Drugs In Uganda

Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS situation in Uganda. Drugs being a public health problem, abuse and trafficking increasing globally, EastAfrica (Uganda inclusive), that was mainly a transit route from Asia to Europe and USA has not been spared. Drugs most commonly abused include cannabis sativa (commonly known as marijuana), khat (mainly called mairungi) and inhalants like petrol as well as heroin in addition to alcohol. Studies done in the sub-Saharan region indicate a high prevalence of alcohol abuse with the highest rates being reported among male groups with no information regarding females who are very difficult to identify unless one breaks through their social circles. The major causes of alcohol and drug abuse include poor parenting and guidance, peer pressure, adolescent curiosity and experimentation, lack of stringent laws and policies, poverty/ income generation, cultural beliefs, unemployment and frustration among others. These have led to number of effects which can be acute or chronic. The acute problems include accidents, spread of infections like HIV/AIDS. Chronic problems resulting from the chronic use of drugs include addiction and dependency, chronic and fatal health issues such as cancers, injury to organs of the body (heart, pancreas, liver, reproductive system and intestines), various crimes leading to overcrowded prisons, poor performance at school, early school drop out, strikes and school fire due to the false courage, domestic violence, suicide and homicide, loss of employment and delinquency.