Drugs offences in Canada

Essay by darkdcxHigh School, 12th gradeA-, November 2002

download word file, 3 pages 2.0 1 reviews

Downloaded 45 times

Drug abuse is considered to be a common and serious problem among Canadians both young and old. Drug abuse is characterized by taking more than the recommended dose of prescription drugs without medical supervision, or using government controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine or other illegal substances. Legal substances, such as alcohol and nicotine are also abused by many people. Abuse of drugs and other substances can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Drugs can be very addictive and it could lead to dependency, loss of control, anxiety, loss of appetite, disturbed sleep, damage to kidneys or other organs, heart attacks, and other symptoms. Drugs can also lead to crime in order to support an addiction.

A drug is a substance that affects the function of living cells, used in medicine to diagnose, cure, prevent the occurrence of diseases and disorders, and prolong the life of patients with incurable conditions.

Drugs can be classified in many ways by the way they are dispensed over the counter or by prescription of the substance from which they are derived plant, mineral, or animal. Drugs are also classified by their names. All drugs have three names: a chemical name, which describes the exact structure of the drug and a brand or trade name given by the particular manufacturer that sells the drug.

Legal substances are available and are widely used. One of the most common legal drugs are alcohol, prescription and over the counter drugs such as nicotine, and caffeine. Alcohol is by far the most frequently abused drug in Canada. About one of every 50 Canadians drinks to excess. With this alcohol abuse it leads to problems within the families, jobs, and health. Alcohol also contributes to death and injury on the road, and to murders and suicides.

Nicotine is one...