DRUG: The two edged sword

"Mum, I'm hot, I feel so sick, and this headache won't let me be," Debby told her mum. "Go get two pills of paracetamol from my bag in my room. That would do just fine," her mum replied, busy cooking dinner. "But mum, I've been taking that for a while now." "Oh! That reminds me. Call your sister, she'll go get you Artesunate." "Again? I finished a whole pack last month." "Debby, don't stress life out of me. If Malaria has forgotten you took drugs last month, let's remind it. Just go get your sister." "Mum, you called me," Mercy said, frowning in obvious discomfort. "What's wrong with you?" "Menstrual cramps as usual. It's like Felvin and Ibuprofen aren't even working anymore. I had to combine them with Buscopan, yet the pain keeps coming back after a while," Mercy said, disappointment displayed on her face. "Sorry my dear. Take the #500 on the table and go to the chemist up street. Get Artesunate and Novalgin for you and your sister. Don't forget to add paracetamol when you return."
All Mercy and Debby wanted was to get rid of their symptoms, and to their ignorant mother, she was only trying to help her daughters out. Few weeks later, Debby died from perforated typhoid, as opposed to the malaria her mum consistently treated her for. Mercy became dependent on drugs and sustained damages to her liver from drug misuse.
Of a truth, drug is "a chemical substance used in the treatment, cure, prevention, or diagnosis of disease or used to otherwise enhance physical or mental well-being", but drugs can also cause tremendous damages to the body. Thus, it's a two edged sword. Deriving maximum benefits from it depends on careful use of it. As drugs can reduce nasty symptoms, they can also induce them.
Drug misuse is the improper use of prescribed or non-prescribed medications for purely therapeutic gains.
It includes
A person who takes more or less than what is prescribed by his/her doctor.
A person who buys drug on the street or receives it from a friend or relative, and is using it without prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
A person who takes drugs and engages in activities that he/she has been advised against by the prescriber e.g taking heavy medications that can alter consciousness and driving or operating machines, against prescriber's advice.
Effects of improper use of drug include:
Physical and psychological dependence i.e the individual cannot do without the drug.
Damage to internal organs e.g liver damage from excessive use of paracetamol, kidney failure e.t.c
Drug tolerance or resistance
Tips to note about drug use:-
Don't use drugs without prescription by a certified medical practitioner
Strictly obey prescription order
Don't stop taking the drug immediately symptoms are relieved. Inform prescriber before discontinuation of drugs.
Make drug use your last resort e.g hot water bottle, exercise, good diet and rest can relieve menstrual cramps. Good rest &sleep can relieve stress headaches.
Parents should care, but should not become their children's doctor.
Don't self diagnose or self medicate, not every fever and tiredness result from malaria. Consult your health care provider.
To prevent the two edged sword from it's destructive ability, it's imperative to avoid it's misuse. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.