Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS situation in Uganda.

Drugs being a public health problem, abuse and trafficking increasing globally,
EastAfrica (Uganda inclusive), that was mainly a transit route from Asia to Europe
and USA has not been spared. Drugs most commonly abused include cannabis sativa
(commonly known as marijuana), khat (mainly called mairungi) and inhalants like
petrol as well as heroin in addition to alcohol. Studies done in the sub-Saharan
region indicate a high prevalence of alcohol abuse with the highest rates being
reported among male groups with no information regarding females who are very
difficult to identify unless one breaks through their social circles.
The major causes of alcohol and drug abuse include poor parenting and guidance,
peer pressure, adolescent curiosity and experimentation, lack of stringent laws
and policies, poverty/ income generation, cultural beliefs, unemployment and
frustration among others. These have led to number of effects which can be acute
or chronic. The acute problems include accidents, spread of infections like
HIV/AIDS. Chronic problems resulting from the chronic use of drugs include
addiction and dependency, chronic and fatal health issues such as cancers, injury
to organs of the body (heart, pancreas, liver, reproductive system and
intestines), various crimes leading to overcrowded prisons, poor performance at
school, early school drop out, strikes and school fire due to the false courage,
domestic violence, suicide and homicide, loss of employment and delinquency.