Alcohol and Drug Abuse

The alcohol abuse definition is similar to alcoholism in that in both cases alcohol is causing harm to the drinker 's life and those around them. The difference is that those who abuse alcohol, but are not yet alcoholics, typically can put some limitations on their drinking and they have not yet become physically addicted to alcohol. The key to the alcohol abuse definition is not in the amount of alcohol consumed but on how it affects an individual. Alcohol abuse is a psychiatric diagnosis in which there is recurring harmful use of ethanol despite its negative consequence. In 2013 it was reclassified as alcohol use disorder along with alcohol dependence. There are two types of alcohol abuse, those who have anti-social and pleasure

Ms. A is a 24-year-old, Caucasian female. She was referred for a psychological evaluation by her therapist for her excessive use of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disorder. Additionally, Ms. A stated she has been experiencing a loss of interest, low self-esteem and feeling anxious. She complains that her struggle with substance abuse has negatively impacted her interpersonal relationships, behavioral, emotional as well as her health. The purpose of the current evaluation is to (1) evaluate her level of functioning, (2) determine diagnostic impression and (3) recommend relevant treatment and service needs.

While rising a glass every now and then may be okay, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to extreme alcohol abuse and even alcoholism. The society we live in is strongly prejudiced by alcohol, and affects people of all ages, gender, and background. It has been uncovered to millionaires to the homeless. Alcohol abuse has been a problem throughout the history of humanity; it is a disease which has caused many people to be overcome with trouble, problems, and debts also pattern of drinking that interferes with day-to-day activities. Alcoholism is a term that is widely recognized throughout the United States and the World. Alcoholism is a chronic disease, progressive and often turn fatal; it is a disorder and not due to other diseases or emotional problems. Many scientists have tried to pinpoint what Alcoholism is, and what this disease may be stemming from. Some people would dispute that alcoholism is only the over-consumption of alcohol; this statement is only somewhat true. An alcoholic is a person who relies on alcohol as a medium to help him or her deal with physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. It’s not always easy to see when drinking has crossed the line from moderate or social use to problem drinking. When dealing with Alcoholism a person over comes a lot of problems. Alcohol Abuse is high in the United States, “In the USA, 15% of Americans are problem drinkers, while between 5% to 10% of male and 3% to 5% of female drinkers could be diagnosed as alcohol

Alcohol is the drug most commonly abused compared to other illegal drugs. Alcoholism in the Merriam Webster is defined as as a chronic, progressive, fatal disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction. In families, “alcoholism can become a powerful organizer of family life, altering the details of daily routines as well as special occasions [however], not all families suffer the consequences of alcoholism in the same way” (Bennett, Wolin, Reiss and Teitelbaum). Although it may be the case in which each family does not go through the same issues, it still has an influence on their daily routine where it becomes difficult for them to successfully fulfill them.

The information I gathered from the research was that the major factors that contribute to homelessness are mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse. I also learned that many individuals need to develop skills and seek treatment to learn how to break the patterns which lead to cyclical or generational homelessness (Morris, 1997).

What motivates someone to drink and how can they overcome alcoholism? Are a person 's emotions the motivating factor to suppress depression or hate? Are social groups, peer pressure, or the need to "fit in" the primary motivator or is it a result from the type of environment the drinker was raised in? Is it possible to overcome alcoholism and live a happy and normal life? Let’s take a look at a few of the factors that could motivate someone to fall victim to alcoholism and the chances of overcoming this dreadful condition.

Addiction is a far more serious concern rather than drug abuse. The addict physically can’t stop themselves from using a substance (Addiction Resource 6). “Addicts can experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and changes in their mood” (Addiction Resource 4).

Withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on the type of substance that you used, the severity of your addiction and your personal health. Often, individuals will experience problems with concentrating, tiredness, depression or sweating. Addicts may develop hallucinations, heart palpitations, seizures, headaches or nausea. Although thousands of people make it through withdrawal symptoms every year, there is always a chance of medical complications.

The individual may experience withdrawal symptoms: such as anxiety or jumpiness; shakiness or trembling; sweating, nausea and vomiting; insomnia, depression; irritability; fatigue or loss of appetite and headaches (NCADD National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence). People experiencing a withdrawal might lie or steal money from their loves ones to be able to buy more drugs. They could also get fired from their jobs because their focus is on getting high or taking the drugs to get the desired effect from the last time they consumed the drug. Most addicts don’t see what problems they are creating for themselves or those around

Cocaine, meth, marijuana, nicotine etc. The list of dangerous and harmful drugs goes on and on. However, one of the deadliest drugs not mentioned above is alcohol. From the time when alcohol was legalized in America on March 22nd, 1933, to the present day, society has become accustomed to the idea of binge drinking (an excessive amount of alcohol in a short amount of time). Alcoholism is now becoming more and more of a social norm. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 56% of people ages 18 and up reported to have drank in the last month. Alcohol use is promoted in almost all aspects of our lives, whether on billboards in the city, at local gas stations, or especially on the television. Many television shows are based around the idea of drinking, having main characters take part in the socially accepted norm. One of the TV shows that effectively addresses the notion to people associated with alcoholics and the effects on others around them is The Office more specifically in the episode “Moroccan Christmas”.

Everyday around the world alcoholics attempt to quit drinking, with many succumbing to addiction once more. Alcohol can be highly addictive and plaguing the lives of alcohol abusers. When alcoholics do attempt to quit drinking alcohol, they go through various withdrawal symptoms that complicates the road to sobriety. Quitting alcohol is far from a simple process and will require initiative and perseverance. Although many attempt to quit alcohol by simply by going “cold turkey,” there are various steps people can follow to successfully quit drinking alcohol. For those struggling with alcohol abuse, sobriety can revitalize and save the life of the addict.

The abuse of drugs and alcohol has been a known issue over past decades. The media paints the picture that alcohol and drug use is fun and the only way to have a good time. While alcohol in moderation is fine, many people find themselves going over board and abusing it. Elicit drugs like cocaine and heroin are highly addictive and have several adverse effects. People find themselves depressed and anxious so they ultimately try to use these drugs to mask the pain instead of getting help for their problems. This reoccurring cycle affects the family system as a whole unit not just the individual. It is our jobs as educators to help educate parents in order to help children who are suffering from these alcohol or drug use effects. Children are the innocent victims in this sequence because they have no way of putting a stop to this vicious cycle.

For the research on drug use and societal or natural disaster, there is various findings on drug users' lives, before and after disasters. This paper gives a broad explanation of their trauma & stress, housing life styles, and health risk during times of disaster. These topics show the studies on people whom partake in drugs such as Crack/Cocaine Heroine on the day-to-day basis. The researched for this paper worked with the usagers directly to affect the health of those in these situations.

The abuse of drugs and alcohol as well as the prescriptions now in the day reach the amount of 700 thousand dollars a year, since the medical attention is increased due to the overdose that cannot be controlled that occurs when the health insurers deny patients treatments because they are very expensive.

People can get addicted by using the drug every day. Getting addicted can cause your brain cells to leave slowly and easily. People can get their family and friends addicted to the drug also by using it around each other. They can end up killing their family members or even themselves over the drug they using. If you get addicted to a drug, you will have to go to rehabilitation program if you want to get clean. Most individuals experience a series of withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms are but not limited to; anxiety, fatigue, sweating, vomiting, depression, seizures, and hallucinations.