The Effects Of Drug Addiction On College Campuses

It is shown that people that tend to be involved in the use of drugs do so after making a voluntary choice (Heyman, 2009). The major use of drugs for social and non-medical preferences can lead to dependence and further addictions, it is a choice that people tend to make and from that it can lead to wanting it more, do it more with friends and further it becoming an addiction, that then effects the brain and body. When drugs are used in the wrong way they can cause many health issues but some people still tend to refer to drug addiction as a disease. Yes, There has been compelling evidence that addiction is a disease, however the result shown are weak and inconclusive. Results of different brain scans are shown by The National Institute of Drug Abuse (2017) are used to back up that addiction in fact is a disease, however the brain scans used in this research are not symbolic of any abnormal changes. The research by The National Institute of Drug Abuse do point out that changes in an individual’s brain is shown as evidence that addiction is a brain disease, however this argument can be shown as mistaken as changes in many human brains can be seen as not exclusive in addicts, although they can occur when a person is normal (Branch,2011). To top it off the information that is stated by the NIDA however doesn’t show evidence of the behaviour of addicts being involuntary or

Addiction is a chronic brain disease that often results in some sort of relapse. Addiction is characterized by inability to control drug use which results in problems with one’s behaviors and interpersonal relationships. This disease causes compulsive behaviors such as the need to use drugs despite the many harmful consequences that affect the addicted individual and those around him or her. Although for most people, the initial decision to use drugs is a one time lapse in judgement, the brain is easily affected by these drugs if the person decides to use these drugs multiple times. The changes that occur to the brain over time will cause the addicted person’s ability to resist the intense impulses of drugs to be altered causing the addict to often give into the temptation of these drugs. Like other chronic diseases, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death. Drug addiction is an issue that many people deal with whether they are the addict or the addict is their loved one; but with a good source of support anyone can over come the challenges and consequences of addiction.

It is believed that certain individuals are predisposed or vulnerable to addiction based on biological, psychological and social influences. The euphoric high produced by many addictive substances is the result of overstimulation of the “pleasure center” of the brain. This is the same area that controls emotions, fear, self-control and overall feelings of wellness. The presence of these foreign chemicals creates a response that the brain will crave as soon as it fades. The brain’s chemistry works against its own health, as it rewires its decision making faculties around the primary goal of finding and taking more of the drug” (1). Many people mistakenly believe that psychological addiction is somehow less serious or real than physical addiction. The psychological aspects of addiction are much more challenging to repair and recover from than the physical addiction. Psychological addiction can last for years or even a lifetime.

The definition provided above is accessible and easy to understand; however, it initiates false beliefs among individuals because it fails to acknowledge that drug addiction is a mental health problem. Moreover, when words such as, “dependence”, “control” and “craving” are used to define drug addiction, it leaves an impression to the reader that addicts are indeed “people who cannot control their impulses.” Consequently, when we fail to recognize that drug addiction is a mental health problem, our focus is diverted towards the physical aspect of drug addiction. This could cause the belief among individuals that drugs alone cause the addiction. It is essential to acknowledge that there are chemical hooks in drugs; however, individuals need to understand that drugs alone do not cause the addiction. We need to identify and distinguish the “root cause” of addiction and ask ourselves: what caused the individual to take the drug in the first place?

The disease model of addiction rests on three primary assumptions predisposition to use a drug, loss of control over use, and progression (Krivanek, 1988, p.202). These physiological alterations cause an undeniable desire to take more drugs (McNeece & DiNitto, 2012). Addicts are viewed as individuals with an incurable disease with drug addiction as the symptom. The disease model argues users cannot be held accountable for their addictions (Kirvanek, 1988).

Substance abuse is a growing problem for college students. The effects of this problem are felt by millions of individuals, families, schools, and communities. Substance abuse affects many domains of a person’s life including mental functioning, physical health, psychological well-being, social structure, employment, and academic endeavors. The need for trained professionals who can prevent, identify, and treat problems associated with drug use is also at an all-time high. This paper reveals the growing problem of substance abuse among college students and the implications for the individual and society. Specific risk factors are examined as well as how to implement proper drug screening for professionals working with college

Substance abuse is defined as a pattern of drug use leading to significant issues or distress. Substance dependence is merely defined as continued use of alcohol or drugs even when significant problems have developed.

Drug addiction is a complex disease, even when the person is ready to quit, it may not be possible for it to happen. To fully comprehend drug addiction

On a college campus, it is a well-known fact that drugs are readily available in this day and age. If a student wants to get his hands on any type of drugs, there are ways he can do so. Drug use among college students may happen for a number of reasons. There is a lot of pressure that comes with having to perform well on exams. Some students will eventually break under this pressure and look for an outlet to ease their anxiety. One of these outlets could be common street drugs, it would allow them to escape the reality they are in and give them a short term sense of freedom. Free from their obligations and worries. Another reason may be because they want to fit into a certain social group and are being pressured to do so. Drugs are an addictive substance; after someone uses them once, it may be too late to turn back. Having a drug addiction is dangerous as it can damage many vital organs in your body and impair brain functions. Abusing drugs can be a life threatening issue and therefore should be taken seriously. If you believe a loved one or friend is having drug problems but doesn’t want to tell you, there are a few ways to find out for yourself.

One risk for the cohort of students beginning college is substance abuse. Students think that it is the norm in college, especially a school with a party reputation like Tulane, to go out a lot and have fun. Many students do not know their personal limits, or may surpass their limits in order to abide by the prevalent drinking culture. Tulane has done a great job of educating incoming freshman on the risks of substance abuse and informing them of ways to seek out help. Over the summer, Tulane required freshman to complete an AlcoholWise course which included an anonymous survey of past alcohol experiences so that the course was curbed to each individual. AlcoholWise was also a great way to assess the prevalence of drinking in the freshman

The consequences of addiction are important to understand and they should be communicated in a way that is relatable, but prevention is more complicated than that. Healthy2Fitness attempts to describe the processes of the brain as they relate to addiction, explaining why substance addiction is so challenging to manage. This video makes sense of the inner struggle those with addiction experience, and why they often continue to use despite being faced with repeated consequences. Substance abuse professionals, under the education model, could apply the information relayed in this video as part of their prevention program. At the very least, it would be helpful for prevention programs to include the neurological processes involved in addiction. As Healthy2Fitness eloquently said, “Understanding the science of addiction can help you and the one you love”

Imagine laying on the floor in your own pool of sweat—miserable, your mind bouncing off the walls while the cloud of your darkest thoughts looms over you. Teeth chattering anxiously, waiting to receive the next second, minute, hour of painless bliss. This—this is the life of an addict; does this horror appear to be a choice or more like a disease haunting the mind of the user? Despite the fact a choice was needed to initiate the result, addiction itself is a debilitating disease NOT a choice due to initial influences and anatomical changes to the brain.

Another prominent college drug is ecstasy, also known as molly or MDMA, which is an illegal stimulant popularized in the nineties. This drug causes euphoria, lowered inhibitions, calmness and therefore is the perfect party drug for colleges (Addiction). This drug only gives the person who takes it a high for a few hours, but the maleffects can last for a few days after taking it. These effects can cause a student to not show up to class and not learn as well, like many other drugs that college students take. Universities that serve as venues for concerts should regulate the availability of alcohol as those who are drinking are more likely to take ecstasy in the moment. Drugs and alcohol abuse are present in almost every university in the world, and each university responds differently. Many public universities are recognizing the problems of substance abuse. A large number of public universities provide alcohol education for all students in order to help them understand what the substances can do to life. A large discrepancy between public and private schools are the number of drug related referrals versus arrests. “In 2013, public, 4-year universities with enrollments of 20,000 or higher referred 13,600 students for drug abuse violations. Nearly 8,500 students were arrested. At institutions such as San Diego State University, the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa and the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, the numbers of disciplinary referrals and arrests for drug use are nearly equal. At a number of large universities, however, arrested students actually outnumber students who are referred for disciplinary action. Between 2011 and 2013, 537 students at the University of California at Berkeley were arrested for drug use on campus, and 254 were referred for disciplinary action.” (New). This disparity means that in some schools, students are getting both their educational history marked and their criminal. Universities should start to up the restrictions on availability of alcohol, so their students would not have any problems with disciplinary actions. The drugs on campus are only being regulated by discipline, not based on helping the students get rid of addiction. These campuses should not fine or arrest

Addiction is like all behaviours “the business of the brain”. Addictions are compulsive physical and psychological needs from habit-forming sustenances like nicotine, alcohol, and drugs. Being occupied with or involved in such activities, leads a person who uses them again and again to become tolerant and dependent eventually experiencing withdrawal. (Molintas, 2006).

What I found that the college has is drinking and drugs on campus s and universities across the country, valley city has been faced with issues with alcohol use and abuse on drugs on our campus. In many cases, this behavior has harmfully impacted not only individual students, but the campus community.