Drug Addiction - How Can You Prevent Yourself?

Alcohol is considered to be the most widely abused drug amongst all. Almost 20 percent of alcohol users become dependent on it at some point in their life.

Drug addiction and drug abuse are preventable. Drug addiction and abuse can be prevented with the help of prevention programs, which involves family members, schools, communities, and media. When adolescents and youths perceive drug addiction to be harmful, they are likely to reduce their drug intake or may even quit it. Therefore, it is necessary for teachers, parents, and healthcare professionals to educate the serious ill-effects of drug addiction to the youth.

A person's biology, social environment, and the stage of development are considered to be the risk factors for drug abuse and addiction. Genes, gender, and ethnicity may influence a person to become a drug addict. Drug addiction also depends on the factors such as peer pressure, sex abuse, stress, physical abuse, and parental involvement. Adolescents are most likely to get affected but taking drugs at any stage of life may lead to addiction.

In order to keep health risks low, one should not consume more than 14 units of alcohol in a week over the course of three days or more. It is proportionate to one bottle and a half of wine over the course of a week.