Detrimental Social Problems Substance Abuse Essays

Substance abuse is one of the most detrimental social problems found in all societies. It has been the leading cause for generational breakdowns of families and communities, and is probably the most controversial social problem when developing corrective solutions. Substance abuse can be defined as the chemical dependence, or pattern of usage of both legal and illegal substances, that has adverse physical, psychological, and psychomotor effects on the human body. The use of substances does not always have to be a drug, but can also be anything taken into the body that can cause a mood-altering effect, such as inhalants or solvents. Additionally, substance abuse has many different faces and is the one social problem that crosses all†¦show more content†¦The only method to keep him from taking the drug is imprisoning him† (http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/history/negro_cocaine_fiends.htm). These words are haunting, especially when taking into consideration societyâ₠¬â„¢s response to crack cocaine and the African American communities in which were flooded with the drug. It is common knowledge that America has the world’s largest population of prisoners, and in 2008, a study was completed by the Pew Charitable Trusts which indicated that half of the inmates in jail and prison are serving time for nonviolent drug charges (http://www.pewstates.org/news-room/press-releases/new-pew-study-finds-36-percent-increase-in-prison-time-served-85899394970). Since the â€Å"War on Drugs† approach about forty years ago, the criminalization of the addict has done very little to address the problem of substance abuse in society. While there is no one clear cause of substance abuse, there have been patterns identified in substance abusers, that may be the underlying factors that lead to the addiction. Some of these factors include mental health and biology. Persons who suffer from untreated and/or undiagnosed mental illness are prone to turn to substance abuse in their attempts to self-medicate. Due to the mood-altering effects of substances, those who may experience anxiety, depression, and psychotic symptoms, tend to find temporary relief from such symptoms in their drug usage, however the adverse effectsShow MoreRelatedThe Abuse Of Drugs And Alcohol1365 Words   |  6 PagesThe abuse of drugs and alcohol has been a known issue over past decades. The media paints the picture that alcohol and drug use is fun and the only way to have a good time. While alcohol in moderation is fine, many people find themselves going over board and abusing it. Elicit drugs like cocaine and heroin are highly addictive and have several adverse effects. People find themselves depressed and anxious so they ultimately try to use these drugs to mask the pain instead of getting help for theirRead MoreEmotional Trauma Within The Family1568 Words   |  7 Page sTrauma within the Family Parental substance abuse directly affects the emotional well-being of children within the family. It is estimated that one in four children in the United States are exposed to a family member’s alcohol abuse or dependence, and one in six children lives with a parent who has used illicit drugs in the past year (Journal of Child and Family Social Work). Children exposed to parental substance abuse are at an increased risk for various problems such as, emotional and behavioralRead MoreSubstance Abuse Among The Elderly1473 Words   |  6 Pagespopulation is that of substance abuse as it pertains to the increasing numbers of substance abusers, and/or the increasing rates of substance abuse among the elderly population. A national public health concern is that the rate of elderly substance abuse will rise sharply as boomers enter older adulthood. This research is not intended to be an entire comprehensive and exhaustive review of all research findings but a review to highlight those findings concerning substance abuse among the elderly. LiteratureRead MoreEssay on Social Aspect of Substance Abuse1001 Words   |  5 Pagesstates that substance use refers generally to the ingestion of illicit drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, opiates, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, PCP, amphetamines, etc. The use of illicit drugs, such as alcohol and nicotine, are less frequently included in this definition, despite their widespread use and undisputed potential for harm. Substance abuse, however, is a more value-laden term which implies substance use, probably over time, which is somehow detrimental or harmful. Thus, substance use needRead MoreSubstance Abuse And Its Effects On Society Essay1579 Words   |  7 PagesAmerica’s silent killer, substance abuse. Substance abuse affects the user and everyone that they are around and most of the time the user doesn’t even realize nor care that it affects other people because they are consumed by the substances. These substances have the power to dramatically change peopleâ⠂¬â„¢s lives, such as the physical toll it takes on our body, the ways in which it corrupts our metal process, and the detrimental effects it has on our social lives. Most substances that are used in our societyRead More Alcohol and its effects Essay1479 Words   |  6 Pages Alcohol is a large part of American culture. All over the United States drinking is not only acceptable but a social norm from teenagers to adults. This is not only the case in the U.S., but all over the world, where some drinking ages are 18 and 19 years of age. In America specifically, alcohol has been around for centuries and is a large part of many social gatherings. Although this is the case now, in the early 1900’s during the prohibition period, all alcohol was banned and deemed illegal toRead MoreAlcohol And Drugs And Their Effects On First Year Students1544 Words   |  7 Pagesoverwhelming voice against control of these substances. First-year students are hit the hardest by this influence, being freshly exposed to the freedom of moving away from parents. It is this freshness, combined with the vast availability and marketing of alcohol, that causes college f reshmen to be extremely susceptible to its effects. Despite how drugs and alcohol are romanticized in the media and easily available to college students, these substances have a negative effect on sleep habits, attendanceRead MoreSubstance Abuse : An Individual s Life1608 Words   |  7 PagesSubstance abuse can be very detrimental to an individual’s life. According to the World Health Organization, substance abuse is defined as, â€Å"the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illicit drugs† (2015). It does not matter what type of substance a person abuses, any one of them can alter one’s perception, judgement, and physical control, which leads a person being destructive in the future. If a person is fully dependent on a substance, by the time they withdrawRead MoreSubstance Abuse Paper1198 Words   |  5 PagesSubstance abuse is one of the most common comorbid conditions among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (Schw artz et al., 2007). Previous studies have shown that nicotine, alcohol, and cannabis were the most frequently used substances in individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, followed by cocaine and amphetamine. Individuals with substance use disorders have negative long-term outcomes and poorer overall quality of life. Researchers suggest that substance abuse complicates individuals withRead MoreIn the course of child development, a multitude of factors have severe ramifications on the child’s900 Words   |  4 Pagesvariety of forms. Genetic, biological, psychological, familial, and social-cultural influences can be seen on each side. Not only do they exist in a variety of forms, but their abilities also depend on contextual situations such as age, gender, and environmental conditions. It is important to look at these factors when determining norms in developmental pathways or observing deviances, which could explain future behavioral problems. On a superficial level, the amal gamation of risk and protective factors