essay on drugs and alcohol

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Analytical Essay

Introduction, works cited.

For along time now, drug and alcohol abuse in the society has been a problem that affects the youth and the society at large. The youth in the society get engaged in abusing substances that they feel all help them forget their problems. This paper highlights the problems of drug abuse and alcohol drinking among the youth in the society.

Alcohol is a substance that contains some elements that are bring about physical and psychological changes to an individual. Being a depressant, alcohol affects the nervous system altering the emotions and perceptions of individuals. Many teenager abuse alcohol and other drug substances due to curiosity, the need to feel good and to fit in their different groups. Drinking alcohol should not be encouraged because it usually affects the health of the youth.

It puts their health at a risk. Drinking youth are more likely to engage in irresponsible sexual activities that may result in unexpected pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, teenagers who drink are more likely to get fat while complicating further their health conditions. Moreover, the youth drinking are at a risk of engaging in criminal activities hence being arrested (Cartwright 133).

According to the Australian Psychological Society, a drug can be a substance that brings about physical or psychological changes to an individual (2). Youngsters in the in the community take stuffs to increase enjoyment or decrease the sensational or physical pain. Some of the abused drugs by the youth in the society include marijuana, alcohol, heroine and cocaine.

The dangers of drug abuse are the chronic intoxication of the youth that is detrimental to their societies. Much intake of drugs leads to addiction that is indicated by the desire to take the drugs that cannot be resisted.

The effect of alcohol and other hard drugs are direct on the central nervous system. Alcohol and drug abuse is linked to societal practices like, partying, societal events, entertainment, and spirituality. The Australian Psychological Society argues that the choice of a substance is influenced by the particular needs of the substance user (3).

However, the effects of drug abuse differ from one individual to another. The abuse of drugs becomes a social problem whenever the users fail to meet some social responsibilities at home, work, or school. This is usually the effect when the substances are used more than they are normally taken. Additionally, when the use of substances is addictive, it leads to social problems (Cartwright 135).

Drug and alcohol abuse among the youth in the society should be discouraged and voided at all costs. The youth are affected and the society is affected. The productive young men and women cannot perform their social duties. One way in which the abuse of drugs and alcohol can be avoided in the society is through engaging the youth in various productive activities. This will reduce their idle time while keeping them busy (Cartwright 134).

They will not have enough time for drinking. Additionally, they will have fewer problems to worry about. They should also be educated and warned about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse both to their health and to the society. Since alcohol and substance abuse is related to increased crime in the society, its reduction will lead to reduced crime rates and economic growth.

The Australian Psychological Society. Alcohol, and Other Drugs . Australian Psychological society. Web.

Cartwright, William. Costs of Drug Abuse to the Society. The Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics , 1999. 2, 133-134.

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Essay on Drugs And Alcohol

Students are often asked to write an essay on Drugs And Alcohol 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 Drugs And Alcohol

Introduction.

Drugs and alcohol are substances that can change how your body and mind work. Drugs can be medicines or illegal substances. Alcohol is a type of drug that people often drink in social settings.

Effects on the Body

Drugs and alcohol can harm your body. They can damage your organs, like your liver and brain. They can also make you feel sick, tired, or confused. Some drugs can even make you see or hear things that aren’t real.

Effects on the Mind

Drugs and alcohol can also affect your mind. They can change your mood and make you feel happy, sad, angry, or scared for no reason. They can also make it hard for you to think clearly.

Sometimes, people can become addicted to drugs or alcohol. This means they feel a strong need to keep using these substances, even if they know it’s bad for them. Addiction can lead to serious health problems.

In conclusion, drugs and alcohol can harm your body and mind, and lead to addiction. It’s important to make healthy choices and avoid these substances.

250 Words Essay on Drugs And Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol are substances that can change how your body and mind work. They can hurt you and lead to problems at home, school, and with friends.

What Are Drugs and Alcohol?

Drugs are chemicals that change the way your body works. Some are legal, like medicines prescribed by doctors or sold in stores. Others are illegal. Alcohol is a kind of drug that is legal for adults to use, but it can still be harmful.

Effects on Health

Drugs and alcohol can hurt your health. They can damage your brain, heart, and other important organs. If you use them a lot, you might not be able to think clearly or make good choices. Drugs and alcohol can also make it hard for you to control your actions.

Effects on Life

Using drugs and alcohol can cause problems at school and home. You might get bad grades, lose friends, or have fights with your family. Also, it’s illegal for kids and teens to buy alcohol or use illegal drugs. If you’re caught, you could get in trouble with the law.

Remember, it’s important to make smart choices about drugs and alcohol. If you’re feeling pressured to try them, talk to someone you trust. There are always better ways to handle stress, have fun, and fit in.

500 Words Essay on Drugs And Alcohol

What are drugs and alcohol.

Drugs and alcohol are substances that can change how your body and mind work. Drugs can be legal, like medicine prescribed by doctors, or illegal. Alcohol is a legal drug that adults can buy, but it’s not legal for kids and teens. Both can be very harmful if misused.

Effects of Drugs and Alcohol

Drugs and alcohol can have a big impact on the body and mind. They can make you feel happy, relaxed, or excited for a short time. But they can also make you feel sick, confused, or scared. Over time, using drugs and alcohol can lead to serious health problems. These can include heart disease, liver damage, and problems with the brain.

Drugs, Alcohol and Society

Drugs and alcohol can cause problems in society too. People who use drugs or drink too much alcohol might not do well at school or work. They might get into fights or cause accidents. They can even end up in jail. And it’s not just the people who use drugs or alcohol who are affected. Their families, friends, and communities can be hurt too.

Why Do People Use Drugs and Alcohol?

There are many reasons why people might start using drugs or alcohol. Some might do it to fit in with friends or to feel better when they’re sad or stressed. Others might be curious or just want to try something new. But no matter why they start, it can be very hard to stop. That’s because drugs and alcohol can be very addictive. This means that the more you use them, the more your body needs them.

Helping People with Drug and Alcohol Problems

If someone has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it’s important they get help. There are many people and organizations that can help, like doctors, therapists, and support groups. They can provide treatment to help people stop using drugs or alcohol, and support to help them stay sober.

In conclusion, drugs and alcohol can cause a lot of harm. They can hurt your body and mind, cause problems in society, and be very hard to quit. But there is help available for people who need it. And by learning about the dangers of drugs and alcohol, we can make better choices for ourselves and our communities.

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Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction Introduction

Why study drug use and addiction.

Use and misuse of alcohol, nicotine, and illicit drugs, and misuse of prescription drugs cost Americans more than $700 billion a year in increased health care costs, crime, and lost productivity. 1,2,3  Every year, illicit and prescription drug overdoses cause tens of thousands of deaths (nearly 70,000 in 2018), alcohol contributes to the death of more than 90,000 Americans, while tobacco is linked to an estimated 480,000 deaths per year. 4,5  (Hereafter, unless otherwise specified,  drugs  refers to all of these substances.)

People of all ages suffer the harmful consequences of drug use and addiction:

• Teens who use drugs may act out and may do poorly in school or drop out. 6 Using drugs when the brain is still developing may cause lasting brain changes and put the user at increased risk of dependence. 7
• Adults who use drugs can have problems thinking clearly, remembering, and paying attention. They may develop poor social behaviors as a result of their drug use, and their work performance and personal relationships suffer.
• Parents'  drug use can mean chaotic, stress-filled homes, as well as child abuse and neglect. 8 Such conditions harm the well-being and development of children in the home and may set the stage for drug use in the next generation. 9
• Babies exposed to drugs in the womb may be born premature and underweight. This exposure can slow the child's ability to learn and affect behavior later in life. 10 They may also become dependent on opioids or other drugs used by the mother during pregnancy, a condition called neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS).

How does science provide solutions for drug use and addiction?

Scientists study the effects drugs have on the brain and behavior. They use this information to develop programs for preventing drug use and for helping people recover from addiction. Further research helps transfer these ideas into practice in the community.

The consequences of drug use are vast and varied and affect people of all ages.

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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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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Researcher explains the human toll of language that makes addiction feel worse 

When Mass General transplant hepatologist Wei Zhang says he wants his colleagues to think before they speak, he has the tragedy of a recent patient in mind.

Admitted to intensive care for advanced alcohol-associated liver disease, the 36-year-old woman hid the truth when asked about her drinking. “She was like, ‘No, I quit over a year ago, I didn’t drink at all,’” said Zhang, also director of the hospital’s Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease Clinic. “But we have tools that can detect the use of alcohol in the past three, four weeks.”

The patient, who had been traumatized by years of physical abuse, was denied a liver transplant, in part because she withheld information about her alcohol use. Her death days later was “a consequence of stigma,” Zhang said. Patients too often “feel they’re being judged and may fear that their condition is seen as a result of personal failing rather than a medical issue that needs treatment.” 

Amid increases in high-risk drinking and alcohol-associated liver disease across the country , he hopes  that new research can help complete the years-long work of erasing that stigma, saving lives in the process. 

For decades, medical terminology has labeled liver disease and other alcohol-related conditions as “alcoholic”: alcoholic liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, alcoholic cirrhosis, alcoholic pancreatitis. Meanwhile, clinicians and administrators have described patients as addicts and alcoholics. 

More recently, specialists and advocates have sought with some success to revise how we talk about substance use and those struggling to overcome it, not just to reduce stigma but also to combat bias among medical professionals. According to the  National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism , the term “alcohol use disorder” is now preferable to “alcohol abuse,” “alcohol dependence,” and “alcoholism.”

“Emphasizing non-stigmatizing language is crucial not only for fostering honesty but also for supporting the overall treatment process and patient outcomes,” Zhang said. 

The new study is a step toward that goal. Inspired by his patients, Zhang set out to observe whether the terminology used by institutions that treat alcohol-associated liver disease reflects or rejects stigma. He and his team reviewed messages on more than 100 accredited liver transplant center websites, along with language used by addiction psychiatry sites. They found that almost nine of 10 transplant center websites use stigmatizing language such as “alcoholic.” Less than half of addiction psychiatry websites do the same.

“The gap between professional society recommendations and actual practice is concerning, since patients frequently use these online resources for information which can significantly influence their behavior and perceptions about alcohol-associated liver disease,” Zhang said.

Zhang’s anti-stigma efforts are grounded in strong evidence, according to Harvard Medical School psychiatrist  John F. Kelly , who published “Does It Matter How We Refer to Individuals with Substance-Related Conditions?” in 2009.

“Emphasizing non-stigmatizing language is crucial not only for fostering honesty but also for supporting the overall treatment process and patient outcomes.”

“Drug use disorder and alcohol use disorder are among the most stigmatized conditions universally across different societies because people feel that it’s self-induced — that people are to blame because they put it in their body,” said Kelly, also the founder of Mass General’s  Recovery Research Institute . “Just because they made that decision initially, doesn’t mean they plan on becoming addicted.”

In the 2009 study, Kelly and his colleagues described patients to more than 600 clinicians, alternating between “substance abuser” and “having a substance use disorder.” Those in the latter category were viewed more sympathetically and as more worthy of treatment. 

“I was quite surprised just how susceptible they were,” Kelly said. “These were passionate, dedicated clinicians. They were still susceptible to the negative punitive bias.”

They still are today, Zhang’s findings suggest. 

“We are very good at seeing patients with liver disease but if we add this behavioral mental disorder, it is somewhat out of our scope,” he said. “I think education could at least have them be more familiar with this topic and be willing to at least listen to the adoption and use of non-stigmatizing language.” 

“I think education could at least have them be more familiar with this topic and be willing to at least listen to the adoption and use of non-stigmatizing language.”

Building on the new study, Zhang has recommended to healthcare institutions and professional societies that they implement website feedback mechanisms and carry out regular content audits to guard against potentially harmful language. 

“The steps we are recommending should not only help to align clinical practice with sound language guidelines, but also foster a more empathetic and supportive healthcare environment for patients,” he said. 

Zhang also said healthcare institutions should look to leverage technology to support adoption of appropriate standards.

His team is collaborating with Mass General’s Research Patient Data Registry to obtain de-identified patient records, which they plan to review for instances of stigmatizing language. He hopes the process will help researchers quantify the prevalence of such language in clinical notes and identify patterns that can inform interventions. The team will also analyze the association of stigmatizing language with patient outcomes.  

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How alcohol and drugs rewire the brain

The use of alcohol and drugs can dramatically alter brain structure and functioning, with far-reaching effects on behavior and cognition. Mielad Owraghi, LMFT lead clinical therapist, explains how these substances impact the brain, leading to profound changes in behavior and mental health.

"Substance use can mimic or inhibit the action of neurotransmitters by disrupting the brain's normal communication pathways,” Owraghi says. This disruption can cause a cascade of effects, altering mood, behavior, and cognitive function.

The Reward Pathway and Dopamine

One of the most significant impacts of addictive substances is on the brain's reward pathway, primarily through the release of dopamine. This neurotransmitter is associated with pleasure and reinforcement. Owraghi says many addictive substances activate the reward pathway, leading to intense feelings of pleasure and euphoria. The pleasurable sensation reinforces the desire to use the substance again, contributing to the development of dependency.

Neuroplasticity and Tolerance

Chronic use of alcohol and drugs can induce neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. This can lead to changes in brain structure, making it more susceptible to addiction. 

“With repeated exposure, the brain may develop tolerance, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effects," Owraghi says. “This tolerance drives individuals to consume larger quantities, increasing the risk of addiction and other negative outcomes.”

Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms (PAWS)

Continued use of alcohol and drugs can lead to physical and psychological dependence, where the brain adapts to the presence of the substance and requires it to function normally. Withdrawal symptoms may occur when substance use is reduced or discontinued, further reinforcing the cycle of addiction. The withdrawals experienced in such circumstances are known as post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS). PAWS refers to a set of prolonged withdrawal symptoms that can persist for weeks or months after the acute withdrawal phase of substance use has subsided. These symptoms typically occur in individuals who have undergone detoxification and initially experienced acute withdrawal symptoms, such as physical discomfort, cravings, and mood disturbances.

Post-acute withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Mood Swings: Fluctuations in mood, including irritability, anxiety, depression, and emotional instability.
• Cognitive Impairments: Difficulty with concentration, memory, and decision-making abilities.
• Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia, vivid dreams, or disturbances in sleep patterns.
• Physical Symptoms: Lingering physical discomfort, such as fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal issues.
• Cravings: Intense urges or cravings to use substances despite the desire to remain abstinent.
• Stress Sensitivity: Heightened sensitivity to stressors and difficulty coping with everyday challenges.
• Impaired Executive Functioning: Challenges in planning, organization, and problem-solving abilities.
• Social and Interpersonal Issues: Difficulty in social situations, strained relationships, and isolation.

“It's important to note that the duration and severity of post-acute withdrawal symptoms can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of substance used, the duration of use, individual differences in physiology and psychology, and the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions/disorders,” Owraghi says. 

Trauma and Addiction

The link between trauma and addiction is complex. Trauma can lead individuals to use substances as a coping mechanism, self-medicating to relieve distressing emotions and memories. Owraghi says trauma can lead to neurobiological changes, impacting areas of the brain involved in reward processing, impulse control, and emotional regulation. These changes can increase vulnerability to addiction, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and substance use.

“It's important to recognize that not all trauma survivors develop addiction, and not all individuals with addiction have experienced trauma,” Owraghi says. “However, trauma can significantly increase vulnerability to addiction and complicate the recovery process. Effective treatment for co-occurring trauma and addiction often involves trauma-informed approaches, addressing underlying trauma-related issues, and providing integrated care that addresses both mental health and substance use disorders.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use or addiction,  explore mental health care  at Loma Linda University Behavioral Health. 

More stories about: Behavioral Health Behavioral Medicine Center Health Tips

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Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Essay Example

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There is a growing population of individuals who are affected by drug and alcohol addiction.  The need for one more fix or one more drink consumes them until it is no longer a personal choice.  There are many theories as to the cause and effects of this. Understanding the severity of this addiction requires a closer look at the dependency.  Alcohol and drug abuse is a growing issue that negatively affects the nervous system, sensory input, and behavior of individuals.

It is important to consider the causes associated with this condition.  Essentially heredity is a contributing factor in drug and alcohol addiction.   This is directly associated with the environmental contribution to this dependency as well.  “So when considering the impact our psychological makeup plays in drug addiction and alcoholism – our psychological makeup is largely formed in our formative childhood years – mostly from our family environment, particularly our parents.” (Peter 1) Ones environment walks hand-in-hand with personal heredity.  For example, a person who grows in a house with a father who drinks excessively every day can blame their alcoholism on both environment and heredity.

The brain and nervous system are both affected by addiction.  Different drugs have different effects on the brain. “Drugs are chemicals. They work in the brain by tapping into the brain’s communication system and interfering with the way nerve cells normally send, receive, and process information. “(Drugs, Brain, and Behavior 1) There are three main effects those drugs have on the central nervous system.  That is a depressant, stimulant, and hallucinogens.  Depressants are the type of drugs that slow down the functions of the central nervous system. This drug affects the concentration and coordination part of the central nervous system.  Stimulants take action on the central nervous system to speed up the messages to and from the brain. This drug affects the aggression and paranoia part of the nervous system.  Hallucinogens are drugs that affect perception. The part of the nervous system that this drug impairs is the emotional and psychological feelings.

Sensory input can be altered by drug and alcohol addiction.  It can control the internal sensory like the heart rate and body temperate.  Both drugs and alcohol can cause and increase or decrease to these.  External sensory are sight, sound, taste, smell, touch, and balance.  The external sensory inputs are affected just as much as the internal.  Often when impaired, balance is not at its best point.  Touch, smell, and sound are distorted.  The sensory input is directly affected by drug and alcohol use.

There are typical symptoms associated with drug and alcohol addiction.  According to HelpGuide.org one needs to watch out for the following:

• You’ve built up a drug tolerance.
• You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms.
• You’ve lost control over your drug use.
• Your life revolves around drug use.
• You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy
• You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you. (Drug Abuse and Addiction)

Recognizing these symptoms is an important part of understanding the addiction.  There are other symptoms that could surface, depending on the type and severity of the addiction, but these are the typical signs to be aware of.

Drug and alcohol addiction can have a very negative impact on the user’s relationships.  The individual who is using often neglect responsibilities, this includes people and obligations. It can lead to unnecessary fighting and animosity between partners, friends, coworkers, and even bosses.  The loss of rational thought processing creates an environment for trouble.  Funding a personal habit can be quite expensive as well, which could cost a financial strain on relationships as well.  There is also a higher concern with drugs or alcohol than building relationships of any type.

Group behavior can be affected by drug and alcohol addiction as well.  In a negative way, it can lead others down the negative dependency path as well.  It’s almost like follow the leader, a member of the group needs a fix and the others do as well.  On the positive side, typically rehabilitation with drug and alcohol addiction takes place in group as well.  The members listen to the troubles that individuals are having and offer a supporting atmosphere.  Group behavior can be both good and bad depending on which side of the addiction it is.

Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction can vary depending on the person and the severity of the disease.  According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “Medication and behavioral therapy, especially when combined, are important elements of an overall therapeutic process that often begins with detoxification, followed by treatment and relapse prevention. Easing withdrawal symptoms can be important in the initiation of treatment; preventing relapse is necessary for maintaining its effects.” (Drug Facts) Having a change in environment and a strong support group is important for the treatment to be successful as well.

Alcohol and drug abuse is a growing issue that negatively affects the nervous system, sensory input, and behavior of individuals.  This addition can be directly attributed to heredity and environmental factors.  Drugs and alcohol can have a negative effect on the brain and the nervous system.   Knowing the symptoms of this addiction will make it easier to determine if there is really a problem.  There is treatment available for drug and alcohol addiction.  Understanding the problem is a big part of reaching a solution.

Works Cited:

Peter, Carl. “Drug Addiction and Alcoholism Causes: The Hereditary and Genetic Influence”. Health Journal Online . 2010. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

“Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction”. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2010. Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

“Drug Abuse and Addiction”.  HelpGuide.org . Web. 2 Nov. 2012.

“Drug Facts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction”. National Institute on Drug Abuse. 2010. Web. 2 Nov. 2012

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Home — Essay Samples — Nursing & Health — Teenage Drug Abuse — Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Teenagers

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Among Teenagers

• Categories: Alcohol Abuse Teenage Drug Abuse Teenagers

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Published: Sep 1, 2020

Words: 1818 | Pages: 4 | 10 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, types of drugs abused by teenagers, effects of drug and alcohol abuse on teenagers, preventive measures, alcohol abuse, marijuana use among teenagers, prescription drug abuse, physical health effects, mental health effects, references:.

• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Drugs, brains, and behavior: The science of addiction. https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/drug-abuse-addiction
• Johnston, L. D., Miech, R. A., O’Malley, P. M., Bachman, J. G., Schulenberg, J. E., & Patrick, M. E. (2019). Monitoring the Future national survey results on drug use, 1975–2018: Overview, key findings on adolescent drug use. Institute for Social Research, The University of Michigan. http://www.monitoringthefuture.org/pubs/monographs/mtf-overview2018.pdf
• Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. (2020). 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Detailed tables. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29394/2019NSDUHDetailedTabsHTML/NSDUHDetTabsSect1pe2019.htm
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (HHS Publication No. PEP20-07-01-001, NSDUH Series H-55). https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29393/2019NSDUHFFRPDFWHTML/2019NSDUHFFR1PDFW090120.pdf
• Volkow, N. D., Koob, G. F., & McLellan, A. T. (2016). Neurobiologic advances from the brain disease model of addiction. New England Journal of Medicine, 374(4), 363–371. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1511480
• Degenhardt, L., Charlson, F., Ferrari, A., Santomauro, D., Erskine, H., Mantilla-Herrara, A., Whiteford, H., Leung, J., Naghavi, M., Griswold, M., Rehm, J., Hall, W., Sartorius, B., & Scott, J. (2018). The global burden of disease attributable to alcohol and drug use in 195 countries and territories, 1990–2016: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(12), 987–1012. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30337-7
• National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2019). Monitoring the Future study: Trends in prevalence of various drugs. https://www.drugabuse.gov/drug-topics/trends-statistics/monitoring-future/monitoring-future-study-trends-in-prevalence-various-drugs
• McCabe, S. E., West, B. T., Veliz, P., McCabe, V. V., Stoddard, S. A., & Boyd, C. J. (2019). Trends in medical and nonmedical use of prescription opioids among US adolescents: 1976–2015. Pediatrics, 143(3), e20182717. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2018-2717

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• Essay on Caffeine

Drugs And Alcohol Essay

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Caffeine , Coffee , Drugs , Cocaine , Disorders , Diagnosis , Aliens , Alcoholism

Published: 02/20/2023

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In the United States almost 90% of adults use caffeine daily(Hart 250). Although consumption of caffeine at minimal levels is not harmful those who drink such amounts will have negative health consequences, which cardiovascular problems and perinatal complications. Drinking more than 200 mg a day is considered risky (Hart 255). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5) by the American Psychiatric Association, updated the 2013 (DSM-5) and included Caffeine Use Disorder (Hart 260). The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for nine symptoms, and the first three or more characterizes Caffeine Use Disorder are needed to meet criteria for a diagnosis of Caffeine Use Disorder. Symptoms include intense craving for caffeine; inability despite efforts to cut down caffeine use; and tolerance to consume more to reach effect desired(Hart 260).. Continued caffeine use can cause social problems as a result of increased irritation and impulsiveness. A study found that 30% of 162 current caffeine users fulfilled the DSM-IV diagnosis of Substance Dependence as applied to caffeine by indicating that three or more of the diagnostic criteria were met during the past year. (Meredith et al.) Meredith et al.. also reported the percentage of participants who also met the clinically relevant symptoms of caffeine dependence such as want not to drink as much, withdrawal and increasing tolerance(Meredith et al..). Individuals with an individual or generation history of-of substance abuse were likely to have a caffeine dependence. Those who were diagnosed with various mental disorders had a rate of 17% of caffeine dependent(Meredith et al..).Those who had a history or currently a diagnosis of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, and Binge Eating Disorder had a rate of 16%(Meredith et al.. These studies include caffeine users who self-identified as physically or psychologically dependent on caffeine, but were not diagnosed with caffeine disorder; 59% met the criteria. .Considering the adverse health outcomes and high rates of use, more research should be done using this criterion to identify and treat those in need(Meredith et al.). Cocaine processing are typically done in two ways; the first extract cocaine from coca leaves and the second uses metal thrum and gasoline to extract cocaine from coca leaves. he processes the process creates cocaine sulfate (Hart 16-21). The latter is the most frequent of the two, and results n about 50% cocaine(Hart 20) To transport the cocaine while in gummy form is is dried into bricks. The plants needed are commonly found in the Northern and Western areas of South America. Coca leaves are plucked, anhydrous and then processed in clandestine laboratories. An underground lab is a secret workplace used to make illegal substances (Hart 16- 20). Powder cocaine (crystal cocaine,) or hydrochloride, which is typically snorted. This can also be dissolved in a drink or injected(Hart 16-21).. Drugs are mixed with another chemical into over to get higher profits as it produces more in bulk. Hydrochloride can also be processed even more to produce crack cocaine. Crack cocaine is the solid form which is then heated and smoked in a freebase form.It is cooked cocaine(Hart 20). Cocaine is the type of stimulant and enhances transmission at the catecholaminergic (including dopaminergic) synapses evoking elation and increased alertness, with increased motor activity (Hart 16-21).. Negative symptoms include tremor, psychosis violence, and a form of paranoia. It also impacts the heart, and sudden death is common when interacting with alcohol(Hart 16-21).. There are factors and circumstances that influence blood alcohol concentration (BAC) even. First, is the speed to which who consume, as the faster, you consume it the more quickly one is intoxicated (Hart 190). The liver is responsible for the metabolizing alcohol at a rate of about one beer per hour (190).When more alcohol is consumed, the liver is incapable of processing leading to an increase in the blood stream, thus intoxication(190-191). Body Weight is another factor, the greater the size, the more blood there in the body thus more alcohol is added to reach intoxication. Having food in the stomach allows about 20% to be absorbed in the stomach and then the remainder enters bloodstream so this slows down the intoxication rate(Hart 196). Lastly, medications can increase impact on intoxication on your quantity. Such medications like spirin, tranquilizers, anti-depressants, and cough elixir to name only a few can be pose health risks when mixed with alcohol(Hart 196-198).

Works Cited

Hart, C. Drugs, Society, and Human Behavior. 2014. Print. Meredith, S. E., et al. "Caffeine Use Disorder: A Comprehensive Review and Research Agenda." J Caffeine Res 3.3 (2013): 114-30. Print.

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Steve Albini Was Proof You Can Change

To a certain kind of listener, it sometimes felt like he was the last honest musician in the industry.

Nearly 20 years ago, my high-school calculus teacher introduced me to a book that would, although I didn’t realize it at the time, permanently reframe the way I thought about music. Written by the journalist Michael Azerrad, Our Band Could Be Your Life was a study of the 1980s independent-music landscape—of bands that had unconsciously responded to the commercialism found on MTV and mainstream rock radio by going underground, and by getting very weird. The book introduced me to groups such as Black Flag, Dinosaur Jr., and the Replacements , the last of which had beer-drunk songwriting and electric punk-rock hooks that soon made it my favorite band. These groups never became traditionally successful, Azzerad explained, but their careers represented a romantic and uncompromising approach to making music, which could too easily become cheapened by external forces.

And, in fact, many of the bands in the book had attempted to move up a level by signing to major labels, only to hit an artificial ceiling once it became clear that they couldn’t look or sound a certain way. But some of them had not even attempted this—they had recognized, as their careers were taking shape, that their personal beliefs were permanently at odds with the idea of participating in a notoriously predatory and corporate music industry. Among them—and the group that left the strongest impression on me—was a band called Big Black. Big Black was, even by the standards of its contemporaries, particularly abrasive; its serrated riffs and pummeling drumbeats sounded like they’d been recorded on the floor of an automobile factory. And the band’s philosophical stances were just as belligerent as its sound: It was led by a guitarist and singer named Steve Albini who seemed to take particular joy in broadcasting how he thought artists should behave, and denigrating everyone who did not live up to his standards. As Azerrad put it, “This was a band with policies .” Proving its ideological commitment, Big Black broke up in 1987 right after its best record came out—partly because one of the members wanted to attend law school, and also because the band was becoming a little too popular, which meant it was attracting the wrong kind of fans.

But Albini, who died yesterday at the age of 61 from a heart attack, did not stop making music. Over the next few decades, he continued to perform in his own bands and struck up a second career as a recording engineer (his preferred term, over producer ), where he worked with hundreds of artists—among them Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey, Slint, Joanna Newsom, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, the Jesus Lizard, and many, many, many more. It’s no exaggeration to say that Albini changed the trajectory of rock music for the better. He was especially good at capturing an artist as though they were playing right in front of you, a product of chemistry and ability rather than studio-driven artifice, and hiring Albini became a way for bands to signal their interest in being “realer,” both in sound and in attitude. His own outlook was perhaps best crystallized in his 1993 essay for The Baffler , “ The Problem With Music ,” in which he meticulously sketched out all the reasons making music on a major label was a sucker’s game. This idea, and its attendant aesthetic principles, felt just as important as the records themselves; to a certain kind of listener, it sometimes seemed like Albini was the last honest musician in the industry, though he would’ve shaken his head at such mythologizing.

I feel confident saying this because, in the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to profile Albini for The Guardian , and I interviewed him on multiple occasions in Chicago, where he spent most of his life. I did not approach this task lightly. Foremost was the fact that I had been listening to his music for the past 20 years and didn’t want to seem like some fawning kid. But Albini had also incurred a reputation for being personally combative—which is saying something, given that inveterate punk rockers are not always known for their social graces. Over the years, he’d become infamous for saying a tremendous number of insulting things about other people, including bands he’d worked with. (“Never have I seen four cows more anxious to be led around by their nose rings,” he once wrote about the Pixies.) He seemed terribly smart, and suspicious of any nonsense. This is a bit of a broad statement, but allow me to say it: Anyone who has spent time around people who are really into music has met the type of person who seems totally obstinate, and borderline caustic, about why the bands they like are better than the bands you like. These people can be pretty irritating—I don’t want to be yelled at just because I like some Taylor Swift songs—but they inspire a shard of dread that perhaps their obstinacy is justified , that they have latched onto some way of thinking about art that the rest of us are too dull to perceive.

From afar, Albini seemed like the final boss of this mindset. Yet the Guardian profile had been assigned because Albini, in recent years, had begun to soften some of his adversarial instincts, at least in public. He still got worked up about bands he hated (especially Steely Dan ) and about right-wing politicians—but he had explicitly apologized for the numerous offensive things he’d said throughout his life, which included using racial slurs and denigrating women. “A lot of things I said and did from an ignorant position of comfort and privilege are clearly awful and I regret them,” he wrote in a 2021 Twitter thread that went viral. This felt notable because it’s become popular, in recent years, for people to complain about the rise of cancel culture and the shifting standards for public speech. In the past, Albini had always claimed that his offensiveness was attached to some underlying principle, no matter how arbitrary it seemed to others, but he’d since become suspicious of the people who reveled in offensiveness for its own sake. “When you realize that the dumbest person in the argument is on your side, that means you’re on the wrong side,” he had told me about recalibrating his feelings.

So this was one dimension of the Albini I met: a man who, although still razor-sharp and hilarious, was clear-eyed about why he felt he should shed some of these more reactive traits of his former self. “It’s me owning up to my role in a shift in culture that directly caused harm to people I’m sympathetic with, and people I want to be a comrade to,” he said of why he had decided to be open about his evolved thinking. When I published the story, quite a few readers, and particularly men of his generation, said they were personally inspired by Albini’s perspective and growth—that if someone with his cutting reputation could be this reflective, then perhaps nobody else had an excuse for staying rude.

Just as striking, to me, was the way he talked about his job. Earlier in his career, he had been more insistent about how a record should sound, and had freely offered his opinions in the studio. Over time, he sloughed off this tendency and became more comfortable with recording musicians as they were and as they wanted to be. His rates remained affordable, and he was always personally available to record a band; for a reasonable fee, a local artist could get the guy who’d laid down Kurt Cobain’s guitar on “All Apologies.” He relished working with musicians “beneath the professional level,” as he put it to me—people for whom making music was part of a necessary impulse rather than any means of getting rich or famous. He was decidedly not sentimental about the famous artists he’d worked with (though he got a little giddy when we talked about Iggy Pop and the Stooges, whose reunion record he’d recorded). Instead, it was the everyday work of going to his studio and producing physical evidence of a band’s existence—no matter how big or small—that mattered the most. His greatest contribution to music, Kim Deal of the Pixies told me while I was reporting for the profile, was “every single person who has walked through that door and been treated with respect about their ideas.”

Albini did too much to be neatly summarized in any profile; I didn’t have the space in mine to dive too deeply into his most recent band, Shellac, which in a terrible coincidence is releasing a new record next week. But as I drafted, two things kept coming back to me: The first was that Albini had been unafraid to own up to his past rather than wave it off or double down on his positions. The second was that he talked about music not as some expression of ego but as a creative practice worth maintaining because it enriched your life. To hear this—and in such an unpretentious way—was no small thing. This was not mere plate-spinning from a guy who liked to hear himself talk; these were tightly reasoned, directly stated beliefs that he’d stress-tested in his own life and were reflected in how he carried himself.

Unlike many of its peers, Big Black never really reunited, other than for a single performance at an anniversary show for its former record label. “I’m not a nostalgic person by nature,” Albini had told me. “I don’t think about the past very much.” I believed him, but one of my final questions was how he hoped his work would be regarded, should he have to retire tomorrow. I’ll reproduce his answer in full, because I was struck by it at the moment, and I feel heartened thinking about it now:

“I don’t give a shit. I’m doing it, and that’s what matters to me—the fact that I get to keep doing it, that’s the whole basis of it. I was doing it yesterday, I’m gonna do it tomorrow, and I’m gonna carry on doing it. Other people can figure out if they were happy about that, or not. I don’t care what they say; I’m doing it because I find value in it. I find value in being part of this culture, and preserving my peers’ artistic output. I find value in that, as my role: being the person responsible for making the record that someone will hear in 50 years to find out what some band sounded like. How will people know what our culture was like now , in 50 or 100 years? Well, they can read what survives the great digital void, and they can listen to what music survives. And I just want to make sure that I do a good job on the music that survives, you know?”

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