A Reflection On Substance Abuse

The consequences that follow the use of any drug are unfavorable. Although many individuals may see drug addiction as a mere lifestyle choice, it is a problem that many individuals suffer from and inevitably a growing issue that leaves major social and economic impacts.

Substance abuse isn’t a new thing. Long ago since the start of human history, people have looked for ways to alter our consciousness with the use of herbs, alcohol and drugs.

Speaking realistically, most people live in the moment. We focus on things happening in our lives now. Life itself is a constant quest for happiness and security in a world that is very often uncertain, and even

As we go through periods of stability that are life chapters, and periods of instability that bring about the transitions, we must recognize where we are in the Life Launch. The continuous flow of the four phases is how we grow and develop through our adult years. It is very important to know how to engage and move through the Renewal Cycle of Change. The magic formula that I have begun applying is, Hold On to everything that is important, valuable, and beneficial in my life. The things I like about myself are my spirituality, my family, and my friends. Let go of what’s not working, get rid of dysfunctions, leave bad attitudes behind, and unlearn bad behaviors. Move on is the action I’m taking and will make happen over the next chapter of my life, while I hold on, let go and take on. These actions are making me set precedence in my life and take the necessary steps to start a change for my future. For success to happen in the new chapter of my life, I must learn how to go with the flow of change and embrace the change. By not allowing myself to remain stuck during a transitional period, I take notice and move forward during the challenge. It’s perfectly okay to go through the Renewal Cycle because it goes on and on. It’s life if you allow changes to help you to continue to grow, as you evaluate where you are on your travels through your Life

Substance abuse is the habitual use of mind altering substances (Substances). Addicts have a false or altered look on reality; they need help seeing what is wrong with the life style they are living. Nikki Sixx once said,” Addiction- When you can give something up at any time, as long as it’s next Tuesday!” Recovery is teaching a person to break old habits. Substance abuse counselors are very important, not only in the mental health field, but in society as well.

Annotated Bibliography Thesis: In the American society today, many families today and individuals are affected by the constant abuse of drugs and alcohol. Both alcohol and drug abuse victimize children and teens of all ages, ruin lives and damage families. Crimando, William, and T. F. Riggar.

An Overview for Substance Abuse, is an article that focuses on whether the use of any kind of substance is recreational use or is it classified as abuse. The purpose of the article is to inform people on whether they are abusing the substance or not. The article lists the most common illegal drugs used and also tells you what legal drugs are addictive. Some of the information is to tell you how many people in the world is addicted and how many people got help. The article talks about why our country has put laws on this situation and it is because of our society. The information for the article was gathered from The World Health Organization, John Hopkins Medicine Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration,

Gestalt is a fascinating approach to therapy with many unique techniques, interventions and goals that set it apart from other approaches. "Self-acceptance, knowledge of the environment, responsibility for choices, and the ability to make contact...are important awareness processes and goals, all of which are based on a here-and-now experiencing that is always changing" (Corey, 2009, p. 200).

“Live in the moment!” is a phrase we often use to get friends to loosen up and do something spontaneous. However for Lonni Sue Johnson, she literally can only live in the present. She developed viral encephalitis, in 2007, that destroyed her hippocampus. The hippocampus is responsible for most of the brain’s ability to store memories of the past and form new ones.

I always see things in surface and never go deep. But when my life has no longer the same since 2008, I miss the time when I can smile like a child. I can't do before think because all I have on my shoulders is my family. I try hard to accommodate to a new and strange environment where it at the end strengthens me to a better me.

Substance use disorder, misuse, and dependence are among the most prevalent causes of adolescent morbidity and mortality in the United States (Brannigan, Schackman, Falco, & Millman, 2004; Newcomb and Bentler, 1988a; Sussman, Dent, and Galaif, 1997). Substances of all types are being widely used or misused by teens and emerging adults in the United States (Johnston et al., 2004). Adolescent substance misusers experience numerous social, economic, physical, and legal consequences, for example, truncated development (Newcomb and Bentler, 1988b). Substance use–related disorders are associated with such problems as poor academic performance, job instability, teen pregnancy, and the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. Crimes such as stealing, vandalism, and violence are associated with “heavy drug use” in adolescence. Adverse immediate consequences occur (e.g., overdoses and accidents). Also, drug-using youths are more likely to develop disorganized thinking and unusual beliefs that may interfere with problem-solving abilities and emotional functioning and may lead to greater social isolation and depression (Sussman and Ames, 2001), though the prevalence of dysfunctional thinking is not known. Substance dependent adolescents endure consequences of additional problems such as drug tolerance effects, withdrawal symptoms, and preoccupation with using a drug to the exclusion of other activities.

One day when Wes was chasing his sister, Nikki, he finally caught her and didn’t know what to do, so he punched her. This angered his mother, Joy, because her first husband was a violent alcoholic who used to beat her when he was drunk. Wes explains that he has two memories about his father, the first of which was when his father talked to him about hitting his sister and the second was when he died. Wes’s father wasn’t feeling well one day, so he got taken to the hospital. The doctors didn’t know what was causing his symptoms, so they sent him home and told him to rest. He ended up having acute epiglottis and died that night. The death of Wes’s father was very hard for Wes because he became the man of the house at a very young age.

Past, present and future are all important to keep in perspective. Looking back and not having regrets is extremely satisfying. Your current situation and your contentment with it are also very important, and having goals and milestones to work toward in the future keeps you motivated and keeps life interesting and challenging.

When I began this class I had a very specific experience and understanding of addictions. One of the major influencers in my view of addictions has been my mother. This is something I never fully processed until I began really learning about addictions and what they do to people. I had impressions of addiction which were completely off base, and I had never taken the time to filter my prejudices through the reality of addictive disorders. Nevertheless, this project and this class has had a wonderful effect on my perception of those struggling with addictions.

My reflection paper is on the subject of substance abuse. As the structure of society changes, the acceptability of one drug or another changes. I have dealt with my own experiences of substance abuse personally and through family and friends throughout my community. I believe there are many underlying problems Native people face today that lead to substance abuse. So, drug use and alcoholism is not the problem in my town, those are more like side effects of something deeper. I would have to agree most with the symbolic interactionist perspective as far as the labeling theory goes. There are also many images in the media that depict the use of drugs and alcohol to make it seem like even though it is bad, it is sometimes okay. These images sparked my own curiosity to experience a fun high or a night out with friends and hopefully getting lucky. I had so many questions about drug use and alcohol. My older siblings and cousins were involved in those circles so it was only natural that me and my cousins and peers who I grew up with got into smoking marijuana and buying drinks on the weekends. I did not know at the time about the dangers of underage drinking. I also had very little knowledge of the condition of my mental health at my young age. Eventually I found out that I had an addictive personality and I got myself into a downward spiral of substance abuse.