Primary Care Substance Abuse Essay

There is no doubt that there is a prevalence of substance abuse throughout several age groups. To a certain extent, a society is faced with the reality of controlling substance abuse. Or allow it run rampant throughout the community. Often times, we hear and read about the level of substance abuse among teen, young adults and mid-aged

Long term, it is much easier and cheaper to perform preventive health care than to try to manage acute and/ or chronic diseases. All at risk individuals should be given education on the dangers of developing a substance abuse problem, emphasizing that it can happen to anyone- young or old, rich or poor, etc. Health care providers need to address the supposed invincibility commonly associated with those who excessive drink alcohol or use drugs. These individuals are not quite as invincible nor do most have everything as under control as they may think. Although many may know the dangers, it is important to explain that the negative health impacts may not be noticeable right away, but the damage is still being done. Additionally, these at risk patients should work with social workers or case management to set up referrals to substance abuse cessation programs within the

There has been an expectation of society that substance abuse treatment should eliminate alcohol and illicit drug use while improving individual health and social functioning as to reduce the public safety threat. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 also known as Obama Care was created with intentions of expanding the availability of health insurance. In 2011 the President’s National Drug Control Strategy requested investments in screening, intervention and referral to treatment, and expanded the Access to Recovery voucher program. These initiatives are a start towards total care for alcohol and substance abuse patients, however from our study we have found that treatment may be best when considered as a long term possibly life resource for these individuals to become successfully sober and healthy.

The social problem of addiction is quite prevalent in our society. Many individuals from all different ethnic problems have turned to drugs at some point in their life. Substance use disorder can have compelling ramifications on the health of the abuser, their family and even the communities they live in. In 2012, around 23.1 million Americans aged 12 and older needed treatment for substance use (SAMHSA, 2014). The rate of people that have abused substances ranging from alcohol, pills, Marijuana, Heroin and cocaine etc. has escalated greatly over the years.Many teenagers or even adults aren 't aware of the treatment options and/or they don 't have the necessary funding to receive it. This problem can continue to grow and cause a huge strain on the countries economy

Substance abuse involving drugs, alcohol, or both is linked with a variety of negative social conditions, including family disturbances, monetary problems, lost output, and failure in school, domestic violence, child abuse, and crime. Furthermore, both social attitudes and legal answers to the use of alcohol and illicit drugs make substance abuse one of the most multifaceted public health issues. "Estimates of the total overall costs of substance abuse in the United States, including lost productivity and health- and crime-related costs, exceed $600 billion annually" (Substance Abuse, 2012).

In the 1940s, numerous efforts to inaugurate self-help groups for substance abusers were made throughout America, but failure prevailed (NAWS 1998, Stone 1997). The self-help concept is related directly with the individual’s sense of responsibility (Raftopoulos and Flora, 2011). Kelly and Myers noted studies of private substance use disorder treatment centers that revealed that 90% based their treatment on the 12-Step principles, thus aftercare like AA/ NA are warranted to achieve ongoing recovery (Nowinski, Baker and Carroll, 1995). Narcotics Anonymous like AA, is a free self-help group with voluntary membership that supports life-long recovery for those who desire abstinence (NAWS, 2008). Many hospitals, behavioral health centers, and criminal justice institutions refer those in need to NA because of the high rate of relapse occurring after formal treatment (Gossop, Stewart, and Marsden, 2007). Gossop et al. (2007) claims that NA helps the addict sustain the goals accomplished during treatment and lessens relapse, especially after residential treatment. Many studies of 12-step programs present an increased rate of abstinence, reduction of use, and psychological health outcomes (Gossop et at. 2007). Gossop and colleagues (2007) found that through a 5-year follow-up period those attending NA/AA after treatment were more likely to be abstinent from opiates. Gossop reports that those who attended

It is estimated that 22 million Americans in 2005 struggled with drug or alcohol related problems. Among the 22 million, 95 percent who were involved with substance abuse problems were observed to be unaware of their problems. An estimated 273,000 individuals realized they had a problem and made an unsuccessful effort to obtain treatment. The above-mentioned estimates reflect the severity/importance of increasing prevention efforts and improving access to treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders1.

As the use of illegal drugs and alcohol continues, substance abuse across America has become a very serious social problem. It is mental illness that has an effect on different races, classes and genders. The affects of substance abuse has caused countless of people to feel heartache and develop feelings of hopelessness. With alcohol and drugs readily available through prescription or on the streets (Butler,2010), it is obvious why many are acquiring addictive patterns to these accessible substances, and that the continual abuse of these substances has a severe long-term effect. Characteristics such as age, gender, race, socio-economic class, sexual orientation, different social groups, and geographical location are contributing factors

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, estimates that annually, 23.5 million Americans age 12 years or older need treatment for drug abuse. Getting into a high-quality treatment facility and completing the appropriate programs are critical for individuals who suffer from drug addictions. Only 2.6 million, or 11.2 percent, seek and receive treatment at a specialty facility. Completing a treatment program can help individuals regain their sobriety, but the treatment program is only the beginning. Only 60 percent of individuals who complete treatment for drug abuse relapse, and 90

When my brother Brandon was thirteen he told his siblings he wanted to start a life of crime. My brother is a drug addict. His life has been ruined by his addiction. He has been arrested more times than I can count for selling drugs and for domestic violence. Brandon has stolen and lied and hurt all his family members at least a dozen times each because getting high is the only thing he can focus on. His only friends are drug addicts and he steals from them too. His mind can only focus on drugs and how he is going to find his next high. I have tried to help him, but every time I try something awful happens and I am left wishing I had never tried. I have not talked to my brother in many years. He wants to be a part of our family again, but

Substance abuse refers to harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances including alcohol and illicit drugs. The United States is suffering more than ever from the abuse of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. Substance abuse costs the United States more than seven hundred and forty billion dollars annually in cost related to crime, lost work productivity, and health care. The United States consumes 80% of the worlds prescription painkillers supply, despite not even making up 5% of the worlds population, with nearly 17 million adults suffering from alcoholism (Facing Reality: 8 Shocking Drug and Alcohol Abuse Statistics). Unfortunately substance abuse is on the rise faster than ever.

The costs to Canadian society from illegal drug use are approximately $8.2 billion a year, increasing at a greater rate than costs for either tobacco or alcohol.

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidenced-based, comprehensive, approach for identifying and intervening with individuals who are at risk for developing substance use disorders (SUD) or who have SUDs and referral to specialty treatment as needed. It is within the dental setting that oral healthcare providers may aide in preventing substance misuse, decreasing risky substance misuse, as well as referring patients to follow-on care to address substance misuse as needed; thus Alaska’s oral health providers may provide a unique assistance in Alaska’s substance abuse problem.This chapter details the methodology of this research study, including the research design, setting, sample, data collection, statistical analysis, and the limitations of the study.Research Design           Research exploring issues that may influence dentists, dental hygienists, and dental aide therapists’ acceptance of SBIRT and potential barriers to implementation of SBIRT in the dental setting would be useful to identify the feasibility and adoption of SBIRT as routine care during the dental

Substance abuse and addiction have become a social problem that afflicts millions of individuals and disrupts the lives of their families and friends. Just one example reveals the extent of the problem: in the United States each year, more women and men die of smoking related lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined (Kola & Kruszynski, 2010). In addition to the personal impact of so much illness and early death, there are dire social costs: huge expenses for medical and social services; millions of hours lost in the workplace; elevated rates of crime associated with illicit drugs; and scores of children who are damaged by their parents’ substance abuse behavior (Lee, 2010). This paper will look at

Substance abuse is not abnormal in many countries including the United States of America. In fact, about 700 billion dollars are lost every year due to crime related to the substance, lost work productivity, and health care. Billions more are spent preventing drug use and treating addicts. Although substance abuse may threaten many societies, the impact can be cushioned for the future generations of America with the almighty tool of education. Addiction is a topic I recently learned more about in Health class and it will impact my future choices.