...Effect of Abuse on Society Family and Community Drug abuse is common in all societies. Families and communities are becoming less happy and rarely yet torn by death, or a serious injury due to drug abuse. Unfortunately, around the world and throughout time, drug abuse has shown to be common among families. Abuse of any kind takes over everything in the abusers life. Drug and alcohol abuse can affect a person’s capability to keep a job. Drug and alcohol not only affects the person itself but everyone around him or her especial their families and the community. People around the world believe that drugs or alcohol are the solution to their problems, not knowing the problem becomes worst and a nightmare is about to begin. Drug abuse negatively affects family’s communication and interaction. Whether the abuser is the parent or a child, communication and interaction maybe a major motive to lead a family member into abusing drugs as well as abusing drugs eventually will cause lack of communication and interaction within a family because the abuser is focused on the drug and his or her next high, rather than thinking about spending time with family. If drugs are involved in a family the communication is negative and the mood within siblings is often depressing (livestrong.com, 2011). Families, who live under this type of home environment, tend to pass the same lifestyle to the next generation, and it is prone for the children to repeat the same cycle of drug abuse, lack...
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...people abuse alcohol. Reasons like these can cause someone to be dependent on alcohol for happiness, but when will they realize that alcohol cannot give them happiness? When will they realize that alcohol could potentially make their problems worse? Coming from a rural town in Alaska, I see the harmful effects alcohol has on our society; however, alcohol never used to be a problem in communities in Alaska, but somehow, it has become a substance that ruins families, culture, and nonetheless, lives. Cultures throughout Alaska were not introduced to alcohol until exploration of North America started to come to play. Before the exploration began, the native communities lived a dry lifestyle; furthermore, their way of living was not easy; Alaska was not as developed as the rest of North America. The indigenous cultures of the area roamed the tundra, forests, mountains, and the Arctic desert in search for survival and a place to call home. Families and friends were close, people were poor, but they were...
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...The Effects of Drugs and Alcohol on Academic Life Drug and alcohol use on college campuses is universal. Students articulate many reasons why they do it, but most neglect to consider both the long-term consequences of their actions. How wide-spread is drug and alcohol abuse? Teenagers today admit to extensive experimentation. According to one study, 90 percent of teens said that they have used alcohol, over 50 percent have used marijuana, 17 percent have used cocaine and 13 percent have used some form of hallucinogenic drug. Drug use has been classified as a major problem of students as early as in the fourth grade. Consequently, it is no surprise that substance use is prolific on college campuses, where many young adults are free from adult supervision for the first time in their lives. Alcohol use accounts for over 100,00 death per year in this country. It contributes to over 50 percent of all suicides, violent crimes, emergency room admissions, traffic accidents, substandard job performances and industrial accidents, and 80 percent of all domestic violence incidents. You may falsely believe that your are “safe” because you live in the small community of Melbourne and that these issues don’t really affect you. To be more specific, how can drug and alcohol abuse affect a healthy young college student like you? The statistics are staggering: • Drug and alcohol abuse is the leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24 • 95% of all college campus violence...
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...SOCI-1001-A723-2012SU3 Rose Hayes Alcoholism in Society Define the Problem Alcoholism, as defined by Merriam Webster dictionary, is “a chronic disorder marked by excessive and usually compulsive drinking of alcohol leading to psychological and physical dependence or addiction” (2012). Many people in today’s society have drinking problems, ranging from sporadic alcohol abuse to total alcohol dependence. Approximately one in every 13 adults either abuse alcohol or are alcoholics (Alcohol Abuse and Dependence, n.d.). More than likely a person who abuses alcohol will eventually become alcohol dependent. It not only affects the individual, but family and friends as well. Alcohol, although legal, is a drug. It is societies most commonly used drug and is considered our number one drug problem (Understanding Alcohol and Alcoholism, n.d.). It is directly related too much of the crime we see today. As with other drugs, there are people who have an alcohol dependency but are afraid to acknowledge their problem and get help. Identify the Causes According to the Mayo Clinic staff (n.d.) “Alcoholism is influenced by genetic, psychological, social and environmental factors that have an impact on how it affects your body and behavior.” Young and old are affected equally. Alcohol does not discriminate. The decision to drink is a choice that one makes. There are many different reasons a person will choose to drink. Many people turn to drinking to cope with their feelings and have...
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...It is very important to learn about the psychological and physiological effects of substance abuse on the human body to prevent substance usage, and to discover if there is a possibility of reversing harmful effects. In many cases, substance abuse starts with misinformation, or miscommunication. A person who does not know the negative effects a substance can have on the body is more likely to start abusing said substance. In order to properly inform, and warn the public of the effects that harmful substances can have on your body, one must first learn about it themselves. It is also imperative to know specifically how different substances affect the human body in order to potentially reverse harmful effects. The most commonly used addictive substance in the United States is Alcohol. According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, 1 in every 12 adults have problems with alcohol abuse. Because, it is the most commonly used, it is important to know precisely how alcohol can affect the human body. Not only does alcohol affect the human body, but it also heavily damages the economy of the United States, and to ease this burden it is important to know how to reduce these effects. The...
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...Group Observation and Reaction Paper “Rum and Vodka” Substance Abuse Training Lenore M. Jackson HUS 340 Abstract In the art of war there is no room for making one’s own rules. Rules are set in place to ensure good discipline and order. When good discipline and order are compromised due to substance abuse, our national security is at risk. It is the mission of the Armed Forces to ensure training of all sorts is available to maintain a strong and ready force. Introduction From the time you arrive at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), a new recruit can fathom that life in the military is going to be full of rules and regulations. It is easy to understand that rules must be followed. This is no different when one arrives at Basic Training and finally at their first duty station and beyond. It is engrained in every service member that rules are not only going to be a very prominent part of their lives, but rules are necessary for good order and mission accomplishment. Not everyone will agree with every rule, nor will every rule be easy to follow, but it will be in everyone’s best interest to follow them to the best of their ability. We must ensure our service members are ready. A ready force is a winning force. Substance abuse is one of the many issues the Armed Forces must address and combat to ensure a ready force. Each service has its own programs and policies but the premise for all are very similar. I will examine one of the programs used...
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...Stress and alcohol abuse Chapter 2, “Stress: The Constant Challenge” explains what stress is and the effects it has on our body. It goes through and tells about the physiological responses to stress, including the effects on the nervous and the endocrine system. The chapter also explains the difference ways that stress effects people with varying personalities. We are told, “According to the American Psychological Association 43% of adult Americans suffer from stress related health problems.” (Insel, Rothe P 28) Chapter 8, “Alcohol and Tobacco” explains how alcohol affects people in different ways. It further explains that there are biological reasons for how our bodies absorb and metabolize alcohol. “Drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short time can rapidly raise the BAC into the lethal range. Death from alcohol poisoning may be caused either by central nervous system and respiratory depression or by inhaling fluid or vomit into the lungs.” (Insel, Rothe P 180) Drinking alcohol produces physiological stress and some of the body’s responses to alcohol are similar to its responses to stressors that you already have. Yet people say they drink to relieve stress. This can be compared to a double- edged sword. Stress is stress and it is always going to be there. Very seldom do people have good outcomes when they let their stress turn them to alcohol. Some drink to relieve stress while drinking itself creates stress in one s life. For example: DUI’s, speeding...
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...use of alcohol and illegal drugs is very common around the United States. Although both alcohol and illegal drugs have serious side effects people still use them to gain the feeling of satisfaction during parties, reunions, or any other social event. Both alcohol and illegal drugs cause many damages to our society and the individual. For these reasons alcohol and illegal drug abuse classes should be mandatory at all high schools at some point. Alcohol is a gateway drug in the United States. This means that alcohol can be considered the first step to be involved in any other illegal drug. The abuse of alcohol or drugs has very serious side effects. As any other substance that is taken without a proper control alcohol and drugs can become...
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...(I)-substance abuse affects on my life Substance abuse is one of the main universal problems that affects individuals daily. Several individuals experience the impact of untreated substance abuse during his or her lifetime. Today a fluctuating percentage of substance abusers admits to feeling depressed due to a variety of warranted concerns. This illness can cause thoughts of suicide, mixed emotional feelings, and negative effects / stressors on life. I have learned that substance abuse has been a difficult topic to handle for decades. Substance abuse have been a major issue in our country for a long period of time. It is safe to say that addictions and abuse to drugs stem from curiosity, bad associates, and willingness to try. I myself was affected from substance abuse growing up. I grew up with two other siblings a sister and a brother. My father was an alcoholic, and he eventually was diagnosed with alcoholism. As a result of his substance abuse, he developed a desire for alcohol and would easily take it if the opportunity presented itself. When I was young around the age of 10years old is when it began but I didn't start having problems from it until I was around 14 years of age. As a teenager when matured, I recall asking my mother questions "why is dad losing so much weight, why is he always yelling at us and being mean, why is dad throwing up..." and so forth. From my dad's negative behavior and gestures, I started changing. As a result, I began being angry...
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... | |Substance Abuse | |Final Research Paper Substance abuse is characterized as a social problem in numerous parts of America. Substance abuse is defined as a pattern of harmful use of substances for mood-altering purposes (“Drug Abuse”). Drug abuse is the use of illicit drugs or abuse of prescription or over the counter drugs for purposes other than those for which they are indicated or in a manner or in qualities other than directed (“Drug Abuse”). Many people believe that substance abusers, drugs abusers, and addicts should be able to stop taking these substances and drugs if they are willing to change their behavior. What many people do not understand is that substance and drug abuse is a problem that needs to be addressed. It is not as easy as some people think to stop using these substances and drugs. There are several causes for substance abuse. Substance abuse ranges in many different ages from teenagers to elderly. This social problem can affect families and many different individuals. 50% of Americans have a beloved one who is suffering from a substance or drug abuse problem at any given time (“Home”)...
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...Alcohol Abuse Byron Williams HCA 430 Special Populations Lynne Trevisan 1 July 2013 Alcohol Abuse Alcoholism is a disease that is creating a heavy burden on society. Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing. It is medically considered a disease, specifically a neurological disorder, and in medicine several other terms are used, specifically "alcohol abuse" and "alcohol dependence" which have more specific definitions. “Every year alcohol is responsible for 1/2 of all murders, accidental deaths, and suicides; 1/3 of all drowning, boating, and aviation deaths; 1/2 of all crimes; and almost 1/2 of all fatal automobile accidents” (Wells, 2000). Alcohol is a potent nonprescription drug sold to anyone over the national legal drinking age, 21 and Substantial evidence exists that both the presence and quality of family ties and the attitudes and practices of families themselves are correlated with individual members’ propensity to drink, smoke, or use drugs. Culture\Ethnicity and Income are two factors that increase vulnerability to alcoholism. In all societies, alcoholic beverages are used as powerful and versatile symbolic tools, to construct and manipulate the social world. In most societies alcohol use is considered a social activity. However in some cultures alcohol use...
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...Arguments of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Arguments of Alcohol and Drug Abuse “If drinking is causing problems with your life, you have a drinking problem” says Smith, Melinda, MA, with helpguide.org. With the holidays upon us, this is a common argument between individuals with family members, law enforcement officers, hospitals and mores. Many feel that since drinking has been around since the dawning of time it can be controlled by choice. If you ask that question to someone that has lost their job, family, home or way of life due to them being unable to control their drinking, they would argue differently. Alcohol and Drug addiction is not just a choice but a disease that affects everyone around them including family and loved ones. Addiction is a family disease not just an individual says Hara Marano, “The first step”. Although one can never be cured of addiction, there is help to learn how to live life without the use of drinking or using drugs. It’s up to the individual to want to get that help. Addiction by definition is the use of any chemical substance to alter states of body or mind for other than medically warranted purposes. It doesn't matter whether its beer, hard liquor, or a glass of wine, addiction doesn't choose its vessel, it all becomes harmful. In the medical field, it’s becoming increasingly common to hear someone argue that they aren't addicted to the medicine because it’s prescribed, but if it’s not taken as it is supposed to be or if you begin to...
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...Alcoholism-Nature Or Nurture? Alcoholism can affect anyone. It has enormous costs as it pertains to societies, families, and individuals. It is not prejudicial towards any race, color, sex, religion, or economic level. Although we do have ideas as to what alcoholism is, what we do not know is the exact cause(s) of this problem. Researchers are continually seeking answers to the long-standing nature versus nurture debate. Different views are split between a biological paradigm and a psychological paradigm. No one explanation seems to be better than another is. I will present views of the effects alcoholism has on society and an insight to the factors that serve to fuel the nature or nurture debate concerning alcohol abuse and alcoholism. STATISTICS: The abuse of alcohol alone is estimated at $144.1 billion dollars annually. Every man, woman and child in America pays nearly $1,000 a year to cover the costs of unnecessary health care, auto accidents, crime and loss of productivity resulting from alcohol abuse. Alcohol deaths account for approximately five percent of all deaths occurring in the United States. Alcohol is considered to be one of the most widely used drugs as it attacks the central nervous system. Two-thirds of all adults drink alcohol; one-third of those are under the age of eighteen. The term alcoholic is commonly used to refer to a person who is severely dependent on alcohol as a result of their drinking pattern. Not everyone with an alcohol problem becomes an alcoholic. If...
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...their responsibilities? They chose that life. Or is there much more to substance abuse than what people who haven’t experienced it firsthand know. Growing up I have experienced substance abuse in many ways, most predominantly through my dad. Alcohol was pretty much a staple in my family as I’m sure it is in many families all over the world. It wasn’t weird that whenever family was together everyone was drinking. It was just what it was and it was normal for us. I thought everyone’s dad was just like my dad, and my dad was awesome. All the time I would hear “shh don’t tell mom, just get in the car” and we would go out and have fun and everything was great, most of the time. But it came with serious problems, but only being a kid I thought screaming, yelling, and getting hit when you were out of line was just how things were. This essay is in no way meant to paint my dad in a bad light. As of right now my dad and I live together in a small apartment and I can honestly say he is my best friend, but it’s been a long battle of recovery that I possibly cannot explain in a short essay. So I will give you snapshot of what substance abuse can lead too and how it can affect a family. If you were to classify my dad or fit him into one the thousands of stereotypes out there you would have called him a functioning drunk. In a social setting he was always the happy guy who always had a little too much, but everyone liked him. He always worked and held a good blue collar job, so does that count...
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...Mental health concern is becoming more common in today’s society. However, there is a raising concern for the correlation between aging and mental health. With age comes health concerns due to the fact that all organ systems in the body undergo an aging process. Mental illnesses in older adults include, but are not limited to: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This paper will discuss the raising concern of mental health and aging, new treatment options, approaches to mental health in the elderly, and recent studies conducted on each of these critical and debilitating diseases. Depression is a very common, yet devastating disease originating from the brain. It can affect...
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