1. Not to cure ,But to destroy
It was revealed in different provinces in the country that a number of youths are used to
take medicinal drugs without any sign of an illness or indication. This is no doubt
dangerous due to the risk of developing many physical and psychological illnesses.
Therefore the parents, teachers and youths should be well aware on this issue, surfaced
recently.
The relevant drugs can not be issued from a pharmacy without a proper prescription,
written by a qualified medical practitioner but these youths have the ability in buying
them, while many groceries in the country has been changed into illegal pharmacies
during the recent past.
Even with a justifiable reason to use the drug there are guidelines in prescribing these
drugs. This is because physical and psychological dependence and tolerance could be
developed with these drugs. Adaptation of the body to the drug is tolerance. Tolerance
could appear within 3 to 14 days of continuous use. It may lead to difficulty in
withdrawing the drug after the patient has been taking it regularly for few weeks. This
stage is called dependence. Therefore the use of the relevant drugs should be limited to
the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time.
The side effects of these drugs include, sedation, drowsiness, gastrointestinal
disturbances, sensory impairment, muscular weakness, hypotension or low blood
pressure, headache and disturbances of vision. The resultant impaired judgment affect
ability in driving and operating machinery. Some of the recent road traffic accidents,
involving youths were connected with this psychological change. One might think that
affected individuals will lie down or sleep some where in quite and calm manner which
is not true. A paradoxical increase in hostility and aggression may occur in patients
taking these drugs. The effects range from talkativeness and excitement to aggressive and
antisocial acts.
When they reach the stage of tolerance or dependence, withdrawal symptoms may
develop at any time up to 3 weeks after stopping the relevant drugs. It is characterized by
insomnia or difficulty in sleeping, anxiety, loss of appetite and sensory disturbances.
Therefore they may try to continue the use of drugs to end up with many physical and
psychological ailments.
As it was evident that the section of the youths , addicted to these drugs, are taking them
in higher dosages and more frequently the probable damage could not be properly

2. estimated. An correct awareness on danger in taking these drugs without any medical
indication must be built up among our youths. The parents and teachers have greater
responsibility in protecting this future generation which can not be disregarded in giving
any excuses.
Dr.SHANTHA HETTIARACHCHI