Click on an question below to see the answer!
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Is it true that the side effects of inhaling smoke are lower than breathing in smoke? |
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Can Gongo and Cigarettes help your digestion? |
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How can I help someone to stop smoking or drinking? |
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If people want to stop drinking alcohol or smoking what should they do? |
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Why do people take drugs? |
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How can adolescents avoid drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and hashish usage? |
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How can I go about, if I want to quit drugs? |
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How can I help a friend who is addicted to drugs? |
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What are drugs and what is drug abuse? |
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Where do drugs come from and how do they get to Tanzania? |
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Do only young men use drugs and from what age do they start using drugs? |
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How do drugs affect the body and mind of a person? |
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Which drugs are the most dangerous? |
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Is there a difference in effects of drugs between young and older people? |
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How long do the effects of drugs last? |
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Can I die from taking drugs? |
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Do people get crazy from using drugs? |
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Can it be dangerous to take valium or chloroquine or any other drug, which you get in a pharmacy? |
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What happens when young people sniff for example petrol? |
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Is it true that smoking bhang makes you strong? |
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Is it true that smoking bhang reduces stress? |
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Why do drug abusers want to continue with drugs? |
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Why do people want to have sex after taking drugs? |
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Why do people taking drugs lie? |
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Are there specialists in Tanzania to help people with drug problem? |
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Which drugs are forbidden in Tanzania and what happens when the police arrest you? |
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Why are drugs produced and used in the hospital if they are harmful? |
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Which steps does the government take regarding drug abuse and illegal trade? |
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Who is to blame for drug problems in Tanzania; the government or the supplier and user? |
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If a friend or family member is hooked on drugs, can I change him/her? |
Is it true that the side effects of inhaling smoke are lower than breathing in smoke?
Both inhaling and breathing tobacco smoke is harmful. If you smoke a cigarette and draw the smoke of it through your mouth into your lungs you will directly experience various negative effects on your organs.
If you stand close to a smoker and breathe in the smoke, some effects are less direct. On the other hand as a bystander you may breathe in more of the poisonous elements in tobacco, because there is no filter. Factory-rolled cigarettes have a filter that filters out certain toxic elements like carbon and tannins, which are irritating for the lungs.
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Can Gongo and Cigarettes help your digestion?
It is a misconception that spirits, when used in small amounts after a meal assist the digestion of particularly fatty foods. Alcohol can even decrease the normal flow of important digestive fluids and hence delay rather than enhance digestion.
Nicotine in a cigarette on the other hand, increases the activity of the intestines and therefore facilitates digestion. But nicotine also increases the release of acid in the stomach, which can cause mild to severe stomach- aches.
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How can I help someone to stop smoking or drinking?
Try to find out, why your friend or relative has the habit of smoking or drinking too much. Try to be there for him or her or get your friend involved in activities that keep him or her busy. Look together with him for alternatives, take him or her along for activities and introduce him or her to friends who do not use any drugs. Tell him or her, how important it is to stay away from temptations. Convince your friend or relative that it is much easier to manage negative situations or feelings in life when being sober. And of course, do not drink or smoke yourself!
It may happen that the person gets angry with you or that your friendship cannot continue. Do not blame yourself! You tried to help and you did the best you could. Sometimes it is even better, if you terminate the friendship for your safety and the sake of your friend. He or she might start to realise that there is something wrong and subsequently decide to address his or her problem. It might be necessary for him or her to seek professional help.
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If people want to stop drinking alcohol or smoking what should they do?
First of all people really must want to stop! This needs
a clear decision and a strong will, because it is not easy to stop.
Secondly, the person has to think about the situations where he or she feels the “need” to smoke or drink. This is usually with a specific group of friends, at a party, after hard work, after or with eating. So if people want to quit smoking or drinking they have to change their habits and lifestyle to avoid temptations.
A first step to stop could be by setting targets: e.g. not to smoke the whole week. Reward yourself if you reached your target. If you once failed, start again. Very few people manage stopping completely at the first trial. Most people are not able to only reduce but have to stop completely.
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Why do people take drugs?
There are many different reasons for people using drugs.Some people hope to forget about their problems.Others use drugs only for fun or because they want to show off and feel adult or strong- and some people just start “playing around” with drugs and are suddenly unable to stop again . Others feel pressed or conviced by friends or relatives to try out drugs and “get the feeling” and some use drugs because they are bored.
Drugs mostly have unwanted side effects or their effects last only for a limited period of time.In that case ,relief is only for a short duration:the problems are not solved but often even increase once a person is trapped in a viscous circle of drugs.
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How can adolescents avoid drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and hashish usage?
Many young people start to take drugs because their fellow peers had been taking drugs, and so they felt being pressurized to do the same. Others take drugs because they think it is the way of solving problems. Think about your life and how you would like your future life to be. You will realize that drugs won’t help you reach your goals.
One good way of avoiding drugs is to avoid groups or individuals who are using such drugs. Get involved in activities that will keep you busy, such as studying, doing physical exercises or helping at home. Other young people enjoy getting involved in religious activities, for example church choirs or youth groups at the mosque or at the church.
If someone convinces you to take drugs strongly say “NO” and tell the person why you do not want to take drug. Explain that taking drugs will endanger your health and that buying them is cost full. In addition taking drugs will hinder you from successfully reaching your life’s goals. If the person is convinced of what you are saying, then he/she will most probably not bother you anymore.
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How can I go about, if I want to quit drugs?
There are different reasons as to why people take drugs. The best way to stop taking drugs is to first find out the reasons as to why you are taking drugs. In some places there are even youth counseling centers where adolescents are assisted in their efforts to stop drugs .Quite often, it is not so easy to stop taking drugs, especially to those who are taking those strong drugs. But it is possible, if you are determined to stop drug taking and if you accept assistance from others (counselors, friends, family members etc.)
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How can I help a friend who is addicted to drugs?
If you realize that a friend of yours abuses drugs, there are few things you can try. Talk to your friend at moments when he/she is not drunk or high. Let your friend know that you are worried about him or her. Advice him/her to avoid being to places where he/she feels pressure of taking drugs. You can also help your friend by assisting him/her to seek external assistance.
Sometimes, people with drug problems are not ready to listen to your concerns and to receive your help. It may happen that the person gets angry with you or that your friendship cannot continue. But do not blame yourself because you tried to help and you did the best you could. Sometimes it is even better to, if you terminate your friendship for your safety and the sake of your friend.
He or she might start to realize that there is really something wrong and subsequently decide to address his or her drug addiction.
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What are drugs and what is drug abuse?
A drug is any substance that changes people’s mood, their perception or behaviour. We talk about drug abuse. If someone takes too many drugs, so that they harm the person, who is using them.
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Where do drugs come from and how do they get to Tanzania?
Drugs come from different countries in the world and some also originate in Tanzania itself.
For example cocaine comes from South America, heroin primarily from Asian countries like India, Pakistan and Burma. New, artificial drugs like mandrax are produced in many countries, also in Tanzania.
Bangi and mirungi are grown here in Tanzania. Prescription drugs as well as volatile substances, like petrol, can also be produced within Tanzania.
Those drugs, which are not produced within Tanzania, are smuggled illegally into the country via road, air or sea. There is a well functioning network of drug dealers.
The dealers promise quick money to convince many young people to engage into this trade as petty dealers. Many of these young people are not clearly aware about the dangers as drug possession, consumption and dealing is illegal and can lead to stiff sentences up to life imprisonment. Furthermore these young dealers support destroying other people’s lives.
Often drugs are handed over by people the consumer knows well such as family members or friends. Remember that this is still an illegal and dangerous action!
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Do only young men use drugs and from what age do they start using drugs?
Do only young men use drugs and from what age do they start using drugs?
No! drugs are used by people from all groups of society: women and men, old and young people, rich and poor! More men than women abuse drugs in Tanzania. Drug abuse among women is also less visible and more private, but women and girls are unfortunately catching up with males.
Some people start using drugs very young –even at primary- school- age! Often these very young start experimenting with drugs without knowing anything about the effects and dangers. Some might harm their body and mind severely or end up abusing drugs regularly without being able to stop.
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How do drugs affect the body and mind of a person?
One of the very scary things about drugs is that they affect people in different ways and so you can never tell for sure, how drugs will affect you! The effects of drugs depend on the types, dose and method of use of drug. It also depends on the user’s age, physical and mental condition and past experiences with the drug. Short term effects occur shortly after a drug is taken, while long term effects show in the course of time and are usually caused by progressive damage to body organs such as the lungs and the brain.
Bhang e.g. leads to increased pulse rate, problems with short-term memory, with concentration, learning, thinking and problem solving. It may result in problems with co-ordination and balance. Often bhang smokers have reddened eyes. Some young people feel intense emotional reactions such as fear and panic after using bhang.
So-called stimulant drugs such as mirungi and cocaine make users feel alert, full of energy or confident and strong. At higher doses stimulants can make users feel anxious or even panicky. With increasing abuse mental health problems can occur and with excessive doses you can die.
Sedative drugs or substances like heroin and some prescription drugs produce a relaxing, peaceful and happy feeling. At higher doses, they lead to drowsiness, decreased concentration and vision, nausea, vomiting and sweating. Still higher doses can result in a deep sleep, loss of consciousness and even death. Home brew like “gongo” may be dangerous for your health and its consumption sometimes leads to blindness or even death.
Using drugs clearly limits young people’s ability of coping with and emotional problems. This makes many young people vulnerable to crime and abuse, such as sexual and physical abuse. And the change in behaviour of drug abusing adolescents very often leads to family conflicts and breaking up of friendships. Drug abuse is a major cause for accidents, accidental poisoning, suicide and infections.
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Which drugs are the most dangerous?
Generally all drugs can be dangerous. Amongst the legal drugs nicotine, which is contained in cigarettes, is particularly dangerous, because it is very probable that you become addicted to smoking. This means, that your brain gets used to the drug and you need more of the drug to feel the same effects. Nicotine is also especially dangerous, because young people often start using nicotine before moving on to harder drugs. This is why nicotine is called a “gateway”.
Amongst the illegal drugs abused in Tanzania perhaps heroin is the most addictive. It is also linked to many criminal activities. Heroin consumption is especially dangerous in regard to HIV/AIDS. When heroin is injected using shared, chances of HIV transmission are there. This is also the case, when heroin abusers sell their bodies in sexual activities for drugs or for money to get drugs.
Smoking bhang helps to overcome shyness or restraints. This means that bhang smokers are likely to forget to practice safe sex and thus risk getting infected or spreading HIV/AIDS. Abuse of prescription drugs can also be extremely dangerous and cause death, when overdosed or when mixed with other drugs or alcohol.
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Is there a difference in effects of drugs between young and older people?
Drug abuse affects all people alike. However young people are particularly vulnerable to the effects of drug abuse because they are still in a stage where the body and mind develop. Young people often get wrong ideas about drugs. If their peers are not good role models, they might encourage experimentation with drugs. It is very important to get the right information about the effects of drugs to be able to decide for oneself. Think carefully; it is your body, your life and your decision!
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How long do the effects of drugs last?
This question is very difficult to answer, because the duration of the effects depends on a variety of different aspects, such as the kind of drug you use, the way you use it, your personality and the surrounding atmosphere, in which you take it.
A person may start using drugs regularly to keep up the wanted effects. For certain drugs and for some people regular use over a two-week period is sufficient to become dependent!
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Can I die from taking drugs?
Yes, you can. Death can be sudden or it can come from the long-term damage to your body organs due to drug use. Many people die in accidents while they have drugs in the blood, because they are unable to judge dangerous situations.
Drug abusers may die suddenly from a so-called overdose, when one takes too much for the body to bear. Sudden death can occur with the abuse of cocaine and volatile inhalants even without taking an overdose. Those people who inhale volatile substances like petrol often use plastic bags to increase the amount of fumes they are inhaling. In such a situation it is very possible to lose consciousness and be suffocated by the plastic bag. Mixing certain drugs, like heroin, with other drugs especially tranquillisers(e.g. Valium) or alcohol, can also be deadly.
In general, drug use weakens the immune system. A weak immune system makes people very vulnerable, because it is easier for bacteria or viruses to attack the body. This is especially the case for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Depression due to drug abuse sometimes leads to suicide.
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Do people get crazy from using drugs?
A few drugs can lead to a mental disorder. These are the so-called stimulants like cocaine and mirungi.
When drugs are taken in high doses, they can cause short-term confusion that lasts for a few days or up to a week. This happens for example with bhang. There is a misconception that all the mentally ill are this way because they abuse drugs. This is not true.
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Can it be dangerous to take valium or chloroquine or any other drug, which you get in a pharmacy?
Yes! Any prescription drug, which is not used for the right purpose or in the right dose, can be dangerous or even deadly. You should always listen carefully to the explanation by doctors or pharmacists. Never mix prescription drugs with alcohol or other drugs because this can be especially dangerous!
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What happens when young people sniff for example petrol?
If young people breathe in the vapours given off by petrol they enter through the mouth and/or nose into the lungs and then to all parts of the body.
Effects of sniffing are similar to those of alcohol. After sniffing the user feels light-headed and often dizzy. Some feel dreamy and happy but others feel sick or drowsy.
Inhaling can be very dangerous and also deadly, because people lose consciousness and are suffocated by the plastic bag. Some people die in accidents after abusing volatile substances, because they are unable to judge dangerous situations like traffic in the streets.
Long-term effects include nosebleeds, skin rashes around the mouth and nose, poor appetite, lack of motivation, brain, kidney, heart, lung and liver damage.
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Is it true that smoking bhang makes you strong?
Definitely not! After smoking bhang, a person may feel more confident, courageous or strong. However, the actual effect of bhang is the opposite. Muscle strength actually is diminished. Smoking bhang affects the brain in a way that it becomes difficult to keep balance and hand steadiness and co-ordination of physical activities is impaired.
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Is it true that smoking bhang reduces stress?
Bhang reduces stress in the short-term as it causes a feeling of happiness and relaxation.
But of course problems remain and often increase later on. People smoking bhang only escape their real world into a dream world for a short while. Once the high feeling produced by bhang fades away the problems are usually worse than before. Using bhang only postpones and delays the solving of problems.
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Why do drug abusers want to continue with drugs?
This is exactly why drugs are so dangerous! Once you get used to them you have difficulties leading your life without them! With most drugs your brain adapts to their presence in your blood and then more and more of the drug is required to produce the same effects. This means that over time you use an increasing amount of the drug.
Once you try to reduce your drug consumption or give it up completely you might experience a so-called withdrawal reaction. This can be very unpleasant, painful or even dangerous for your life. Once a person is addicted, it no longer becomes just a habit, but a disease. Many people who are dependants on drugs do not use them for the pleasure they bring but to avoid the pain caused by the withdrawal syndrome. The best way to avoid this is simple; BE STRONG and SAY “NO.” Do not experiment with drugs.
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Why do people want to have sex after taking drugs?
Drugs influence the way our brain works. They change feelings and they help to overcome shyness and restraints. A person feels strong and powerful and is more likely to give in to sexual temptation that when he or she is sober.
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Why do people taking drugs lie?
Most drug abusers deny their drug problem. They lie because they do not want to admit their problem or they tell stories to defend themselves or blame others. Often they start lying or betraying friends and family members when they need money to buy drugs.
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Are there specialists in Tanzania to help people with drug problem?
Yes. There are several NGO’s doing drug counseling. In this NGO’s you will find experts who listen to your problems and try to help you will find a solution to your problem. If someone is dependent on drugs or otherwise needs medical help, there are drug treatment center in government hospitals. [See addresses on the FACILITIES FOR YOU page on this website]
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Which drugs are forbidden in Tanzania and what happens when the police arrest you?
In Tanzania the use, production, possession, transport and dealing with narcotic drugs like bhang, heroin, mandrax, cocaine and mirungi is forbidden. This is also the case with prescription drugs, which are not used for medical purposes. In Tanzania it is also illegal to brew home-made alcohol like “gongo”.
If the police arrest a person acting against the law, he/she will be sent to court, sued and prosecuted. The law provides stiff sentences for drug offences: a fine of up to 10million Tanzania shillings or imprisonment for life or both.
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Why are drugs produced and used in the hospital if they are harmful?
Drugs, as well as medicine, are used in hospital to save lives and to reduce pain. This requires that only specialized personnel, like doctors and nurses, handle these drugs. This guarantees that the right drugs are used for the right purposes and in the right dose.
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Which steps does the government take regarding drug abuse and illegal trade?
The government recognizes a growing drug problem in Tanzania, as more and more drugs are smuggled through and into the country and consumed here. In response to this situation it issued a low dealing with drug offences. The “drug control act” of 1995. This law clearly lines out how to act in the event of drug offences and it provides harsh sentences for offenders. To support the fight against drug abuse the Tanzanian government in 1996 established a commission of experts. It is called the commission national of rugs control control.
The commission supports the police, the border-police and customs, which try to keep under control the drug supply in the country and at the borders and destroys plantations of bhang and mirungi. These agencies now work together with partners in neighbouring countries to more effectively control the cross-border drug traffic.
It also supports and trains drug experts within different NGO’s, whose task is to inform people about the effects and dangers of drugs and to support those who have a drug problem.
The commission of experts also started to think about a nation-wide campaign highlighting the dangers of drug abuse. Of course these tasks of the commission are difficult to fulfil and the fight against drug abuse is not the responsibility of the government alone. It needs the support of everyone and the whole society!
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Who is to blame for drug problems in Tanzania; the government or the supplier and user?
No one is to blame, but everyone is responsible! Everyone has to do what is in his/her scope to reduce the drugs problem.
The government has to ensure the effective implementation of the laws and regulations. It also has to support those having a physical or psychological drug problem, by providing health care facilities.
Of course those who deal with drugs make a business out of other people’s problems. But there would be no supply without demand; in the end the user has to take his own decision in acting responsible for his health and life. This is why people, especially young people, have to be well informed about the risks of taking drugs.
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If a friend or family member is hooked on drugs, can I change him/her?
If a friend or family member asks you for your support, of course you have to try to change him/her! Try to give him or her all the information you have, and tell him honestly about the dangers of using drugs. Even your own parents might welcome your advice, when they see that you are caring for them!
Sometimes, people with a drug problem are not ready to listen to your concerns and to receive your help. It may happen that the person gets angry with you or that your friendship cannot continue. Do not blame yourself! You tried to help and you did the best you could. Sometimes it is even better, if you terminate the friendship for your safety and the sake of your friend. He or she might start to realize that there is something wrong and subsequently decide to address his or her problem.
If this happens, or if you have a friend or relative who is dependent on drugs and is seriously endangering his/her health you may not try to help on your own. It might be necessary to seek professional help.
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Questions and answers
