Chapter 7: Human Health and Diseases

Upon managing to enter the body, this virus enters into macrophages, where the RNA genome of the virus duplicates for the formation of viral DNA by the action of the reverse transcriptase enzyme. The viral DNA is then incorporated into the DNA of the cells of the host, which targets the infected cells to synthesize virus particles. The macrophages continue to produce the virus, serving as an HIV factory. On the other hand, HIV enters the helper T-lymphocytes, replicating and producing progeny viruses, which when released in the blood, target other helper T-lymphocytes, which is reiterated, causing a progressive decrease in the count of helper T-lymphocytes in the patient’s body. In the long run, there is a significant decline in the count of helper T-lymphocytes resulting in the weakening of the defence mechanism of the body. This is referred to as acquired immunodeficiency.

The differences are as follows:

Metastasis is a pathological process that is observed in malignant tumours. In this process, the cancerous cells spread to different body parts and divide indefinitely to form a cluster of cells known as a tumour. Some of these cells from the tumour get sloughed off and manage to enter into the bloodstream, from where they arrive at the distant parts of the body, and thus the formation of new tumours is initiated as they actively divide.

The harmful effects of alcohol and drug abuse are as follows:

Harmful effects of alcohol:

• On individual – It has an adverse effect on the body. When excess alcohol is consumed, it damages the nervous system and the liver, which is a vital organ. This leads to other symptoms such as fatigue, depression, weight loss, aggression, loss of appetite. In extreme cases, heart failure leading to coma and death is also observed.
• On family – Excess alcohol consumption by any family member can have destructive effects on the family members as it may lead to domestic violence, verbal abuse, irritation, insecurity, etc.
• On society – It leads to impulsive behaviour, fading social web, violence, and lack of interest in social activities.

Harmful effects of drugs:

• On individual – The effect of drugs on one’s body is severe, more so on the central nervous system. It can lead to malfunctioning of different organs of the body such as liver, kidney, etc. in such individuals, HIV spreads rapidly among drug users as they share used needles while they inject drugs into the body. Drug addicts face both short-term and long-term effects, some of which are mood swings, aggressiveness, depression, etc.
• On family and society – A drug addict creates issues within the family and society. When a person is dependent on drugs, he/she becomes irritated, frustrated, and anti-social.

Yes, friends can have an influence on friends to start taking drugs and consuming alcohol. The following actions can be taken as precautionary measures to protect oneself from alcohol/drug abuse, they are:

• One must have a strong control over his/her will. One should refrain from experimenting with alcohol just for the sake of trying/curiosity/fun, etc.
• Stay away from people who are into drugs.
• Seek elderly advise, peer or medical assistance.
• Enlighten yourself with enough knowledge about the consequences of drug abuse.
• Go in for a counselling session.
• Take up some hobby/extracurricular activity.
• If depression or frustration levels persist or heighten, seek immediate medical or professional help.

Alcohol consumption and usage of drugs have a severe, addictive impact linked with euphoria, rendering a momentary feeling of well-being. Regular intake of drugs can increase the tolerance level of the receptors of the body, which furthermore leads to more drug consumption.

Many factors motivate the youth towards drugs or alcohol. Some of the initial causes are curiosity, excitement, adventure, experimentation, etc. Some switch to consuming drugs and alcohol to overcome negative emotions such as pressure, depression, stress, frustration, etc. in order to perform fairly well in other streams. A few media, such as the internet, television, newspaper, movies etc., are responsible for endorsing the idea of using alcohol to the youth. Some more reasons can be unsupportive family structure and unstable relationships. Peer pressure can also cause individuals to take up drugs and alcohol.

Some of the preventive measures against the use of drugs and alcohol are as follows:

• Motivation from parents and elders to develop strong willpower against it
• Awareness about the ill effects of alcohol should be inculcated in children by parents. Proper counselling and knowledge must be given regarding the repercussions of alcohol addiction.
• Parents should take responsibility for monitoring the social circle of their children and must advise them against the wrong company
• Encourage students to dedicate their energy to other activities
• Proper medical and professional assistance should be provided if symptoms of depression and frustration are observed.