Substance Abuse As A Social Problem

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 is a national public health burden that has significantly increased the rate of disability and mortality worldwide (Azizi, Borjali, & Golzari; 2010; Wheeler, 2014; Wu, 2010). In fact, the most recent Global Burden of Disease Report estimated that almost twelve million people, who abused drugs, had moderate to severe disability (Wu, 2010). With regard to physical health, legal issues, social relationships, and occupational functioning, substance abuse affects all aspects of the individual 's life (Azizi et al., 2010; Wu, 2010).

In and around most large cities in America, the rising substance abuse epidemic has brought about a renewed interested in determining the root cause of substance abuse, the effects of substance abuse on individuals and societies, and the substance abuse treatment modalities that achieve the best outcomes. In reviewing the current research on substance abuse there seems to be no one clear cause of substance abuse disorders, although there is strong evidence that a number of life circumstances may predispose an individual to a substance abuse disorder, as well as a number of protective factors that may reduce an individual’s risk of developing a substance abuse disorder. One important risk factor that is commonly associated with substance

Substance abuse is one of the most detrimental social problems found in all societies. It has been the leading cause for generational breakdowns of families and communities, and is probably the most controversial social problem when developing corrective solutions. Substance abuse can be defined as the chemical dependence, or pattern of usage of both legal and illegal substances, that has adverse physical, psychological, and psychomotor effects on the human body. The use of substances does not always have to be a drug, but can also be anything taken into the body that can cause a mood-altering effect, such as inhalants or solvents. Additionally, substance abuse has many different faces and is the one social problem that crosses all

According to the author of the book a social problem is “When enough people in a society agree that a condition exists that threatens the quality of their lives and their values, and they agree that something should be done to remedy that condition.”

A social problem is defined as ‘a social condition that a large enough section of society views as harmful to members of society and in need of remedy’ (Griffith University, 2014). A major social issue affecting Australia is binge drinking as people now recognise drinking as a ‘norm’. This term relates to ‘drinking heavily on a single occasion, or drinking continuously over a number of days or weeks’ (ReachOut, 2013). Countless Australians are drinking to excess, putting themselves at risk of short and long-term harm. After the use of tobacco, alcohol is the second leading contributor to drug-related issues nationwide. It is a social drug, one whose addiction portrays it an essential to all who partake. Consequently, this risky drinking behaviour has a substantial impact on our society, furthermore affecting individuals. Binge drinking is unquestionably a major social problem in Australia and one that is not being effectively confronted.

Drug “abuse” is a socially constructed idea or concept. Society has determined the level of usage that constitutes abuse. Society has also deemed certain drugs illegal and others legal. When a drug was seen as “abused” it would become a social problem, which led to the drug being made illegal. Marijuana is currently illegal in some states and legal in others. Cocaine, LSD, meth, heroin, and PCP are all drugs that were legal in America at one point. (McCormick, 2011) These drugs were used in order to treat illnesses and as pain killers. These drugs were legal and used in many medical cases. However, they are now considered to be illegal and people who are caught with them face penalties.

A Personal Perspective on Substance Abuse in Society The impact of social expectations on substance abuse My perspective on society’s current drug use problems stems essentially from all the lives I have personally seen destroyed or disrupted by addiction. Currently our nation is experiencing a heroin abuse epidemic. NSDUH (2014) established that nearly a half a million people in America were heroin users during 2014, and the epidemic is rampantly out of control (p. 11). In an attempt to analyze why and how it has exasperated, I found that I feel the nature of the problem is in direct correlation to the extreme expectations society places upon not only our youth, but on single parents, reintegrating drug offenders, adjusting immigrants,

Specific Aims. Substance abuse and addiction are critical health, social and economic problems in Maine and the United States. The estimated economic cost of substance abuse in Maine for 2012 was $1.18 billion. The number of individuals receiving treatment was up 20% over 2011 and prescription overdose deaths have tripled in the last decade. Thus, we are in desperate need of alternative treatments for substance abuse and addiction, as well as full implementation of effective prevention programs. In addition, if we can increase the number of students pursuing careers in science education, neuroscience and related biomedical research careers, we will have a positive impact not only on preventing and treating substance abuse, but also the economies of rural states like Maine. STEM-related jobs pay significantly higher than average, however, growth in these fields in Maine has been well below national levels. Improving interest and skill in STEM areas is likely to increase Maine’s ability to modernize its workforce and create jobs. Our overall goals are to: (1) enhance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the state of Maine and (2) enhance awareness and interest in addiction science and neuroscience. Meeting these goals will help to prevent drug abuse and create an educated workforce.

Introduction Personality traits are consistent cognitive and behavioural patterns that are often thought to be unchanging and causal. While this has been the common understanding of personality traits, recent research has begun to show that these traits are actually influenced more by the environment and are constantly changing and shifting. (Magidson, Roberts, Collado-Rodriguez, & Lejuez, 2014; Staiger, Kambouropoulos, & Dawe, 2007) Further research has also indicated that these traits have the potential to be altered or modified by different interventions. (Magidson, et al., 2014) Although the field of research regarding personality is quite diverse unfortunately the number of studies examining how it relates to substance abuse is quite limited. (Staiger, et al., 2007)

Question 1-What other data would you want to collect from Mrs. Collins related to her abuse of alcohol?

Drug and substance abuse has become prevalent in the contemporary society. Today many people abuse drugs because of the exposure they receive from the internet. Smoking of tobacco and its products has been legalized in the American soil despite its hazardous health impacts. However, the various group argues that smoking of tobacco should be eliminated because of the unhealthy related issues it triggers while smokers claim that it is their right to smoke. The society has a duty to protect young generations and nurture them to responsible adults. Let us imagine living in an environment where every individual smoked cigarettes? For the people who love smoking the idea would be appealing to them while for those who hate smoking it would feel devastated and uncomfortable to stay in an environment filled with smoke. The ruling state should not allow the mediocrity of the profit making institution continue harming the citizens through the selling of harmful tobacco substances. Banning tobacco inhaling products on American soil would lead to significant, positive changes for the public as a whole.

Substance Abuse and its Impact on the Society. Drug abuse is a very important topic to debate today, as it affects both adolescents and the general population, but in fact how much do we know about the topic? What is the concept of drug abuse? Is is an important question for any loved one of a person with a potential substance use problem. Information on drug abuse clearly indicates that drug abuse is an inevitable desire to obtain and use increasing amounts of one or more substances. Nowadays the most abused drugs are usually alcohol and cigarettes. But we also do not rule out drugs legally prescribed by a doctor, as well as illegal drugs.

According to the text, a social problem is a social condition or a pattern of behavior that people believe warrants public concern and collective action to bring about change. Social problems create disorder and chaos because everyone has different opinions on how things should be handled in society. Social order can be defined as the totality of structured relationships in society. Social problems can reinforce social order in many ways. Social problems may cause an uproar sometimes, but they also brings individuals together and help create a balanced society. For example, substance abuse is considered a social problem because it is a health issue and it affects society on many levels. Society is affected because substance abuse can lead to

The Social Problem The social problem that was identified in the helping relationship is a return to alcohol use or relapse. The participant in the helping project admitted she had been in substance abuse treatment twice, but was unable to remain abstinent from alcohol use. This, according to her is a relapse, however, Miller (1996) identifies relapse as a return to alcohol and/or drug dependent behavior in a person who has previously achieved and maintained abstinence for a significant period of time beyond withdrawal. Unfortunately, the participant was unable to remain abstinent for any significant period of time, therefore does not meet the definition of relapse. Hence, we will discuss relapse, but the core social problem