The Problem Of Substance Abuse Essay

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.

Despite the higher cost, a high-end substance abuse treatment center does not constitute better treatment. The support of therapists, counselors, family, friends, and peers can all be important factors in the recovery process. The most significant factor for an individual in the recovery process is a desire and a willingness to change. Many options exist for individuals that want to recover from addiction. These options include substance abuse rehabilitation centers and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery. These programs all have the same goal but use different techniques that at times even contradict other programs. Although the approach of the programs may vary, they have all been proven to work for certain

Substance abuse as well as addiction is a topic many people choose to ignore or tend to believe that it does not affect them. Addiction itself does not seek out certain types of people but can affect anyone, at any time, for any reason. Stress, per pressure, financial trouble, even genetics all play a role in substance abuse and addiction. Unlike others, I don’t see substance abusers as weak willed but instead in need of guidance and someone to talk to about their problems. That is why, when I decided to go to school I was very interested in becoming an Addiction Counselor. I am one of those types of people who really enjoy learning new things and coming up with solutions for myself or others. The biggest reason that I decided to go to college was to find a job that I was actually fascinated with and wouldn’t dread going to work day in and day out. The biggest concern I have for my future job is stability and job availability. One area that I don’t really find high on my priority list is the money. I want to be able to make enough that I can survive and even thrive at times but I’m not looking for a job just for the financial gain. If I’m going to spend my life in a working profession it might as well be doing something I love.

Substance abuse disorders are common in our society. It is a disorder that each one of us will most likely experience through a family member, friend, or our self. I felt very drawn to this topic due to the fact that I have a family that has background of substance abuse and I myself have battle the demon. Not until I struggled with my own addiction did I become more tolerable and understanding to those that have a substance abuse disorder. Substance abuse is not something anyone wants to have; it is a disorder that takes control of a person’s life. It is a beast that tears a person apart; from their being to the lives of their loved ones. This disorder is not biased in anyway; rich or poor, male or female, employed or unemployed, young or

Drug abuse is on the rise. While the use of drugs like cocaine and heroin is in a state of decline in certain parts of the world, prescription drugs abuse is on the rise (UNODC, 2013). Prescription drugs that were prescribed with the intention to do well are now one of the leading causes of self-harm. Drug abuse has no gender or social class, it can affect people regardless of social status and wealth, and now more than ever we need to understand the reason behind the abuse. What psychological factors could cause an individual to abuse drugs in the first place? In this research essay, I will discuss how each one of the major school of psychology perspectives could attempt to explain a

An issue area that I would like to talk about is the statistics on young teenagers using drugs in the Oroville area (My hometown). There so many high schoolers who are smoking marijuana and using illegal drugs. We must put a stop to this. Using drugs can affect your brain, not only in school, but it can cause damage to the brain long term. Drugs do not only influence your health, but it can impact your family. Using illegal drugs has destroyed too many families and relationships. When people are under the influence of drugs, it can impair their thinking.

Drugs abuse is a social issue that affects a considerable portion of the population within the United States. Drug issues, in general, is broad and complex given there are many different kinds of drugs with abuse potential and the people who use drugs can come from different social backgrounds.

When we keep putting teens in jail over illegal drugs and not getting those actual help for their issues the problem will only continue in the years to come. In the article, Marijuana Use and Alcohol Use Are Dangerous for Society say, “A society thrives when there are fewer drugs, not more” (Carlsson 1). Removing teens from this kind of society is going to help them succeed and thrive. Also, make them less depressed because we can help

On 5/12/17, Hennepin County Child Protection accepted a report of alleged neglect prenatal exposure of baby boy to controlled substances or their derivatives by mother Rachel Casey. Per reporter Rachel gave birth to baby boy on 5/11/17 and has tested positive for substances throughout her pregnancy. Per reporter Rachel did not test positive at birth, and baby boy’s meconium is pending. Also, per reporter did not know if Rachel is or has been prescribed the buprenorphine and methadone.

Prevention methods for substance abuse are taught to children as early in their kindergarten years and follow throughout their lifetime. Current programs available are school-based programs, parent and family, work programs and community and public media campaigns.

Substance abuse is a contributing factor and very often a result of homelessness. Homeless youth are at greater risk for addiction and addicted youth are at greater risk of being homeless. According to a study by Peterson et.al. (2006). Homelessness and addiction have many correlations. The financial, social, physical, and psychological effects are profound. Financially, it is very difficult to support a household and a habit. Many homeless people choose to spend what meager funds they acquire on drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, or whatever their addiction happens to be. Often you will see a homeless person 'flying a sign" and smoking a cigarette. In spite of the fact that they are begging on the street for whatever few cents they can persuade passers-by to part with, their first few dollars goes to purchase cigarettes rather than food. While cigarettes may not cause you to be homeless, it is a symptom of a much deeper problem. Socially, one of the things that often occurs with homeless, addicted youth is disaffiliation. The isolation and withdrawal from society in general. The weakening of important social and societal bonds that normally provide the support system that is so important in this phase of their development Thompson et al.,(2009). This estrangement may manifest in the form of trouble with the law, poor academic performance, or withdrawal from relationships that formerly held significance. The anti-social manner of day to day survival can also be a contributing

Alcohol abuse is a serious problem, driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs is an even bigger problem that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Abusing either one of these substances can lead to the death of you or the death of someone else or even cause a major change in their life like Jacqueline’s story, her whole life has been changed because of another person’s ignorance and carelessness. Therefore, you should know the facts about drug and alcohol abuse before you do something you may regret for the rest of your life.

My reflection paper is on the subject of substance abuse. As the structure of society changes, the acceptability of one drug or another changes. I have dealt with my own experiences of substance abuse personally and through family and friends throughout my community. I believe there are many underlying problems Native people face today that lead to substance abuse. So, drug use and alcoholism is not the problem in my town, those are more like side effects of something deeper. I would have to agree most with the symbolic interactionist perspective as far as the labeling theory goes. There are also many images in the media that depict the use of drugs and alcohol to make it seem like even though it is bad, it is sometimes okay. These images sparked my own curiosity to experience a fun high or a night out with friends and hopefully getting lucky. I had so many questions about drug use and alcohol. My older siblings and cousins were involved in those circles so it was only natural that me and my cousins and peers who I grew up with got into smoking marijuana and buying drinks on the weekends. I did not know at the time about the dangers of underage drinking. I also had very little knowledge of the condition of my mental health at my young age. Eventually I found out that I had an addictive personality and I got myself into a downward spiral of substance abuse.

A drug is a chemical substance applied into treating, diagnosing and preventing one from disease infections or a substance that is used by a person to enhance his or her physical and mental state in the perceived effect. Drugs used for different purposes and their effect depend on which cause for usage. It causes both positive and negative consequences directly to the user and in the long-run it affects the whole society or community. Drug addiction is the activity of uncontrollable dependence on a substance by the user no matter the harm caused by its usage. It is a habit that has been in many years hard to curb especially among the youths. “We must recognize that substance abuse and addiction is a disease, not a moral failing or easily abandoned self-indulgence,” (Califano, 2008).The cases of drug abuse have been on the rise over the recent years and resulted in crimes. The cases have a great effect affected the society in general since the reliable energetic youths have turned to drug abuse. However, some measures have been initiated to mitigate, curb and treat drug addiction in the society as outlined in the essay.

Drugs, it all began in the 1970s. Hippies with their shrooms and weed covered the United States higher than the Empire State Building. After the Vietnam War, soldiers came back with all kinds of drugs, weed was the most common one. The veterans liked weed the most because it helped with their PTSD. Ever since the “Hippie Age” drugs have been a problem. Marijuana is said to be a gateway drug and part of that statement is true. However there are darker drugs out there, worse than shrooms, marijuana, and a majority of opiates. These drugs need to be stopped at all costs to save our country and our children.