid difficult withdrawal symptoms. The person will often…