Drugs (narcotics and medicines) are substances or drugs, either synthetic or natural (derived from plants), which have the effect of reducing consciousness, causing hallucinations, and causing addiction.¹ Initially, drugs were used to relieve pain and provide calm by influencing a person's brain function, feelings, behavior, and senses.² However, some people abuse these drugs to get the sensation they cause with doses that exceed the limit and without direction from a doctor.

According to data from the Indonesia Drugs Report 2022, the five types of drugs most frequently abused in Indonesia are marijuana (41.4%), crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy (25.7%), koplo pills or nipam (11.8%), dextro (dextromethorphan) (6.4%), and gorilla tobacco (4.1%).³ Generally, these drugs are smuggled from abroad to Indonesia through traditional ports that have minimal supervision from the authorities.

Types of Drugs

The following are several types or groups of drugs based on the risk of dependency they cause, namely:¹

- Class 1 Narcotics, such as marijuana, opium, and coca plants (cocaine). This group is very dangerous when consumed because it carries the risk of causing addictive effects.

- Class 2 Narcotics, such as morphine and alphaprodine. It can be used according to a doctor's prescription, but if misused, it can cause addiction. There are about 85 types of narcotics that fall into this group.

- Class 3 Narcotics, such as codeine and diphenoxylate. This group is widely used for treatment and therapy because it has a relatively low risk of dependence.

Drugs are also divided based on the ingredients they are made from, namely:¹

- Natural narcotics, for example marijuana and coca. Usually used in a simple way, but the narcotic content is quite high and can be fatal.

- Semi-synthetic narcotics, such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. Produced from natural materials that are processed to obtain the required narcotic substances.

- Synthetic narcotics, such as amphetamine, dexamphetamine, and methadone. Made through a complex chemical process and often used in medicine.

The Dangers of Drugs for the Body

- Drug abuse can cause various health problems, including:^1,2

- The body becomes dehydrated (lack of fluids).

- Decreased consciousness and even memory loss.

- Increased risk of heart disease.

- Difficulty concentrating and decreased quality of life.

- Permanent brain damage.

- Can lead to death.

Tips for Getting Out of Drug Addiction

There are several ways to get rid of drug addiction, as follows:⁴

- See a doctor and undergo therapy to determine the level of addiction.

- Seek support from family, friends, or positive recovery groups.

- Stay away from environments or people who can tempt you to use drugs again.

- Manage stress in a healthy way, such as exercise or relaxation activities such as yoga.

- Change your lifestyle to be healthier, such as getting enough sleep and not consuming alcohol.

- If it is difficult to stop on your own, consider undergoing rehabilitation at an official institution.

Remember, narcotics and drugs should only be used for medical purposes under the supervision of a doctor. Never try to use drugs because the risks are very high for your health and life.

Reference:

1. Humas BNN. Pengertian Narkoba Dan Bahaya Narkoba Bagi Kesehatan. Badan Narkotika Nasional Republik Indonesia. Last reviewed: January 7, 2019. Available at: https://bnn.go.id/pengertian-narkoba-dan-bahaya-narkoba-bagi-kesehatan/

2. Rizal Fadli. Pengertian Narkoba dan 9 Dampaknya bagi Kesehatan. Halodoc. Last reviewed: January 3, 2024. Available at: https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/pengertian-narkoba-dan-9-dampaknya-bagi-kesehatan?srsltid=AfmBOoqawGXo_qLVIfXB_a-1cxIoSViQ789Rcr0JFxufWxwt4hhg9XA_

3. Agus Irianto, dkk. 2022. Indonesia Drugs Report 2022. Pusat Penelitian, Data, dan Informasi Badan Narkotika Nasional Republik Indonesia: Jakarta.

4. Rizal Fadli. Penyalagunaan Narkoba. Halodoc. Last reviewed: December 22, 2023. Available at: https://www.halodoc.com/kesehatan/penyalahgunaan-narkoba