[Dangers of Drug Abuse — Paragraph Questions and Answers
Dr. Hardin B. Jones | XII English
1. How does excessive faith in drugs lead to drug abuse?
Medicines have helped humanity prevent and treat many diseases. However, their success has encouraged some people to believe that a pill can solve every physical or emotional problem. They may turn to drugs whenever they feel nervous, unhappy or uncomfortable. The author warns that this dependence can reduce their willingness to face difficulties through perseverance, self-discipline and mental effort. Taking drugs to escape unpleasant feelings may gradually lead to taking them merely for pleasure. Thus, excessive faith in drugs can encourage misuse and dependence.
2. What distinction does the author make between medicines and “sensual drugs”? How are Hippocrates’ principles relevant?
The author distinguishes between medicines used to treat health conditions and “sensual drugs” taken mainly to produce pleasure. He recognises the valuable contributions of medical science and does not reject proper medical treatment. He refers to Hippocrates, who taught that a remedy must suit both the disease and the patient. The patient’s constitution and habits must also be considered. Treatment should relieve the disorder and help restore health. These principles emphasise the importance of appropriate treatment and warn against the unnecessary use of drugs.
3. How does the author explain craving, decreasing satisfaction and withdrawal?
According to the essay, drugs taken for pleasure disturb the brain’s normal chemical processes. With repeated use, the person may experience less satisfaction while continuing to crave the drug. Ordinary experiences may also become less enjoyable. In severe addiction, taking the drug may provide mainly temporary relief from distress rather than real pleasure. The person then continues using it to avoid the unpleasant symptoms of withdrawal. This creates a cycle of craving and dependence. The author contrasts this condition with the satisfaction gained from natural, everyday pleasures.
4. How does sensory deprivation affect a person experiencing addiction?
The author uses “sensory deprivation” to describe a reduced ability to enjoy ordinary experiences. A person may feel depressed, physically uncomfortable and disconnected from others. Suspicion may grow, and friendly gestures may be misunderstood as ridicule. The person may withdraw from relationships and feel emotionally empty. The author illustrates this through someone who recognises sunshine and flowers as signs of a beautiful day but cannot feel happiness. He also describes people pressing their fingers into their bodies to reassure themselves of their own reality. These examples convey their distress and loss of connection.
5. What physical dangers does the essay discuss, and why does the author focus on the brain?
The essay discusses several physical dangers associated with drug abuse. Unsafe injections can cause abscesses and serious infections. The author also describes harm to the nose, lungs, liver and other organs. Poor nutrition, weight loss and declining health may accompany addiction. An overdose can cause breathing or heart failure and death. The author focuses particularly on the brain because it controls sensations, moods, thoughts and actions through complex chemical processes. Drugs can disturb these processes, and the resulting harm may be difficult to recognise. His warning is that serious damage can occur before clear symptoms appear.]