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Substance Abuse

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Effects of substance abuse

Substance abuse can simply be defined as a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. Medline 's medical encyclopedia defines drug abuse as "the use of illicit drugs or the abuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in quantities other than directed."
Generally, when most people talk about substance abuse, they are referring to the use of illegal drugs. Most professionals in the field of drug abuse prevention argue that any use of illegal drugs is by definition abuse. Those drugs got to be illegal in the first place because they are potentially addictive or can cause severe negative health effects; …show more content…

These programs are designed to reduce risk factors within a community by encouraging partnerships, by parents with children, by policymakers with parents, by educators with students and even by children with their peers. Children who belong to households in which a parent or family member is dependent on drugs are often encouraged by these prevention programs to make informed and independent decisions, serving to guard them against imitating the mistakes of such adults.

Education
Make sure that your local schools have programs in place to educate children about the risks posed by drugs and alcohol. You need to arm young people in your community with knowledge about the consequences of abusing drink and drugs. Talk to school staff about how they tackle the issue with students or perhaps set up a support group for parents to teach them how best to educate their children about the effects of substance abuse.
Community Projects
Talk to local government and churches about funding for youth clubs, art facilities and other activities to give local young people something to do in place of spending time on the streets drinking and taking drugs. In areas that suffer poor socio-economic conditions, young people often face a lack of stimulation as well as a lack of money which fosters a malaise and a lack of self respect.
Support Groups
Lobby for improved counseling services and treatment programs for those with substance abuse

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