awareness of drug abuse essay

Essay on Drug Awareness

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drug Awareness in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Drug Awareness

Understanding drugs.

Drugs are substances that can change how your body and mind work. They can be legal, like medicine prescribed by a doctor, or illegal.

Effects of Drugs

Drugs can make you feel different. Some might make you feel happy for a short time, but they can also harm your body and brain.

The Risk of Addiction

Some people may start using drugs out of curiosity or to feel good, but it can lead to addiction. Addiction is when you can’t stop taking the drug, even if it’s causing harm.

Staying Safe

It’s important to say no to illegal drugs and only take medicines as directed by a doctor.

250 Words Essay on Drug Awareness

Introduction.

Drugs are substances that alter the body’s physiological processes. While some drugs are beneficial and used for medicinal purposes, others can be harmful, leading to addiction, health issues, and societal problems. Drug awareness is a crucial topic, especially for college students, as it is the foundation for understanding and preventing drug misuse.

The Importance of Drug Awareness

Drug awareness is essential to equip individuals with knowledge about the potential risks and consequences of drug use. It helps in understanding the difference between use and misuse, the signs of addiction, and the effects of drugs on physical and mental health. This knowledge can be a powerful tool in preventing drug misuse and addiction.

The Role of Education

Education plays a significant role in drug awareness. It is not only about imparting knowledge but also about fostering a healthy attitude towards drug use. Educational institutions, particularly colleges, hold a responsibility to provide students with accurate information, enabling them to make informed decisions.

In conclusion, drug awareness is a vital aspect of health education. It empowers individuals, especially college students, to make informed decisions about drug use, thus preventing potential misuse and addiction. The role of education in promoting drug awareness cannot be overstated, as it equips students with necessary knowledge and fosters a responsible attitude towards drug use.

500 Words Essay on Drug Awareness

The issue of drug abuse and addiction has become a global concern, with implications that transcend cultural, economic, and social boundaries. Drug awareness is a critical aspect in curbing this menace, as it equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to resist drug use, and encourages a healthier, safer society.

The Prevalence of Drug Abuse

The prevalence of drug abuse is alarming, with the World Health Organization estimating that nearly 5.5% of the world’s population aged 15-64 years have used drugs at least once in their lifetime. This statistic underscores the urgency for effective drug awareness programs. It is essential to understand the factors contributing to drug abuse, which include peer pressure, curiosity, stress, and the desire for escapism. These factors, coupled with the easy accessibility of drugs, create a potent recipe for addiction.

Drug awareness plays a crucial role in preventing drug abuse and addiction. Through education, individuals gain a better understanding of the dangers and implications of drug use. They learn about the harmful effects of drugs on physical health, mental health, and social relationships. Moreover, drug awareness programs can debunk myths surrounding drug use, such as the misconception that drug use is a victimless crime or that all drug users are morally weak.

Components of Effective Drug Awareness Programs

Effective drug awareness programs should be comprehensive, targeting various aspects of the drug abuse issue. Firstly, they should provide factual information about drugs, their effects, and the risks associated with their use. Secondly, they must equip individuals with the skills to resist peer pressure and make informed decisions. Lastly, these programs should provide support and resources for those struggling with addiction, emphasizing that recovery is possible and that help is available.

The Role of Society in Drug Awareness

Society plays a significant role in promoting drug awareness. Schools, workplaces, and communities can host awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars. The media can also play an influential role in disseminating accurate information about drugs and addiction. Moreover, government policies can support drug awareness initiatives, providing funding and resources for these programs.

In conclusion, drug awareness is a crucial tool in the fight against drug abuse and addiction. By educating individuals about the realities of drug use and equipping them with the skills to resist it, we can foster a society that is healthier, safer, and more informed. It is a collective responsibility that requires the participation of all sectors of society, from the individual to the government. Through a concerted effort, we can make significant strides in addressing this global issue.

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Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts

Many people don't understand why or how other people become addicted to drugs. They may mistakenly think that those who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop their drug use simply by choosing to. In reality, drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will. Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to. Fortunately, researchers know more than ever about how drugs affect the brain and have found treatments that can help people recover from drug addiction and lead productive lives.

What Is drug addiction?

Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences. The initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. These brain changes can be persistent, which is why drug addiction is considered a "relapsing" disease—people in recovery from drug use disorders are at increased risk for returning to drug use even after years of not taking the drug.

It's common for a person to relapse, but relapse doesn't mean that treatment doesn’t work. As with other chronic health conditions, treatment should be ongoing and should be adjusted based on how the patient responds. Treatment plans need to be reviewed often and modified to fit the patient’s changing needs.

Video: Why are Drugs So Hard to Quit?

What happens to the brain when a person takes drugs?

Most drugs affect the brain's "reward circuit," causing euphoria as well as flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. A properly functioning reward system motivates a person to repeat behaviors needed to thrive, such as eating and spending time with loved ones. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy behaviors like taking drugs, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.

As a person continues to use drugs, the brain adapts by reducing the ability of cells in the reward circuit to respond to it. This reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug to try and achieve the same high. These brain adaptations often lead to the person becoming less and less able to derive pleasure from other things they once enjoyed, like food, sex, or social activities.

Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits as well, affecting functions that include:

• decision-making

Despite being aware of these harmful outcomes, many people who use drugs continue to take them, which is the nature of addiction.

Why do some people become addicted to drugs while others don't?

No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction. For example:

• Biology . The genes that people are born with account for about half of a person's risk for addiction. Gender, ethnicity, and the presence of other mental disorders may also influence risk for drug use and addiction.
• Environment . A person’s environment includes many different influences, from family and friends to economic status and general quality of life. Factors such as peer pressure, physical and sexual abuse, early exposure to drugs, stress, and parental guidance can greatly affect a person’s likelihood of drug use and addiction.
• Development . Genetic and environmental factors interact with critical developmental stages in a person’s life to affect addiction risk. Although taking drugs at any age can lead to addiction, the earlier that drug use begins, the more likely it will progress to addiction. This is particularly problematic for teens. Because areas in their brains that control decision-making, judgment, and self-control are still developing, teens may be especially prone to risky behaviors, including trying drugs.

Can drug addiction be cured or prevented?

As with most other chronic diseases, such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, treatment for drug addiction generally isn’t a cure. However, addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed. People who are recovering from an addiction will be at risk for relapse for years and possibly for their whole lives. Research shows that combining addiction treatment medicines with behavioral therapy ensures the best chance of success for most patients. Treatment approaches tailored to each patient’s drug use patterns and any co-occurring medical, mental, and social problems can lead to continued recovery.

More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Results from NIDA-funded research have shown that prevention programs involving families, schools, communities, and the media are effective for preventing or reducing drug use and addiction. Although personal events and cultural factors affect drug use trends, when young people view drug use as harmful, they tend to decrease their drug taking. Therefore, education and outreach are key in helping people understand the possible risks of drug use. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

Points to Remember

• Drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences.
• Brain changes that occur over time with drug use challenge an addicted person’s self-control and interfere with their ability to resist intense urges to take drugs. This is why drug addiction is also a relapsing disease.
• Relapse is the return to drug use after an attempt to stop. Relapse indicates the need for more or different treatment.
• Most drugs affect the brain's reward circuit by flooding it with the chemical messenger dopamine. Surges of dopamine in the reward circuit cause the reinforcement of pleasurable but unhealthy activities, leading people to repeat the behavior again and again.
• Over time, the brain adjusts to the excess dopamine, which reduces the high that the person feels compared to the high they felt when first taking the drug—an effect known as tolerance. They might take more of the drug, trying to achieve the same dopamine high.
• No single factor can predict whether a person will become addicted to drugs. A combination of genetic, environmental, and developmental factors influences risk for addiction. The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.
• Drug addiction is treatable and can be successfully managed.
• More good news is that drug use and addiction are preventable. Teachers, parents, and health care providers have crucial roles in educating young people and preventing drug use and addiction.

For information about understanding drug use and addiction, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction

For more information about the costs of drug abuse to the United States, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/trends-statistics#costs

For more information about prevention, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/prevention

For more information about treatment, visit:

• www.nida.nih.gov/related-topics/treatment

To find a publicly funded treatment center in your state, call 1-800-662-HELP or visit:

• https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/

This publication is available for your use and may be reproduced in its entirety without permission from NIDA. Citation of the source is appreciated, using the following language: Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institutes of Health; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body

Signs of drug addiction, effects of drug addiction.

Drug addiction is a treatable, chronic medical disease that involves complex interactions between a person’s environment, brain circuits, genetics, and life experiences.

People with drug addictions continue to use drugs compulsively, despite the negative effects.

Substance abuse has many potential consequences, including overdose and death. Learn about the effects of drug addiction on the mind and body and treatment options that can help.

Verywell / Theresa Chiechi

Drug Abuse vs. Drug Addiction

While the terms “drug abuse” and “drug addiction” are often used interchangeably, they're different. Someone who abuses drugs uses a substance too much, too frequently, or in otherwise unhealthy ways. However, they ultimately have control over their substance use.

Someone with a drug addiction uses drugs in a way that affects many parts of their life and causes major disruptions. They can't stop using drugs, even if they want to.

The signs of drug abuse and addiction include changes in behavior, personality, and physical appearance. If you’re concerned about a loved one’s substance use, here are some of the red flags to watch out for:

• Changes in school or work performance
• Secretiveness 
• Relationship problems
• Risk-taking behavior
• Legal problems
• Aggression 
• Mood swings
• Changes in hobbies or friends
• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Unexplained odors on the body or clothing

Drug Addiction in Men and Women

Men and women are equally likely to develop drug addictions. However, men are more likely than women to use illicit drugs, die from a drug overdose, and visit an emergency room for addiction-related health reasons. Women are more susceptible to intense cravings and repeated relapses.

People can become addicted to any psychoactive ("mind-altering") substance. Common addictive substances include alcohol , tobacco ( nicotine ), stimulants, hallucinogens, and opioids .

Many of the effects of drug addiction are similar, no matter what substance someone uses. The following are some of the most common effects of drug addiction.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Body

Drug addiction can lead to a variety of physical consequences ranging in seriousness from drowsiness to organ damage and death:

• Shallow breathing
• Elevated body temperature
• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Impaired coordination and slurred speech
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Tooth decay
• Skin damage
• Sexual dysfunction
• Infertility
• Kidney damage
• Liver damage and cirrhosis
• Various forms of cancer
• Cardiovascular problems
• Lung problems
• Overdose and death

If left untreated drug addiction can lead to serious, life-altering effects on the body.

Dependence and withdrawal also affect the body:

• Physical dependence : Refers to the reliance on a substance to function day to day. People can become physically dependent on a substance fairly quickly. Dependence does not always mean someone is addicted, but the longer someone uses drugs, the more likely their dependency is to become an addiction.
• Withdrawal : When someone with a dependence stops using a drug, they can experience withdrawal symptoms like excessive sweating, tremors, panic, difficulty breathing, fatigue , irritability, and flu-like symptoms.

Overdose Deaths in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100,000 people in the U.S. died from a drug overdose in 2021.

Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain

All basic functions in the body are regulated by the brain. But, more than that, your brain is who you are. It controls how you interpret and respond to life experiences and the ways you behave as a result of undergoing those experiences.

Drugs alter important areas of the brain. When someone continues to use drugs, their health can deteriorate both psychologically and neurologically.

Some of the most common mental effects of drug addiction are:

• Cognitive decline
• Memory loss
• Mood changes and paranoia
• Poor self/impulse control
• Disruption to areas of the brain controlling basic functions (heart rate, breathing, sleep, etc.)

Effects of Drug Addiction on Behavior

Psychoactive substances affect the parts of the brain that involve reward, pleasure, and risk. They produce a sense of euphoria and well-being by flooding the brain with dopamine .

This leads people to compulsively use drugs in search of another euphoric “high.” The consequences of these neurological changes can be either temporary or permanent. 

• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability 
• Angry outbursts
• Lack of inhibition 
• Decreased pleasure/enjoyment in daily life (e.g., eating, socializing, and sex)
• Hallucinations

Help Someone With Drug Addiction

If you suspect that a loved one is experiencing drug addiction, address your concerns honestly, non-confrontationally, and without judgment. Focus on building trust and maintaining an open line of communication while setting healthy boundaries to keep yourself and others safe. If you need help, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

Effects of Drug Addiction on an Unborn Child

Drug addiction during pregnancy can cause serious negative outcomes for both mother and child, including:

• Preterm birth
• Maternal mortality

Drug addiction during pregnancy can lead to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) . Essentially, the baby goes into withdrawal after birth. Symptoms of NAS differ depending on which drug has been used but can include:

• Excessive crying
• Sleeping and feeding issues

Children exposed to drugs before birth may go on to develop issues with behavior, attention, and thinking. It's unclear whether prenatal drug exposure continues to affect behavior and the brain beyond adolescence.  

While there is no single “cure” for drug addiction, there are ways to treat it. Treatment can help you control your addiction and stay drug-free. The primary methods of treating drug addiction include:

• Psychotherapy : Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family therapy , can help someone with a drug addiction develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving.
• Behavioral therapy : Common behavioral therapies for drug addiction include motivational enhancement therapy (MET) and contingency management (CM). These therapy approaches build coping skills and provide positive reinforcement.
• Medication : Certain prescribed medications help to ease withdrawal symptoms. Some examples are naltrexone (for alcohol), bupropion (for nicotine), and methadone (for opioids).
• Hospitalization : Some people with drug addiction might need to be hospitalized to detox from a substance before beginning long-term treatment.
• Support groups : Peer support and self-help groups, such as 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, can help people with drug addictions find support, resources, and accountability.

A combination of medication and behavioral therapy has been found to have the highest success rates in preventing relapse and promoting recovery. Forming an individualized treatment plan with your healthcare provider's help is likely to be the most effective approach.

Drug addiction is a complex, chronic medical disease that causes someone to compulsively use psychoactive substances despite the negative consequences.

Some effects of drug abuse and addiction include changes in appetite, mood, and sleep patterns. More serious health issues such as cognitive decline, major organ damage, overdose, and death are also risks. Addiction to drugs while pregnant can lead to serious outcomes for both mother and child.

Treatment for drug addiction may involve psychotherapy , medication, hospitalization, support groups, or a combination.

If you or someone you know is experiencing substance abuse or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

American Society of Addiction Medicine. Definition of addiction .

HelpGuide.org. Drug Abuse and Addiction .

Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services. Warning signs of drug abuse .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Sex and gender differences in substance use .

Cleveland Clinic. Drug addiction .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Drugs and the Brain .

American Heart Association. Illegal Drugs and Heart Disease .

American Addiction Centers. Get the facts on substance abuse .

Szalavitz M, Rigg KK, Wakeman SE. Drug dependence is not addiction-and it matters . Ann Med . 2021;53(1):1989-1992. doi:10.1080/07853890.2021.1995623

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Drug overdose deaths in the U.S. top 100,000 annually .

American Psychological Association. Cognition is central to drug addiction .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts .

MedlinePlus. Neonatal abstinence syndrome .

National Institute on Drug Abuse. Treatment and recovery .

Grella CE, Stein JA.  Remission from substance dependence: differences between individuals in a general population longitudinal survey who do and do not seek help . Drug and Alcohol Dependence.  2013;133(1):146-153. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.05.019

By Laura Dorwart Dr. Dorwart has a Ph.D. from UC San Diego and is a health journalist interested in mental health, pregnancy, and disability rights.

Science, evidence-based facts, key to help end scourge of drug abuse: UN chief

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The world’s drug problem remains an urgent challenge that threatens to exacerbate COVID-19 pandemic impacts and hinder a healthy and inclusive recovery, warned the UN Secretary General ahead of The International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

In a statement published on Friday, Antonio Guterres underscored that trusting science is the “hero and lesson of the pandemic”, and the same action based on evidence is crucial for the responses to drugs.

Worsening problem

The World Drug Report published this week by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) showed that drug related deaths have nearly doubled over the past decade. Moreover, 10% of HIV cases in 2019, were due to people injecting themselves with harmful substances.

The UN chief warned that although international cooperation has helped limit the proliferation of new psychoactive drugs, the problem is shifting to poorer regions where control systems are weaker.

Meanwhile, dark web drug sales continue to rise, and non-medical use of pharmaceuticals, including opioids, is expanding.

“ Drug trafficking and organized crime fuel and perpetuate cycles of violence and conflict. Armed groups and terrorists’ profit from the illicit drug trade, and the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic has left millions of people even more vulnerable to drug crime and illicit crop cultivation”, Mr. Guterres underscored.

Invest in prevention

The Secretary General pointed out that investing in balanced prevention as well as control of drug use and drug use disorders produces solid returns such as lives saved, healthier populations, improved workforce participation and productivity, and reduced criminal justice costs.

“ Many of the risk factors associated with crime and violent behaviour are also drivers of drug use, and targeted efforts focusing on these overlapping dynamics - including childhood maltreatment and lack of social support - can help to strengthen prevention”, he said.

More partnerships and data

Public-private partnerships - with tech companies, postal and courier services, and shipping companies - represent an essential frontline response in the new fight against drug traffickers, who “are increasingly exploiting the legal cargo trade and postal services to move their illicit product”, added Mr. Guterres, underscoring that better data is also useful to identify trends and enable real-time monitoring of the trafficking routes.

The Secretary General urged Member States to listen to the science and take action, building on agreed international frameworks and drawing on UN support for health and justice initiatives.

He also reminded that greater cooperation and support are needed to help low-income countries take advantage of cutting edge anti-drug enforcement techniques.

‘Share facts on drugs and save lives’

The head of UNODC, Ms. Ghada Waly, echoed the UN chief’s call for leveraging trustworthy, scientific information and the power of community in influencing health choices and addressing the world drug problem.

“Drugs are destroying health and stealing futures, with drug use alone killing almost half a million people in 2019. Awareness of the risks and access to evidence-based treatment and care can help prevent such tragedies”, she said.

In a statement, Ms. Waly explained the theme of this year’s International Day: Share facts on drugs. Save lives . “It highlights the need for evidence-based approaches to equip the public, as well as health and service providers, and decision makers with the tools to inform choices and effective services”, she emphasized.

The campaign highlights key statistics and data drawn from UNODC’s yearly World Drug Report. Thus, providing facts and practical solutions to the current world drug problem, to attain a vision of health for all, based on science.

Ms. Waly urged governments to expand evidence-based prevention and treatment programmes, as well as monitoring and early warning mechanisms to help lower-income countries detect and counter new substances and use trends.

About the day

Through resolution 42/112 of 7 December 1987, the General Assembly decided to observe 26 June as the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking as an expression of its determination to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

Supported each year by individuals, communities, and various organizations all over the world, this global observance aims to raise awareness of the major problem that illicit drugs represent to society.

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100 Drug Abuse Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Drug abuse is a serious issue that affects individuals, families, and communities all over the world. It has devastating consequences on physical and mental health, relationships, and society as a whole. Writing an essay on drug abuse can help raise awareness about the dangers of substance misuse and addiction. If you are struggling to come up with a topic for your essay, here are 100 drug abuse essay topic ideas and examples to inspire you:

• The impact of drug abuse on mental health
• The role of genetics in substance abuse
• The relationship between poverty and drug addiction
• The effects of drug abuse on the brain
• The connection between drug abuse and crime
• The role of peer pressure in drug abuse
• The impact of drug abuse on families
• The prevalence of prescription drug abuse
• The dangers of synthetic drugs
• The relationship between drug abuse and homelessness
• The effects of drug abuse on academic performance
• The connection between drug abuse and HIV/AIDS
• The role of social media in promoting drug use
• The impact of drug abuse on the LGBTQ+ community
• The dangers of mixing drugs and alcohol
• The relationship between drug abuse and domestic violence
• The effects of drug abuse on pregnancy
• The connection between drug abuse and mental illness
• The role of trauma in substance abuse
• The impact of drug abuse on the criminal justice system
• The prevalence of drug abuse among teenagers
• The dangers of vaping and e-cigarette use
• The relationship between drug abuse and overdose deaths
• The effects of drug abuse on liver health
• The connection between drug abuse and risky sexual behavior
• The role of drug abuse in human trafficking
• The dangers of synthetic marijuana
• The relationship between drug abuse and eating disorders
• The effects of drug abuse on the immune system
• The connection between drug abuse and suicide
• The role of drug abuse in the opioid epidemic
• The impact of drug abuse on the elderly population
• The prevalence of drug abuse in the music industry
• The dangers of using performance-enhancing drugs
• The relationship between drug abuse and body image issues
• The effects of drug abuse on the environment
• The connection between drug abuse and human trafficking
• The role of drug abuse in gang violence
• The impact of drug abuse on first responders
• The dangers of using prescription drugs recreationally
• The relationship between drug abuse and PTSD
• The connection between drug abuse and homelessness
• The role of drug abuse in the entertainment industry
• The prevalence of drug abuse in the workplace
• The dangers of using synthetic drugs
• The relationship between drug abuse and mental health stigma
• The effects of drug abuse on brain development in adolescents
• The connection between drug abuse and child abuse
• The role of drug abuse in sex trafficking
• The impact of drug abuse on the foster care system
• The dangers of using drugs while pregnant
• The relationship between drug abuse and poverty
• The effects of drug abuse on the LGBTQ+ community
• The connection between drug abuse and gun violence
• The role of drug abuse in the refugee crisis
• The impact of drug abuse on indigenous communities
• The prevalence of drug abuse in the military
• The dangers of using drugs at music festivals
• The relationship between drug abuse and cyberbullying
• The effects of drug abuse on creativity
• The connection between drug abuse and climate change
• The role of drug abuse in political corruption
• The impact of drug abuse on the healthcare system
• The dangers of using drugs at raves
• The relationship between drug abuse and self-harm
• The connection between drug abuse and animal cruelty
• The role of drug abuse in child labor
• The impact of drug abuse on the arts community
• The prevalence of drug abuse in the fashion industry
• The dangers of using drugs in the workplace
• The relationship between drug abuse and celebrity culture
• The connection between drug abuse and social media addiction
• The role of drug abuse in gentrification
• The impact of drug abuse on the education system
• The dangers of using drugs at music concerts
• The relationship between drug abuse and body dysmorphia
• The connection

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Substance Abuse Amongst Adolescents: An Issue of Public Health Significance

1 School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND

Sonali G Choudhari

2 School of Epidemiology and Public Health; Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, IND

Sarika U Dakhode

3 Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati, IND

Asmita Rannaware

Abhay m gaidhane.

Adolescence is a crucial time for biological, psychological, and social development. It is also a time when substance addiction and its adverse effects are more likely to occur. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to the negative long-term effects of substance use, including mental health illnesses, sub-par academic performance, substance use disorders, and higher chances of getting addicted to alcohol and marijuana. Over the past few decades, there have been substantial changes in the types of illegal narcotics people consume. The present article deals with the review of substance abuse as a public health problem, its determinants, and implications seen among adolescents. A systematic literature search using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken to search all relevant literature on teenage stimulant use. The findings have been organized into categories to cover essential aspects like epidemiology, neurobiology, prevention, and treatment. The review showed that substance addiction among adolescents between 12 to 19 years is widespread, though national initiatives exist to support young employment and their development. Research on psychological risk factors for teenage substance abuse is vast, wherein conduct disorders, including aggression, impulsivity, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, have been mentioned as risk factors for substance use. Parents' attitudes toward drugs, alcohol, academic and peer pressure, stress, and physical outlook are key determinants. Teenage drug usage has a significant negative impact on users, families, and society as a whole. It was found that a lot has been done to provide correct intervention to those in need with the constant development of programs and rehabilitative centers to safeguard the delicate minds of youths and prevent them from using intoxicants. Still, there is much need for stringent policy and program guidelines to curb this societal menace. 

Introduction and background

Drug misuse is a widespread issue; in 2016, 5.6% of people aged 15 to 26 reported using drugs at least once [ 1 ]. Because alcohol and illegal drugs represent significant issues for public health and urgent care, children and adolescents frequently visit emergency rooms [ 2 ]. It is well known that younger people take drugs more often than older adults for most drugs. Drug usage is on the rise in many Association of Southeast Asian Nations, particularly among young males between the ages of 15 and 30 years [ 3 ]. According to the 2013 Global Burden of Disease report, drug addiction is a growing problem among teenagers and young people. Early substance use increases the likelihood of future physical, behavioral, social, and health issues [ 4 ]. Furthermore, recreational drug use is a neglected contributor to childhood morbidity and mortality [ 5 ]. One of the adverse outcomes of adolescent substance use is the increased risk of addiction in those who start smoking, drinking, and taking drugs before they are of 18 years. Moreover, most individuals with Substance Use Disorders begin using substances when they are young [ 6 ]. Substance use disorders amongst adolescents have long-term adverse health effects but can be mitigated with efficient treatment [ 7 ].

Childhood abuse is linked to suicidal thoughts and attempts. The particular mental behavior that mediates the link between childhood trauma and adult suicidal ideation and attempts is yet unknown. Recent studies show teens experiencing suicidal thoughts, psychiatric illness symptoms like anxiety, mood, and conduct disorders, and various types of child maltreatment like sexual abuse, corporal punishment, and emotional neglect that further leads to children inclining toward intoxicants [ 8 ]. Although teen substance use has generally decreased over the past five years, prolonged opioid, marijuana, and binge drinking use are still common among adolescents and young adults [ 9 ]. Drug-using students are more prone to commit crimes, including bullying and violent behavior. It has also been connected to various mental conditions, depending on the substance used. On the other hand, it has been linked to social disorder, abnormal behavior, and association with hostile groups [ 10 ]. Adolescent substance users suffer risks and consequences on the psychological, sociocultural, or behavioral levels that may manifest physiologically [ 11 ]. About 3 million deaths worldwide were caused by alcohol consumption alone. The majority of the 273,000 preventable fatalities linked to alcohol consumption are in India [ 12 ], which is the leading contributor. The United Nations Office on Drug and Crime conducted a national survey on the extent, patterns, and trends of drug abuse in India in 2003, which found that there were 2 million opiate users, 8.7 million cannabis users, and 62.5 million alcohol users in India, of whom 17% to 20% are dependent [ 13 ]. According to prevalence studies, 13.1% of drug users in India are under the age of 20 [ 14 ].

In India, alcohol and tobacco are legal drugs frequently abused and pose significant health risks, mainly when the general populace consumes them. States like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh have the highest rates of drug abuse, and the Indian government works hard to provide them with helpful services that educate and mentor them. This increases the burden of non-communicable illnesses too [ 15 ]. In addition, several substances/drugs are Narcotic and Psychotropic and used despite the act named ‘Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985. 

This review article sheds light on ‘substance abuse’ amongst adolescents as an issue of public health significance, its determinants, and its implications on the health and well-being of adolescents.

Methodology

The present article deals with the narrative review of substance abuse as a public health problem, its determinants, and implications seen among adolescents. A systematic literature search using databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar was undertaken to search all relevant literature on teenage stimulant use. The findings have been organized into categories to cover essential aspects like epidemiology, neurobiology, prevention, and treatment. Various keywords used under TiAb of PubMed advanced search were Stimulants, "Drug abuse", "Psychotropic substance", "Substance abuse", addiction, and Adolescents, teenage, children, students, youth, etc., including MeSH terms. Figure ​ Figure1 1 shows the key substances used by youth.

Reasons for abuse

People may initially choose to take drugs for psychological and physical reasons. Psychological issues, including mental illness, traumatic experiences, or even general attitudes and ideas, might contribute to drug usage. Several factors can contribute to emotional and psychosocial stress, compelling one to practice drug abuse. It can be brought on by a loss of a job because of certain reasons, the death of a loved one, a parent's divorce, or financial problems. Even medical diseases and health problems can have a devastating emotional impact. Many take medicines to increase their physical stamina, sharpen their focus, or improve their looks.

Students are particularly prone to get indulged in substance abuse due to various reasons, like academic and peer pressure, the appeal of popularity and identification, readily available pocket money, and relatively easy accessibility of several substances, especially in industrial, urban elite areas, including nicotine (cigarettes) [ 16 , 17 ]. In addition, a relationship breakup, mental illness, environmental factors, self-medication, financial concerns, downtime, constraints of work and school, family obligations, societal pressure, abuse, trauma, boredom, curiosity, experimentation, rebellion, to be in control, enhanced performance, isolation, misinformation, ignorance, instant gratification, wide availability can be one of the reasons why one chooses this path [ 18 ].

The brain grows rapidly during adolescence and continues to do so until early adulthood, as is well documented. According to studies using structural magnetic resonance imaging, changes in cortical grey matter volume and thickness during development include linear and nonlinear transformations and increases in white matter volume and integrity. This delays the maturation of grey and white matter, resulting in poorer sustained attention [ 19 ]. Alcohol drinking excessively increases the likelihood of accidents and other harmful effects by impairing cognitive functions like impulse control and decision-making and motor functions like balance and hand-eye coordination [ 20 ]. Lower-order sensory motor regions of the brain mature first, followed by limbic areas crucial for processing rewards. The development of different brain regions follows different time-varying trajectories. Alcohol exposure has adversely affected various emotional, mental, and social functions in the frontal areas linked to higher-order cognitive functioning that emerge later in adolescence and young adulthood [ 21 ].

Smoking/e-cigarettes

The use of tobacco frequently begins before adulthood. A worryingly high percentage of schoolchildren between 13 and 15 have tried or are currently using tobacco, according to the global youth tobacco survey [ 22 ]. It is more likely that early adolescent cigarette usage will lead to nicotine dependence and adult cigarette use. Teenage smoking has been associated with traumatic stress, anxiety, and mood problems [ 23 ]. Nicotine usage has been associated with a variety of adolescent problems, including sexual risk behaviors, aggressiveness, and the use of alcohol and illegal drugs. High levels of impulsivity have been identified in adolescent smokers.

Additionally, compared to non-smokers, smoking is associated with a higher prevalence of anxiety and mood disorders in teenagers. Smoking is positively associated with suicidal thoughts and attempts [ 24 ]. Peer pressure, attempting something new, and stress management ranked top for current and former smokers [ 25 ]. Most teenagers say that when they start to feel down, they smoke to make themselves feel better and return to their usual, upbeat selves. Smoking may have varying effects on people's moods [ 26 ]. Teenagers who smoke seem more reckless, less able to control their impulses, and less attentive than non-smokers [ 27 ].

Cannabis/Marijuana

Marijuana is among the most often used illegal psychotropic substances in India and internationally. The prevalence of marijuana usage and hospitalizations related to marijuana are rising, especially among young people, according to current trends. Cannabis usage has been connected to learning, working memory, and attention problems. Cannabis has been shown to alleviate stress in small doses, but more significant amounts can cause anxiety, emotional symptoms, and dependence [ 28 ]. Myelination and synaptic pruning are two maturational brain processes that take place during adolescence and the early stages of adulthood. According to reports, these remodeling mechanisms are linked to efficient neural processing. They are assumed to provide the specialized cognitive processing needed for the highest neurocognitive performance. On a prolonged attentional processing test, marijuana usage before age 16 was linked to a shorter reaction time [ 29 ]. Cannabis use alters the endocannabinoid system, impacting executive function, reward function, and affective functions. It is believed that these disturbances are what lead to mental health problems [ 30 ].

MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly)

MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) was a synthetic drug used legally in psychotherapy treatment throughout the 1970s, despite the lack of data demonstrating its efficacy. Molly, or the phrase "molecular," is typically utilized in powder form. Serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are produced more significantly when MDMA is used. In the brain, these neurotransmitters affect mood, sleep, and appetite. Serotonin also causes the release of other hormones that may cause emotions of intimacy and attraction. Because of this, users might be more affectionate than usual and possibly develop ties with total strangers. The effects wear off three to six hours later, while a moderate dose may cause withdrawal symptoms to continue for a week. These symptoms include a decline in sex interest, a drop in appetite, problems sleeping, confusion, impatience, anxiety, sorrow, Impulsivity and violence, issues with memory and concentration, and insomnia are a few of them. Unsettlingly, it is rising in popularity in India, particularly among teenagers [ 31 ].

Opium 

In addition to being a top producer of illicit opium, India is a significant drug consumer. In India, opium has a long history. The most common behavioral changes are a lack of motivation, depression, hyperactivity, a lack of interest or concentration, mood swings or abrupt behavior changes, confusion or disorientation, depression, anxiety, distortion of reality perception, social isolation, slurred or slow-moving speech, reduced coordination, a loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities, taking from family members or engaging in other illegal activity [ 32 ]. Except for the chemical produced for medicinal purposes, it is imperative to prohibit both production and usage since if a relatively well-governed nation like India cannot stop the drug from leaking, the problem must be huge in scope [ 33 ].

Cocaine is a highly addictive drug that causes various psychiatric syndromes, illnesses, and symptoms. Some symptoms include agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, delusions, violence, and thoughts of suicide and murder. They may be caused by the substance directly or indirectly through the aggravation of co-occurring psychiatric conditions. More frequent and severe symptoms are frequently linked to the usage of cocaine in "crack" form. Cocaine can potentially worsen numerous mental diseases and cause various psychiatric symptoms.

Table ​ Table1 1 discusses the short- and long-term effects of substance abuse.

Other cheap substances ( sasta nasha ) used in India

India is notorious for phenomena that defy comprehension. People in need may turn to readily available items like Iodex sandwiches, fevibond, sanitizer, whitener, etc., for comfort due to poverty and other circumstances to stop additional behavioral and other changes in youth discouragement is necessary [ 42 - 44 ]. 

Curbing drug abuse amongst youth

Seventy-five percent of Indian households contain at least one addict. The majority of them are fathers who act in this way due to boredom, stress from their jobs, emotional discomfort, problems with their families, or problems with their spouses. Due to exposure to such risky behaviors, children may try such intoxicants [ 45 ]. These behaviors need to be discouraged because they may affect the child's academic performance, physical growth, etc. The youngster starts to feel depressed, lonely, agitated and disturbed. Because they primarily revolve around educating students about the dangers and long-term impacts of substance abuse, previous attempts at prevention have all been ineffective. To highlight the risks of drug use and scare viewers into abstaining, some programs stoked terror. The theoretical underpinning of these early attempts was lacking, and they failed to consider the understanding of the developmental, social, and other etiologic factors that affect teenage substance use. These tactics are based on a simple cognitive conceptual paradigm that says that people's decisions to use or abuse substances depend on how well they are aware of the risks involved. More effective contemporary techniques are used over time [ 46 ]. School-based substance abuse prevention is a recent innovation utilized to execute changes, including social resistance skills training, normative education, and competence enhancement skills training.

Peer pressure makes a teenager vulnerable to such intoxicants. Teenagers are often exposed to alcohol, drugs, and smoking either because of pressure from their friends or because of being lonely. Social resistance training skills are used to achieve this. The pupils are instructed in the best ways to steer clear of or manage these harmful situations. The best method to respond to direct pressure to take drugs or alcohol is to know what to say (i.e., the specific content of a refusal message) and how to say it. These skills must be taught as a separate curriculum in every school to lower risk. Standard instructional methods include lessons and exercises to dispel misconceptions regarding drug usage's widespread use. 

Teenagers typically exaggerate how common it is to smoke, drink, and use particular substances, which could give off the impression that substance usage is acceptable. We can lessen young people's perceptions of the social acceptability of drug use by educating them that actual rates of drug usage are almost always lower than perceived rates of use. Data from surveys that were conducted in the classroom, school, or local community that demonstrate the prevalence of substance use in the immediate social setting may be used to support this information. If not, this can be taught using statistics from national surveys, which usually show prevalence rates that are far lower than what kids describe.

The role social learning processes have in teen drug use is recognized by competency-improvement programs, and there is awareness about how adolescents who lack interpersonal and social skills are more likely to succumb to peer pressure to use drugs. These young people might also be more inclined to turn to drug usage instead of healthier coping mechanisms. Most competency enhancement strategies include instruction in many of the following life skills: general problem-solving and decision-making skills, general cognitive abilities for fending off peer or media pressure, skills for enhancing self-control, adaptive coping mechanisms for reducing stress and anxiety through the use of cognitive coping mechanisms or be behavioral relaxation techniques, and general social and assertive skills [ 46 ].

Programs formulated to combat the growing risk of substance abuse

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare developed Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram for teenagers aged 10 to 19, with a focus on improving nutrition, sexual and reproductive health, mental health, preventing injuries and violence, and preventing substance abuse. By enabling them to make informed and responsible decisions about their health and well-being and ensuring that they have access to the tools and assistance they need, the program seeks to enable all adolescents in India in realizing their full potential [ 47 ].

For the past six years, ‘Nasha Mukti Kendra’ in India and rehabilitation have worked to improve lives and provide treatment for those who abuse alcohol and other drugs. They provide cost-effective and dedicated therapy programs for all parts of society. Patients come to them from all around the nation. Despite having appropriate programs and therapies that can effectively treat the disorder, they do not employ medication to treat addiction.

Conclusions

Around the world, adolescent drug and alcohol addiction has significantly increased morbidity and mortality. The menace of drugs and alcohol has been woven deep into the fabric of society. As its effects reach our youth, India's current generation is at high stake for the risk associated with the abuse of drugs like cannabis, alcohol, and tobacco. Even though the issue of substance abuse is complicated and pervasive, various stakeholders like healthcare professionals, community leaders, and educational institutions have access to a wealth of evidence-based research that can assist them to adopt interventions that can lower rates of teenage substance misuse. It is realized that while this problem is not specific to any one country or culture, individual remedies might not always be beneficial. Due to the unacceptably high rate of drug abuse that is wreaking havoc on humanity, a strategy for addressing modifiable risk factors is crucial. Because human psychology and mental health influence the choices the youth make related to their indulgence in drug misuse, it is the need of the hour to give serious consideration to measures like generating awareness, counseling, student guidance cells, positive parenting, etc., across the world. It will take time to change this substance misuse behavior, but the more effort we put into it, the greater the reward we will reap.

The content published in Cureus is the result of clinical experience and/or research by independent individuals or organizations. Cureus is not responsible for the scientific accuracy or reliability of data or conclusions published herein. All content published within Cureus is intended only for educational, research and reference purposes. Additionally, articles published within Cureus should not be deemed a suitable substitute for the advice of a qualified health care professional. Do not disregard or avoid professional medical advice due to content published within Cureus.

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Essay on Drug Abuse

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Essay on Drug Abuse in 150 words

Essay on drug abuse in 250-300 words, essay on drug abuse in 500-1000 words.

Drug abuse is a global issue that poses serious risks to individuals and society. It involves the harmful and excessive use of drugs, leading to physical and mental health problems. Drug abuse can result in addiction, organ damage, cognitive impairment, and social and economic difficulties. Prevention efforts should focus on education, raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, and promoting healthy lifestyles. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is crucial for recovery. Strengthening law enforcement measures against drug trafficking is necessary to address the supply side of the problem. Creating supportive environments and opportunities for positive engagement can help prevent drug abuse. By taking collective action, we can combat drug abuse and build healthier communities.

Drug abuse is a growing global concern that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Drug abuse has severe consequences for individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, damage vital organs, and increase the risk of overdose. Mentally, it can cause cognitive impairment, and psychological disorders, and deteriorate overall well-being. Additionally, drug abuse often leads to social and economic problems, such as strained relationships, loss of employment, and criminal activities.

Preventing drug abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs play a crucial role in informing individuals about the dangers of drug abuse and promoting healthy lifestyle choices. Access to quality healthcare and addiction treatment services is vital to help individuals recover from substance abuse. Strengthening law enforcement efforts to curb drug trafficking and promoting international cooperation is also essential to address the supply side of the issue.

Community support and a nurturing environment are critical in preventing drug abuse. Creating opportunities for individuals, especially young people, to engage in positive activities and providing social support systems can serve as protective factors against drug abuse.

In conclusion, drug abuse is a significant societal problem with detrimental effects on individuals and communities. It requires a comprehensive approach involving education, prevention, treatment, and enforcement. By addressing the root causes, raising awareness, and providing support to those affected, we can combat drug abuse and create a healthier and safer society for all.

Title: Drug Abuse – A Global Crisis Demanding Urgent Action

Introduction :

Drug abuse is a pressing global issue that poses significant risks to individuals, families, and communities. It refers to the excessive and harmful use of drugs, both legal and illegal, that have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. This essay explores the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the social and economic impact, prevention and treatment strategies, and the importance of raising awareness and fostering supportive communities in addressing this crisis.

Causes and Factors Contributing to Drug Abuse

Several factors contribute to drug abuse. Genetic predisposition, peer pressure, stress, trauma, and environmental influences play a role in initiating substance use. The availability and accessibility of drugs, as well as societal norms and cultural acceptance, also influence drug abuse patterns. Additionally, underlying mental health issues and co-occurring disorders can drive individuals to self-medicate with drugs.

Consequences of Drug Abuse

Drug abuse has devastating consequences on individuals and society. Physically, drug abuse can lead to addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. Substance abuse affects vital organs, impairs cognitive function, and increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are often associated with drug abuse. Substance abuse also takes a toll on relationships, leading to strained family dynamics, social isolation, and financial instability. The social and economic costs of drug abuse include increased healthcare expenses, decreased productivity, and the burden on criminal justice systems.

Prevention and Education

Preventing drug abuse requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Education and awareness programs are essential in schools, communities, and the media to inform individuals about the risks and consequences of drug abuse. Promoting healthy coping mechanisms, stress management skills, and decision-making abilities can empower individuals to resist peer pressure and make informed choices. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk individuals and provide support and resources are crucial in preventing substance abuse.

Treatment and Recovery

Access to quality healthcare and evidence-based addiction treatment is vital in addressing drug abuse. Treatment options include detoxification, counseling, behavioral therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. Rehabilitation centers, support groups, and outpatient programs provide a continuum of care for individuals seeking recovery. Holistic approaches, such as addressing co-occurring mental health disorders and promoting healthy lifestyles, contribute to successful long-term recovery. Support from family, friends, and communities plays a significant role in sustaining recovery and preventing relapse.

Law Enforcement and Drug Policies

Effective law enforcement efforts are necessary to disrupt drug trafficking and dismantle illicit drug networks. International cooperation and collaboration are crucial in combating the global drug trade. Additionally, drug policies should focus on a balanced approach that combines law enforcement with prevention, treatment, and harm reduction strategies. Shifting the emphasis from punitive measures toward prevention and rehabilitation can lead to more effective outcomes.

Creating Supportive Communities:

Fostering supportive communities is vital in addressing drug abuse. Communities should provide resources, social support networks, and opportunities for positive engagement. This includes promoting healthy recreational activities, providing vocational training, and creating safe spaces for individuals in recovery. Reducing the stigma associated with drug abuse and encouraging empathy and understanding are crucial to building a compassionate and supportive environment.

Conclusion :

Drug abuse remains a complex and multifaceted issue with far-reaching consequences. By addressing the causes, raising awareness, implementing preventive measures, providing quality treatment and support services, and fostering supportive communities, we can combat drug abuse and alleviate its impact. It requires collaboration and a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to build a society that is resilient against the scourge of drug abuse. Through education, prevention, treatment, and compassion, we can pave the way toward a healthier and drug-free future.

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The Causes, Effects, Types, and Prevention and Treatment of Drug Abuse

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Causes of drug abuse, effects of drug abuse, types of drugs, prevention and treatment.

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Drug Abuse - Free Essay Examples And Topic Ideas

Drug abuse, the chronic or habitual use of drugs to alter one’s mood, emotion, or state of consciousness, is a severe social and health issue. Essays on drug abuse could explore the causes and consequences of drug abuse, the various types and classifications of drugs, and the societal reactions to drug abuse. Discussions might also cover prevention and treatment strategies, the portrayal of drug abuse in media and literature, and the ongoing efforts by governments and organizations to combat drug abuse and its detrimental effects. We’ve gathered an extensive assortment of free essay samples on the topic of Drug Abuse you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

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Addiction is a word very common in our day to day lives, but not very many people actually know what it is or how to treat it. It is an individualistic disease that can infect everybody, not just a certain group of people, with damages that can ripple through families for years to come. Addiction within parents can have effects lasting lifetimes within the family and can also have a huge societal impact. For many, addiction is a scary word, […]

Student: Drug Abuse, Struggle, and Health Risks.

Today’s student faces many risks, including drug abuse, struggle, and health risks. Reacting to these risks before they become more serious dilemmas can be difficult. One of the purposes of dealing with drug abuse is to encourage the public to understand the causes of drug abuse and to prevent its onset. Drug abuse has serious consequences in our homes, schools, and communities. The use of all illegal drugs and the inappropriate use of licit drugs is considered drug abuse. Teens […]

Drug Abuse Among Students

Medication manhandle is these days one of the gravest social damages. Late years have encountered an extreme ascent in sedate manhandle among school and college understudies. In America today, more people struggle with some kind of addiction to drugs than in the past. Alcohol use is high among college students and places them at risk for health problems, injuries, and poor academic performance. Drugs have a chemical effect that damage the brain and body. Drugs have shown to interfere with […]

The Correlation between Adult Drug Abusers and Children

The National Institute on drug abuse estimates that a quarter of children in the U.S. grow up in households where there is substance abuse. It makes them 8 times more likely to develop an addiction of their own. Many children are unfortunate enough to have to pay the consequences that drug abusing adults indirectly throw at them. Many of these children grow up to be adults who have, over time, developed the same habits. Others have no control over the […]

Substance Abuse and Development

Substance abuse can be defined as the overindulgence in addictive substance or the reliance on an addictive substance, especially illicit drugs like crystal methamphetamine and others. Methamphetamine, or meth, as it is popularly called is a highly addictive stimulant that creates a feeling of energy, heightened alertness and euphoria. It is synthetically prepared, using toxic and flammable chemicals and side effects include irregular and rapid heartbeat, hyperthermia, convulsions, stroke, insomnia, high blood pressure, restlessness, and tremors . Meth can be […]

Prescription Drug Abuse

In reading the articles 'Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use Among US Young Adults by Educational Attainment,' 'Ethnic/Racial Differences in Peer and Parent Influence on Adolescent Prescription Drug Misuse,' and 'Influences of Motivational Contexts on Prescription Drug Misuse and Related Drug Problems', they all highlight the misuse of prescription drug use by young adults. Each article provides its unique interpretation of studies concerning how and why youth misuse prescription drugs on an ethnic level. The articles also discuss the risks of prescription […]

Drug Abuse in Athletes

Is taking drugs to boost yourself up just to win or maybe even break a record really worth losing your career over? All the hard work you put in over the years, just for it to be taken away from you in a second over performance enhancing drugs because you wanted to win. Maybe your injury was so bad that you need to use illegal drugs to cure it without doctor orders. As a result, to this you could risk […]

Investigation of the Effects of Drug Abuse

ABSTRACT In investigation of the effects of drug abuse on adolescents' academic performance various theoretical perspectives were utilized and strategies to curb drug use were also identified. The study was conducted in Triangle: Chiredzi; Masvingo Province of Zimbabwe. The participants were from 3 High schools. The students' ages were ranging from 12 to 21 years. A descriptive survey design combining both qualitative and quantitative research strategies was employed. The researcher used a purposive sampling technique. The sample size represented 10% […]

The Truth of Drug Abuse

As Nathan Driskell once said, Addiction is the only prison where the locks are on the inside. Addiction is a common issue and numerous people don't realize. Over twenty million Americans under the age of 18 are already addicted to a drug. Drug abuse is a major concern despite a person's race, gender, national origin, ethnicity, social status, or religion. Addictions can affect anyone and can be caused by a variety of reasons. To overcome an addiction and staying drug […]

People with an Addiction have a Mental Illness

6.8 million people with an addiction have a mental illness. When people think about addictions they automatically think about a drug addiction. Although it is the most common addiction in America, there are plenty of other addictions. For example, Food addiction, video game addiction, working addiction, and an exercising addiction just to name a few. An addiction is abusing the use of a substance and that can be bad for you if you use too much of it. There are […]

What is Drug and Drug Abuse?

Drugs are substances that can affect the body’s function either physically or mentally, and also kill many cells in our body when we consume them. There are many factors that contribute to drug addiction. One of these factors is peer pressure. Many people succumb to peer pressure, but this is particularly prevalent among teenagers and children, as they are not yet mature mentally, and tend to emulate their surroundings. As an example, if a person has loved ones or friends […]

Reflection of Motivation of Early Dropout from Drug Abuse Treatment

The correlation between early dropout addicts and lack of motivation. Simpson created three scales used to determine the stages of cognitive treatment. Simpson and Joe constructed a theory that different lifestyles can influence how the client will succeed in the treatment program. This study's motive is to test the accuracy of three motivation levels for early treatment dropouts. This study consist of 311 clients, addicts, with diverse socio demographics that are located in Corpus Christi, Dallas, And Houston. The clients […]

Drug Abuse: War on Drugs

Drug abuse has been happening over so many years and it’s bad for our community. A drug isn't a good thing to mess with it understandable if its used for reasonable reasons but more than needed is drug abuse. Some people disagree with this and opposed to other side drugs are good for our community. Many people coming back from the war will be addicted to drugs and alcohol due to the massage amount of drugs that is given to […]

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How To Write an Essay About Drug Abuse

Understanding the complexity of drug abuse.

When tackling an essay about drug abuse, it's essential to first comprehend the intricacies of the topic. Drug abuse, a prevalent issue globally, involves the chronic or habitual use of drugs for non-medical purposes, leading to health hazards and socio-economic problems. In your introduction, define drug abuse and distinguish it from drug use and addiction. Address the multifaceted nature of the issue, encompassing psychological, physiological, and societal dimensions. This foundation is crucial for guiding your exploration of drug abuse, its causes, effects, and potential solutions. Recognizing the sensitivity and complexity of this topic is key to writing an insightful and respectful essay.

Analyzing Causes and Effects

The body of your essay should delve into the causes and effects of drug abuse. Explore the various factors that can lead to drug abuse, such as psychological distress, peer pressure, socio-economic status, and exposure to drugs in the family or community. Then, discuss the ramifications of drug abuse on individuals, families, and society. These effects can include health issues, strained relationships, financial problems, and societal costs like increased crime and healthcare expenses. Use specific examples and data to support your points, while maintaining a compassionate tone, acknowledging that individuals suffering from drug abuse often face a complex interplay of challenges.

Addressing Prevention and Treatment

In this section, shift your focus to prevention and treatment strategies for drug abuse. Discuss different approaches to preventing drug abuse, such as education and awareness programs, policy changes, and community support initiatives. Then, examine the various treatment options available, including medical interventions, counseling, rehabilitation programs, and support groups. It's crucial to discuss the importance of a holistic approach to treatment, which addresses not just the physical aspect of addiction but also the psychological and social factors. This part of your essay should highlight the importance of compassion and support in addressing drug abuse, rather than solely punitive measures.

Concluding with a Call to Awareness and Action

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points and emphasizing the importance of addressing drug abuse in society. Reflect on the need for increased awareness, better prevention strategies, and effective treatment programs. Encourage readers to consider the role they can play in combating drug abuse, whether through personal support, advocacy, or policy change. A strong conclusion will not only provide closure to your essay but also inspire a sense of responsibility and urgency in dealing with this critical issue.

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United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

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Line Up- Live UP: UNODC/DCAS Project mobilises youth and communities to take action against crime and drugs

As such there is a clear need for initiatives that address crime, drugs and violence in the province. This is especially pertinent among youth who continue to be marginalised in South Africa, with many not in employment, education or training (NEET). A UNODC survey (2012) of substance abuse, risk taking behaviour and mental health of secondary school learners in the Western Cape found that 44% of grade 10 learners are sexually active, 27.6% of learners are regular smokers, 22.4% drink alcohol daily while 10% use cannabis regularly. Around 25% of school learners live in a household where the caregiver has been in jail and/or where someone uses drugs, while 15% live in households were someone is a gang member.

 Thus, it is vital to engage youth with initiatives that can empower them to take control of their own lives. As such the Western Cape Government has partnered with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to provide a life skills initiative to at-risk youth in communities across the province. The Line Up Live Up programme was developed by UNODC and partners, and is being delivered in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) as part of the Mass Opportunity and Development Programme   (MOD). It is being delivered by sport coaches to secondary school learners at historically disadvantaged schools in the Western Cape.

Young people can make a difference

Young people can make a difference and take action against drugs and crime. This was the message emanating from an awareness raising event hosted by the DCAS and UNODC on 26 June 2018 at Wesbank Secondary School in Malmesbury, Western Cape, South Africa. The event marked the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking and encouraged community members to support young people to stand up against drugs and crime, and lead positive, healthy lives. The event included representatives from the DCAS, the Western Cape Department of Social Development, UNODC representatives, educators and learners from participating schools and communities.

The theme for the event was: Listen First - Listening to children and youth is the first step to help them grow healthy and safe . In reflecting the theme of putting Youth at the centre of development, the event was led by young people, including learners and coaches, who have benefited from the UNODC Line Up Live Up programme that has been delivered by DCAS in the Western Cape.

This event provided a platform for young people to showcase their talent and their efforts in tackling crime and drugs. This was nowhere more evident than in the testimonials from young people who participated in the Line Up Live Up Programme and gathered in Malmesbury for the event. Learners reflected on the valuable role the coaches play in empowering them to lead healthy lives. The coaches are at the heart of the programme and receive training and support to ensure

they can deliver the programme to youth.   Learners further reflected on how the programme has helped them stay away from drugs, crime and violence.

Learners from Louwville Secondary School staged a performance highlighting the perils of drugs and crime, contributing to raising awareness of these issues among a range of community stakeholders. Learners from Liebenberg Primary School engaged the crowd with a rendition of the South African national anthem, and reiterated the importance of social inclusion in their community

However, it is clear that learners are not the only people to benefit from the programme. Educators, parents and community members reflected on the LULU programme and the role that they can play in helping young people remaining free from drugs, crime and violence. In addition, community members stressed the need for this project and its relevance to Youth. It is vital to engage parents, caregivers, community leaders, and other stakeholders in this initiative and this was echoed by those present.

Line Up Live Up has been designed by UNODC and other key stakeholders and presents an evidence-informed and sports-based life skills training curriculum to strengthen youth resilience to crime and drug abuse and promote healthy life styles. The programme helps sports coaches, teachers and others working with youth in sports settings to enhance valuable life skills, such as resisting negative social pressures, coping with anxiety and communicating effectively with peers. This mandate to address and prevent youth crime and drug use through sport-based activities forms part of the UNODC Global Programme to support the Implementation of the Doha Declaration , adopted at the last United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.

To date, 298 youth (male and female) have benefitted from the programme at eight schools. Further training of coaches, and delivery of the programme, will take place in the second half of 2018. In order to ensure the programme is as effective as possible, UNODC and DCAS are engaging broader communities, including parents, caregivers, education officials, community leaders and other stakeholders, to mobilise and support young people in the fight against drugs and crime.

The Line Up Live Up programme was developed by UNODC and various partners. It was first tested and piloted in Brazil in 2017 and has since expanded to South Africa as well as additional countries in Latin America, Central Asia and the Middle East.  

To learn more about the UNODC initiative, as well as the DOHA declaration, please visit: http://www.unodc.org/dohadeclaration/en/topics/crime-prevention-through-sports.html

To learn more about the MOD Programme delivered by the Western Cape Government, please see: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/mod-programme

This disclaimer informs readers that this publication reflects actual photographs of the youth who participated in the cultural and sporting awareness program.  The information herewith, does not reflect the personal circumstances of any individual. In order to ensure the protection of the participants privacy, no identifying details have been reflected. This publication should not be reproduced in part or in whole, in any manner or form, without written authorization.

Copyright © 2024   UNODC, All Rights Reserved, Legal Notice

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St george news.

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Ditch unused meds, help keep them off the streets during Drug Take Back Day in Southern Utah

ST. GEORGE — Have any drugs lying around? 

Both the Federal Drug Administration and law enforcement on the local, state and federal levels have been warning about the dangers of unused prescription drugs – especially opioids – ending up in the wrong hands. 

As part of the biannual National Drug Take Back Day this Saturday, several local stores, law enforcement organizations and health groups are holding events throughout Southern Utah where people can drop off unused and unneeded medications anonymously and free of charge. 

The rising numbers of unused prescription drugs like fentanyl and hydrocodone going from mom and dad’s medicine cabinet to the street gives both those who wear a badge and those who wear stethoscopes pause. 

Drug Take Back Day is designed to ensure unused medications are safely discarded. 

Local health officials said in comparison to other areas in Utah and the nation, Southern Utah is below average as far as prescription drug abuse among youth. 

And that’s where prevention comes in.

Southwest Prevention Services’ Prevention Specialist Pamela Holiday said her job is to make sure prescription drug abuse doesn’t become a bigger problem here.

“I work in prevention, so we’re trying to prevent people from ever utilizing services or ever needing to utilize services like the Southwest Behavioral Health Center,” Holiday said. “Bringing awareness about safely disposing them and also ensuring that there is access. I think a lot of people don’t realize that these resources are available to them anytime that they need it.”

According to Utah State Extension, 50% of people who use opioids other than prescribed get them from family or friends.

Holiday added that even if the numbers don’t support an epidemic of young people locally, this is the time to prevent it from happening.

“It’s not a big issue among our youth here in Washington County,” she said, adding that an estimated 1.5% of sixth-12th graders misuse prescription drugs in Washington County.  “However, we still want to mitigate any type of risk.”

The need for prevention was echoed by Tiffany Mitchell, public information officer for the St. George Police Department.

“By removing unused drugs from your home, you can possibly prevent misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting,” Mitchell said. “When you safely dispose of unused drugs you eliminate the potential harm they could cause to loved ones or those who weren’t prescribed the medication.”

Just flushing medications down the toilet isn’t the best option either. Holiday said that brings the potential for toxic chemicals to enter groundwater and other water supplies eventually. 

“Especially … being in Southern Utah, we already have a limited water supply,” Holiday said. “So we want to encourage residents to not do that.”

Take Back Day events have been held twice a year for the last decade to bring attention to the need to dispose of unused drugs. These aren’t the only days people can drop off medications, but there will be more locations available this weekend to drop off drugs than the number offered year-round .

Among locations that will be having drop-off points on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be the Smith’s Market on Bluff Street in St. George, Walmart Supercenters in Hurricane and Cedar City, and the headquarters for St. George Police Department and Iron County Sheriff’s Office.

During last April’s Drug Take Back Day, Holiday said the Smith’s Bluff Street location alone received 110 pounds of medications. This number more than quadrupled at the St. George Police Department, which received 455 pounds of pills and opioids that otherwise might have ended up in the wrong hands.

And it’s not just pills and medications that can be dropped off. Pet medications and vape cartridges can also be dropped off. 

This includes syringes and sharps often used by those with diabetes. 

“By law, people are required to safely dispose of sharps,” Holiday said. “However, the access and the resource to do so is very limited and because of that, needles are getting not properly disposed and it can be very dangerous for people working in our landfills.”

People are being asked to remove identifying labels from pill bottles and other medication to maintain anonymity.

The following locations are taking part in National Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• Smiths Market, 20 N. Bluff Street, St. George
• St. George Police Department, 265 N. 200 East, St. George
• Walmart, 180 N. 3400 West, Hurricane
• Hurricane Police Department, 90 S. 700 West, Hurricane
• Walmart, 1330 S. Providence Center Dr., Cedar City
• Lin’s Market, 150 N. Main St., Cedar City

Iron County Sherrif’s Office, 2132 N. Main St, Cedar City

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chris Reed serves as a reporter for St. George News, where he has been honored with several awards from the Society of Professional Journalists for his work, including first-place accolades. He started his journalism career as a sports reporter and editor in Southern California where he once compared shoe sizes with Shaquille O'Neal and exchanged mix tapes with members of the Los Angeles Kings. After growing up in the San Fernando Valley learning karate skills from Mr. Miyagi and spending a decade in Las Vegas mostly avoiding the casinos, he came to St. George for love and married his soulmate, a lifetime Southern Utah resident. He is the proud father of two boys, his youngest a champion against both autism and Type 1 diabetes.

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Column: Stories, and the faces behind them,…

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Aurora Beacon-News Aurora Beacon-News Opinion

Column: stories, and the faces behind them, matter in battle against opioid abuse.

While everyone would like to think their story is important, that’s especially true for those impacted by the opioid/fentanyl epidemic that has become a national crisis.

As a journalist who’s covered this issue locally for over a dozen years, I have spoken to countless victims, including those who were abusing drugs, their loved ones and the professionals in the trenches determined to make a difference. Yet the number of overdoses, including fatalities, continues to rise at an alarming rate. As of 2022, an estimated 14.5 opioid-related deaths occurred for every 100,000 residents of Kane County.

Which is why we should enthusiastically applaud the Kane County Health Department’s newly-launched “Your Story Matters” campaign that encourages people impacted by opioids to share their experiences as a way of providing education and resources but also to help destigmatize drug abuse.

And that’s critical, says Dr. Stephen Holtsford, a former ER doctor who switched his specialty to addiction medicine in 2017 after seeing the same people come through his doors “again and again” with too little hope and far too much shame.

Plus, he added, “we were poorly equipped to take care of them.”

What Holtsford quickly discovered is “if you treat them as people with an illness, they will get better.” Unfortunately, he added, ”we just did not have the bandwidth to treat them all because there is so much stigma around” opioid abuse.

“On a scale of one to 10, we are about halfway there,” he replied when asked how far we’ve come in comparing drug addiction to other serious medical conditions such as cancer or diabetes. Unfortunately, too many in the community still criticize “harm reduction” programs that distribute the life-saving nasal spray naloxone or fund needle exchange programs because they believe the addicts are “doing it to themselves.”

Try telling that to Lyndsay Hartman who, as street outreach case manager for Association for Individual Development, knows how often “users become the first responders” because they have naloxone on them “and can save each other.”

“I hear it from people all the time … they deserve to die,” she said, then quickly points to the bad choices we all make, such as eating too much fast food, drinking to excess or smoking cigarettes. Yet we don’t “dehumanize people” for doing these “socially acceptable things” as we do drug abusers.

Overdose deaths “are soaring, so obviously we are not doing enough,” Hartman insisted. “The (drug) supply is so contaminated, so unregulated. We need to get more radical if we want to save lives.”

The good news is that, although addiction is a complicated condition, it is “readily treatable,” especially in Kane County, which has a stronger support system in place than most areas, insisted Holtsford, who is medical director of two St. Charles treatment centers, sits on the Kane County Opioid Task Force and continues to “work with ERs to improve the care of patients with opioid abuse disorder.”

While the “treatment landscape is getting better … it still needs so much work,” he added. Even in a county that has plenty “to be proud of … building infrastructures and changing attitudes takes a long time.”

No one knows that more than those who have lost loved ones, including Don Kalish, retired vice president of finance for Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora, whose 29-year-old son Randy died of a fentanyl overdose in 2016.

That phone call shook him and wife Roberta to the core because they had no idea how serious his problem was, he told me. In fact, a week before their son died, the couple, who were paying $200 an hour for private counseling for him, had asked each other the tough question: Are we doing enough?

“We knew he drank and had Xanax issues, but was getting promotions at work and was an active member of the family,” said Don Kalish, adding that, while “there is always some guilt in these deaths, we did not second guess” our response.

What the couple did was get involved with Path to Recovery Foundation – Roberta became a coach, Don is president of the board – which offers weekly virtual family support meetings and counseling at a greatly reduced cost.

They are also among local people featured in the “Your Story Matters” campaign that is centered around the unique experiences of those with close ties to the opioid epidemic. To accompany this series of video testimonies, the Kane County Health Department will launch a social media campaign encouraging people to share their testimonies under the #YourStoryMatters hashtag.

The hope, noted Kane County Health Department Executive Director Michael Isaacson, is that “others who can relate will feel less alone and more comfortable reaching out and getting the help that is available.”

While recovery is “not an easy process,” insisted Kalish, “there are pathways to success.”

It’s a statement backed by another storyteller in this campaign named Penny, who has been drug-free for five years but spoke candidly in her testimonial video about “the war going on in my head all the time” that made it so hard to stop using, even when she knew it led to shame, guilt and remorse.

She also spoke eloquently about the other side to addiction – recovery. And Penny encouraged viewers to “grab a hold of it like a drowning person grabs a life preserver, because that is exactly what it is.”

It is indeed a story that matters. And I encourage you to hear more by going to www.overdoseinfo.org. Even if you are lucky enough to have never been impacted by addiction, it’s worth the listen because your heart might just be opened a little bit to the struggles of your Fox Valley neighbors.

Those 60 to 70 fatal overdoses a year in Kane County are just “the tip of the iceberg,” insisted Holtsford, referring to the countless times people who are overdosing get saved, which are cases that might never get reported.

“Dampening the stigma remains a challenge but we are moving in the right direction,” he continued. “The successes are key and we have to share them.”

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WATCH VIDEOS

• Circle of Health

White House updates National Strategy for Suicide Prevention to address mental health crisis

Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health involves reform, and for the first time in a decade, the White House is updating its National Strategy for Suicide Prevention.

The approach aims to reduce substance abuse, train more personnel and address the needs of those in underserved communities.

Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff shared the grim numbers of the growing public health crisis.

"Suicide affects everyone. It doesn't matter your age, race or gender," Emhoff said. "One hundred and thirty-two people die by suicide each and every day."

In its 2024 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention , the Biden-Harris Administration outlined 200 actionable items the government plans to implement in the next three years, including more support to mobile response teams, increasing frontline workers training, safe firearm storage campaigns and additional support for the 988 suicide crisis hotline.

"988 has fielded about 9.1 million calls, texts and chats. This hotline is truly saving lives," said Neera Tanden, director of U.S. Domestic Policy Council.

Launched in July 2022, the 988 hotline didn't exist during the pandemic when 20-year-old Katelyn Reece found herself in a dark place.

"I had to call 911 and be taken by ambulance to the hospital," Reece said.

Looking back, she believes dialing a number to be able to have a conversation at that time could have quelled her negative thoughts.

According to psychiatrist Ashley Zucker with Kaiser Permanente San Bernardino, suicide rates have not recovered two years after the pandemic.

She commends the new White House strategy, but says access to health care is still a huge barrier to overcome for many folks seeking mental health treatment.

"It really takes time and implementation, and that often takes, you know, money and resources."

If you have a loved one dealing with a mental health crisis, Dr. Zucker recommends checking in often and asking about their thoughts.

"Not being afraid to ask some of the difficult questions. We know that that does not increase or worsen the risk for suicide. It actually can save a life."

Reece says even simple questions, like someone asking her how she slept, gives her an opportunity to connect about mental health.

"I slept really good, it was actually kind of easy today. Something as simple as that can make a lot of difference," Reece said.

If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or worried about a friend or loved one, help is available. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 [ TALK ] , or text TALK to 741-741 for free confidential emotional support 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Related Topics

• HEALTH & FITNESS
• CIRCLE OF HEALTH
• HEALTH CARE
• U.S. & WORLD
• MENTAL HEALTH
• SUICIDE PREVENTION

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DDB, DepEd raise awareness in fight vs illegal drug abuse

The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have collaborated to promote capacity building activities with the goal of enforcing appropriate measures against illegal substance abuse.

The alliance also enhances the DDB-DepEd partnership the opportunity to exchange views, ideas, best practices and action plans in the illegal drug campaign in schools and grassroot levels.

As part of the government’s initiative in addressing challenges related to drugs, the DepEd and the DDB convened youth leaders and other participants across the nation in the 4th National Barkada Kontra Droga (NBKD) Convention held from April 23 to27 in Iloilo City.

With the theme “Empathy in Action: Breaking the Barriers, Creating Safe Spaces,” the NBKD emphasized leadership, camaraderie, resilience against drug abuse, the unwavering commitment of young people to uphold a drug-free lifestyle and youth participation to champion Barkada Kontra Droga (BKD) programs in the local schools and communities. 

The said convention promotes the significance of empathy as a catalyst for positive change, developing the necessary emotional and social toolkit to nurture empathy towards one another, and become a safe space in their own families, schools, and communities.

This year’s NBKD features a series of workshops and interactive sessions on “No Smoking and Alcohol Educational Campaigns; Socio-Emotional Learning; Children in Conflict with the Law; and School Sports Programs.’’

The NBKD event also features participants taking part in the activities related to “Risk and Protective Factors of Drug Use; Safe Spaces; Harnessing Peer Support; and Responsible Use of Social Media Platforms.’’

BKD is the joint flagship program of the DDB and DepEd, which is a preventive education and information program to counter the dangers of drug abuse, institutionalized through the DDB Board Regulation No. 5, Series of 2007 and DepEd Order No. 200, Series of 2016.

Westfield Health Bulletin: Be aware of alcohol’s dangers, help children make good decisions

• Published: Apr. 27, 2024, 12:14 a.m.
• Juanita Carnes | Special to The Westfield News

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. Misuse of alcohol is nothing new. The goal of this month is to increase awareness of the damages it does to individuals, families, health and society.

Alcohol affects one at every stage of life regardless of age or gender. Graduation and prom time is an opportunity to try to save precious lives. Providing education and support to youth has been found beneficial in preventing alcohol and drug use disorders. Without these interventions, families and friends may be attending a funeral rather than a graduation. If that’s not a sobering thought, it should be.

George Koob, Ph.D., director of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, stated, “Even teens who would not normally be tempted to drink alcohol may be drawn in by certain social situations, so don’t assume they have all the facts they need to resist peer pressure. Parents and trusted adults can play a meaningful role in shaping youth’s attitudes toward drinking.”

Close to 200,000 Americans die each year from excessive alcohol use. Four thousand are under the age of 21. In Massachusetts, 3,050 die yearly due to alcohol. Alcohol use is associated with violence, sexual risk behaviors, alcohol poisoning, injuries, motor vehicle collisions, cancer, liver disease, hypertension, alcohol use disorders and more. We spend billions of dollars a year in this country on productivity, criminal justice and healthcare related to alcohol.

In Massachusetts 19% of adults and 11% of youth binge drink. Binge drinking is defined as consuming five or more drinks for men and four or more drinks for women on an occasion. Heavy drinking is defined as 15 or more drinks a week for men and eight or more for women. It goes without saying that there are many other factors involved in unhealthy use of alcohol than this definition. Any alcohol use by pregnant women or youth under 21 is considered heavy drinking and unacceptable.

Massachusetts Community Prevention Services Task Force guides the government on alleviating the burden of alcohol abuse in our state. The focus on decreasing abuse of alcohol includes regulating retail licensing. Increased access is associated with increased use. Raising alcohol taxes is associated with hopes of decreasing consumption, as well as providing revenue to fund the damages caused by alcohol. Laws are in place to hold alcohol retailers liable for harm to intoxicated or underage customers. Enhanced enforcement of laws prohibiting sales to minors is important.

Youths’ brains do not develop fully until they are in their 20s. Drinking alcohol during adolescence can damage areas of the brain that control decision-making, self-control, memory and learning. Drinking before age 21 is more likely to lead to addiction. Warning signs of alcohol use include many behavioral changes, some associated with puberty changes. You know your child best. If you have any concerns, address it. These behavior changes include mood changes, sleeping or eating more or less, decrease interest in school, friends and activities, school work lagging, new and unknown friends, money or objects missing, anger and more.

Children whose parents talk to them about the risks of alcohol and other drugs are much less likely to use them. Middle school students and high school students are clearly at different stages of development. Preventative tips for middle school children include: know who your child is with and what they are doing, know your child’s friends, support them in choosing friends wisely, assure adult supervision and open communication with friends’ parents. It is important to spend time with your child even as they want to spend less time with you and more time with their friends. Set clear and reasonable ground rules and consequences. Reward what they do well. Be aware of your words and actions and its effects on your children. Research suggests sharing any of your own past misuse of drugs and alcohol may undercut the message you are trying to deliver. Focus on your child.

A few differences for high school children include a greater challenge to authority by this age group. Open communication with them can explain the importance of their well-being, health and future. Alcohol will get in the way of their goals and dreams. Support their steps toward earning trust. Reward good choices. Know the who, what, where and when as they head out the door.

Offer them a ride or option of staying put if they have been drinking. Holding a driver’s license increases a teen’s liability with alcohol use. We have all seen the tragedies of friends killing friends after a night out of fun. The consequences and grief caused by these accidents are avoidable and devastating. Create a driving contract that states no alcohol, ever, when driving. And for youth of all ages, empower them to never get in a car if they think the driver has been drinking.

Educate yourself and your child. Keep them safe. If you believe your child is at risk, speak to a health professional, school social worker, guidance counselor or substance abuse counselor. The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Hotline is 800-327-5050.

“Children are our most precious and vulnerable members of society. They are deserving of love, care and protection.” — unknown.

Take care of yourself and someone else.

Juanita Carnes is a Westfield resident and a nurse practitioner with 38 years of experience in a hospital emergency department and urgent care facilities. She served 30 years on the Westfield Board of Health.

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Drug Abuse and Its Negative Effects Essay

Introduction.

One of the consequences of using drugs is, eventually, an individual becoming addicted. Addiction refers to a neuropsychological disorder that involves persistently feeling an urge to engage in particular behaviors despite the significant harm or negative effects. The psychology that explains addiction covers many areas, such as an illness or personal problem, an effect of someone’s lifestyle, family history, or socioeconomic demographics. This paper aims to highlight what the field of psychology says about the negative effects of drugs and why people continue using despite the consequences.

Using drugs once does not necessarily mean someone will never consume them again. In most cases, the drugs contain elements that can cause a person to become addicted. From a psychological perspective, it is important to understand how people enter into addiction. At the root of addictive behavior is a level of emotional stress deeply hidden within someone’s subconscious mind, and addressing it becomes a challenge. To relieve stress, pleasure is discovered in excess (Bechara 100). An example is when people choose to drink alcohol to ease their pain and ultimately find fun.

Stopping the behavior is a danger to someone’s mental state as they fear returning thoughts of the initial source of emotional stress. When a person is addicted, it suggests they lack healthy coping methods for the problem. The only mechanisms are distracting as well as unhealthy such as substance usage. Individuals dealing with addiction do not care about what matters since what is important to them is the desire to do something when that stress appears (Bechara 101). Some can stop their behaviors as their emotional stress does not manifest as among the addictive behaviors. Meanwhile, for others, their drug usage indicates an issue they may not have known and needs treatment. This leads to associative learning, which refers to learning to do something according to a novel stimulus.

Associative Learning

It is regarded as associative learning when an individual finds and takes drugs and ultimately gets high. The concept can be further explained using Ivan Pavlov’s experiment, where he rang a bell to call a dog and then rewarded it with food (Fouyssac and David 3015). A specific part of the brain controls associative learning, which it does via a neurotransmitter named dopamine. Dopamine is produced naturally by the brain when an individual does something rewarding or pleasurable.

The dopamine effect is a survival mechanism whereby eating or drinking feels good. It ensures continuity of life, family, and species in general. The element’s production is among the key drivers behind sex since, as much as the act is rewarding and pleasurable simultaneously, it is needed for survival (Fouyssac and David 3015). The main effect is that it creates a memory of the experience, which pushes people to seek the feeling again. People forget about the negative effects of drugs due to the moments of pleasure. As mentioned earlier, it is most likely that someone who uses the drug once will consume it again. The feeling established, regardless of how long, is enough to convince a person to forget everything they know concerning the negative effects and pursue a minute or two of a great time.

The paper has highlighted what the field of psychology says about the negative effects of drugs and why people continue using despite the consequences. It has been established that, in most cases, individuals experience addiction due to the pursuit of stress relief. Using the logic of the dopamine effect, once someone experiences something pleasurable or rewarding to them, they are most likely to pursue that feeling again. Eventually, it becomes impossible to convince them against the drugs as their desire to end their problem is more than the need to remain healthy.

Works Cited

Bechara, Antoine, et al. “A Neurobehavioral Approach to Addiction: Implications for the Opioid Epidemic and the Psychology of Addiction.” Psychological Science in the Public Interest, vol. 20, no. 2, 2019, p. 96–127.

Fouyssac, Maxime, and David Belin. “Beyond Drug‐Induced Alteration of Glutamate Homeostasis, Astrocytes May Contribute to Dopamine‐Dependent Intrastriatal Functional Shifts That Underlie the Development of Drug Addiction: A Working Hypothesis.” European Journal of Neuroscience, vol. 50, no. 6, 2019, p. 3014-3027.

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1. IvyPanda . "Drug Abuse and Its Negative Effects." August 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/drug-abuse-and-its-negative-effects/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Drug Abuse and Its Negative Effects." August 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/drug-abuse-and-its-negative-effects/.

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