UAE ministry warns students against consuming sedatives

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Interior (MoI), in collaboration with the Drug Control Council and the National Drug Prevention Programme, has issued a Drug Prevention Guide, which has been distributed to all schools across the country.

Through the guide, the ministry has warned adolescents and young individuals of both genders against the dangers of consuming certain medications, including sedatives, that can lead to addiction and even death due to excessive, non-prescribed use.

Sedatives are medications designed to calm the patient and induce sleep by altering nerve signals in the central nervous system. They are commonly used to treat anxiety, stress, seizures, panic attacks, and sleep disorders.

Sedatives must be used with extreme caution. Misuse or mixing them with substances like alcohol can result in severe health complications, potentially life-threatening. Overuse can inhibit critical nerve signals to the heart, lungs, and other organs, leading to dangerous side effects.

Parents should be aware of the following indicators of sedative addiction:

• Severe mood swings.

• Unusual or aggressive behaviour.

• Lack of focus and attention.

• Socially inappropriate actions.

• Health issues such as memory loss, movement difficulties, and low blood pressure.

The guide also cautions against widespread misconceptions among students, such as the belief that these medications can treat depression, relieve physical fatigue, boost energy levels, or enhance memory. The ministry has clarified that such beliefs are entirely false and misleading. It said individuals who consume these drugs without a medical prescription risk falling into the trap of addiction, which can ultimately lead to fatal consequences.

The guide provides corrective information about the misconceptions and offers guidance on drug prevention.

The Ministry of Education has ensured its distribution to schools to assist parents in early detection of substance abuse, protect their children, and educate them on their role in safeguarding their kids from these harmful substances. It also raises legal awareness and provides details on how to access treatment and rehabilitation services within the country.

Additionally, the guide highlights seven key protective factors that can help prevent children from substance abuse. It warns against synthetic drugs disguised as dried leaves, which have devastating effects, as well as the misuse of prescription medications, which can lead to addiction and severe health complications, including death.

The first chapter of the “Parents’ Guide to Drug Prevention” provides information on the various substances that children might be exposed to and details their health consequences. These include:

• Physical effects: Heart and blood pressure disorders, digestive system complications, severe weight loss, liver infections, immune system deficiencies, epilepsy, and sudden death.

• Psychological effects: Sleep disorders, delusions, hallucinations, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, emotional instability, and suicidal tendencies.

• Social effects: Family breakdown, increased crime and theft rates, and negative role models for children.

• Economic effects: Reduced individual productivity and financial burdens associated with drug use and treatment.

The guide also covers different types of drugs, including inhalants, such as lighter gases, paint fumes, and glue, which are easily accessible but cause severe health risks, including brain and liver damage, limb numbness, headaches, nausea, hallucinations, kidney failure, respiratory failure, and allergic reactions around the nose and mouth.

Additionally, it warns against synthetic drugs, a combination of marijuana and chemicals marketed as dried leaves in plastic bags. These substances can cause poisoning, kidney damage, hallucinations, heart attacks, anxiety, depression, and even death.

The guide outlines key indicators that can help identify drug abuse, such as:

• Excessive talking and hyperactivity without a clear reason.

• Memory loss and irrational thinking.

• Unusual jaw movements (circular or counter-directional).

• High blood pressure, paranoia, and aggressive behavior.

• Hallucinations, insomnia, and sleep disturbances.

The guide also warns against addiction to certain prescription medications like:

Painkillers, which can cause respiratory depression, brain damage, and even death.

Depressants, which may result in blurred vision, nausea, difficulty concentrating, and fatal consequences if combined with alcohol.

Stimulants, which can lead to high body temperature, paranoia, and other harmful effects when misused.

Parents can detect prevent drug addiction among children in the following ways:

1. Awareness and education: Learning about the physical and behavioral indicators of substance use.

2. Open dialogue: Engaging in calm discussions with children about concerns without making accusations.

3. Empathy and understanding: Being prepared for emotional reactions, such as anger or threats of leaving home, and responding with reassurance and support.

4. Being firm but loving: Setting clear household rules while expressing care and concern.

5. Persistence: If discussions become overwhelming, parents should take a break and resume later.

6. Seeking professional guidance: If a child refuses to talk or get help, parents should consult treatment centers for advice.

7.Consulting specialists: Parents should seek expert assistance to organise their thoughts and receive proper guidance.