Premium Essay

Alcohol And Drug Abuse In The United States

Submitted By
Words 989
Pages 4
The 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 …show more content…
While the individuals are under the influence, and their brain does not work properly, people tend to take wrong decisions and may act aggressive or in instance do things they might not regularly do while they are in their 5 senses. “At least one-half of all violent crimes involve alcohol consumption by the perpetrator, the victim, or both.” ("Publications & Multimedia | National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)." U.S National Library of Medicine.) Since the individual is not thinking correctly he or she might find an attack to a person much easier than it would be while sober. Another crime that is very known to be committed under the influence of drugs and alcohol is rape. “75% of all acquaintance rapes involve alcohol and/or drugs.” (Alcohol Research: Current Reviews | Social and Cultural Contexts of Alcohol Use: Influences in a Social–Ecological Framework." U.S National Library of …show more content…
“Drug [or alcohol] abuse puts a lot of stress on parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents—anyone who is part of the home.” (Alcohol Research: Current Reviews | Social and Cultural Contexts of Alcohol Use: Influences in a Social–Ecological Framework." U.S National Library of Medicine.) A drug attic or alcoholic most of the time will not accept the fact that they need professional help, and that may end up in constant arguments with family members. Loss of job, constant mood changes, and the urge to find more supply can lead to losing the individual’s family members. Another way that drug attics and alcoholics destroy families is by causing their own deaths. “Heroin, cocaine and other drugs continue to kill around 200,000 people a year, shattering families and bringing misery to thousands of other people….” (Alcohol Research: Current Reviews | Social and Cultural Contexts of Alcohol Use: Influences in a Social–Ecological Framework." U.S National Library of Medicine.) The constant deaths of the individuals destroy families and can cause serious internal conflicts among the family. They bring depression, economic instability, and in cases even phycological

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Alcohol Abuse and Dependence

...Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Correlated with Age, Gender, Ethnicity, and Religion [Name of Writer] [Name of Institute] Abstract This research paper entails the correlation of alcohol abuse with age, gender, ethnicity, and religion. This paper also explains in detail the implication that can be undertaken for the substance abuse. Alcohol is one of the factors that are creating the majority of the health problems in the United States, creating negative impacts on the life of an abuser’s family and children. Alcohol abuse has direct relation to the age, gender, race and religion. Table of Content Abstract 2 Introduction 3 Discussion 4 Age 4 Gender 5 Race 6 Religion 6 Strategies for Prevention of Alcohol Abuse 7 Conclusion 7 References 8 Alcohol Abuse and Dependence Correlated with Age, Gender, Ethnicity, and Religion Introduction In the United States substance abuse is one of the most common health problem that touches life of every individual in the family, child, community, and congregation. In contrast to the popular perception, the problem of substance abuse in the United States not only results in illegal drug usage like crack cocaine, but also in the form of the recreation known as soft drinks such as marijuana, along with the usage of extra medicine use prescribed by the doctors. The influence of substance abuse and alcohol abuse on families, children, and communities are dreadful in a manner like: negligence of family, abuse...

Words: 1498 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Tobacco, Drugs, and Alcohol Economic Impact

... many “sensitive” topics, such as tobacco, drugs and alcohol are always on the table for debate; since they influence and impact our personal lives, people’s beliefs and the economy. As the United States of America continues on its present path of accumulating a deficit, many political opinions and justification will be voiced to clarify the excessive funds allocated to aid various tobacco, drugs and alcohol programs/budgets. These programs includes, but not limited to: education and awareness; local support groups; rehabilitation centers to medical finance assistance for care and medication. The programs listed above can easily be justified by local, state and/or national government bodies, but how about monies that are being missed used and/or irrelevant in helping society, which I like to, refer them as “scam expenses”. Tobacco products in the United States have influence two major problems in today’s economy. First, in recent years, numerous state governments have enacted higher tax rates on cigarettes. The governments overall explanation of higher tariff of tobacco products would hopefully lead to a decrease smoking rates. However, some disagree and different publications note the increase in taxes was solely for the purpose of increasing revenue. Overall state tax revenue from tobacco sales have dwindled in recent years in states like New York, which presently has the highest state tax on cigarettes in the United States. At first glance, people would consider this...

Words: 1310 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Drug Abuse in America

...Devin Moore Ben Cope Lifetime Fitness 4, May 2014 Drug Abuse in America Chapter 13 The United States is number one in illegal drug use throughout the world (cbsnews). Men, women and teens across the country are becoming addicted every day to drugs such as cocaine, alcohol, heroin and meth. While Marijuana isn’t technically addictive, it is still the number one used illegal drug in the United States. Marijuana has become legal in some areas in the United States. “Single adults were more likely to report marijuana and cocaine abuse”. These drugs literally destroy lives. People lose their jobs, families and homes because of drug abuse. It is a problem that has been and will be relevant for decades and decades. The definition of a drug is a “substance that alters the user’s ability to function”(Powerpoint). When your ability to function is affected, it affects your everyday life. This is why people lose their jobs and homes. People will spend all their money just get their fix. Cocaine is one of the more expensive drugs. It is very common within the wealthier communities because it can be afforded. Studies show that Americans are four time more likely to abuse cocaine then the other countries in the world (cbsnews). It is also one the most addictive drugs after Alcohol. Its different names are coke, cocaine, dope and white. It can be snorted for a quicker, shorter high or it can be injected which will cause a longer lasting high. Many people begin using...

Words: 1040 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Alcohol Abuse In The Navy

...Navy where alcohol is concerned. The use of illegal drugs and substances also lends its hand to the dismissal of many officers on a yearly basis. As a junior officer in the service, we have the ability to combat the use and abuse of these substances amongst our peers in the wardroom. We can do this by being vigilant in looking for signs of abuse, making sure that everyone understands policies, and using the referent base of power to contest the use and abuse of substances and alcohol. Unfortunately, having a sit down with a buddy of yours in the wardroom can be awkward and possibly not work. Because of this,...

Words: 1623 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Wgu Glt Task

...GLT Task 2 Substance abuse is defined as “a pattern of harmful use of any substance for mood altering purposes” (Medline encyclopedia, 2014). This includes over the counter and prescription medications. Substance abuse leads to many problems from homelessness, jail, and even death. Many people abuse substances because they have some kind of stress in their life and see drugs as a symbol for a way out (More, 2008). I will be discussing how prescription drugs have an effect on the United States economy and how social theory relates to substance abuse dependency (More, 2008). Prescription drug abuse is one of many social problems in the United States. This problem is becoming an epidemic. In most instances, people are using controlled substance that were not prescribed to them or uses a legitimate prescription that does not match the label instructions (Davis, 2011). People think that since it was prescribed by a physician it is safe. This problem has been growing over the past few years and has cost the economy billions of dollars (Davis, 2011). Prescription drug abuse may come as a surprise to people but since physicians easily prescribe medications now days, they can be accessed very easily. Most drugs that are abused are opiates, which people also illegally sell on the streets for money (Davis, 2011). These drugs can be ingested, snorted, and smoked which is a misuse of how the medication is prescribed and is considered a felony (Davis, 2011). A wide...

Words: 730 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Prevention

...Substance Abuse Prevention Programs Julie Valpuesta Grand Canyon University April 9, 2014 Substance Abuse Prevention Programs There are many substance abuse prevention programs in America. The Army Substance Abuse Prevention, Partnership for a Drug-Free NC and SAMHSA are three of them listed in this paper. They all have goals, funding, marketing, government policies and standards to which they have to adhere to. They all have components that work, problems and a certain level of effectiveness. The follow is an overview of these three agencies and how they work. Goals and Method of Operation First, we have Army Substance Abuse Prevention. The Army strives to ensure that its soldiers are properly treated when it comes to substance abuse. Their goals consist of “Increase individual fitness and overall unit readiness. Provide services which are proactive and responsive to the needs of the Army´s workforce and emphasize alcohol and other drug abuse deterrence, prevention, education, and rehabilitation. Implement alcohol and other drug risk reduction and prevention strategies that respond to potential problems before they jeopardize readiness, productivity, and careers. Restore to duty those substance-impaired Soldiers who have the potential for continued military Service. Provide effective alcohol and other drug abuse prevention and education at all levels of command, and encourage commanders to provide alcohol and drug-free leisure activities. Ensure all personnel assigned...

Words: 1623 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Alcohol and the Effects on Crime

...this vast increase? The effects of drugs and alcohol on our society are becoming more and more evident as the years pass. Even though drugs and alcohol have been around for centuries, they are becoming more popular. Along with the major drugs like cocaine, crack, and heroin, the alternative or "designer drugs like ecstasy, and GHB are becoming increasingly popular with the younger generations. Drugs and alcohol can have major effects on a person's life and of those that are involved with him/her. Today drugs are becoming more like everything else in our society, popular and expensive, which usually instigates criminal activity. When it comes to drugs and alcohol there are many different crimes that are associated with them. Whether it's selling drugs, stealing to get money for drugs, or committing a crime while on drugs, they are all drug related crimes. As you will see in this paper drugs and alcohol play a major role in crime world. In the United States the use and abuse of alcohol and drugs have had dramatic effects on the number of crimes that are committed. According to Joseph Califano Jr., President of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA), as he states in his article, "Most Crimes Linked to Drugs and Alcohol, eighty percent of crimes committed in the United States are alcohol or drug related. Of the 1.7 million people that are being held in prison today, 1.4 million of them have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, committed a crime while under the...

Words: 329 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Assignment 3

...Drug Abuse and its Effects Introduction Drug abuse is a malaise that the U.S. has been fighting since a long time and still has a long way to go, whether it is the youth or the elderly, people from all age groups, all ethnicities and races, all regions and religions, seems to be afflicted with the enigma that is drug abuse. Internationally, over 200 million people chomp through some type of illicit drugs. From ordinary bhaang, Cannabis, opium to artificial “designer” drugs like ecstasy or MDMA, barbiturate derivatives, benzodiazepines like alprazolam, diazepam, amphetamines, Phenethylamine and Tryptamine derivatives; different forms of drugs are available for inducing excitation or jubilation. What is Drug Abuse Drug abuse is unprovoked, decorative utilization of any usual or synthetic substance or drug in an unapproved amount for performance augmentation and psychosomatic effect for non-therapeutic, non-medical use by an individual with methods neither approved nor supervised by medical professionals. The society as a whole has been at the suffering end of this habit for a long time. Drug abuse has made such deeper inlays in our lives that there seems to be no end to this menace. Drug abuse is a major public health problem that impacts society on multiple levels. Directly or indirectly, every community is affected by drug abuse and addiction, as is every family. Drugs take a tremendous toll on our society at many levels. People who use drugs incident a wide array...

Words: 3056 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Substance Abuse

...Substance Abuse By: Ashley Johnson Introduction People abuse different substance/drugs for many reasons. The toll for this abuse can be seen in our hospitals and emergency departments through direct damage to health by substance abuse and its link to physical trauma. Jails and prisons tally daily the strong connection between crime and drug dependence and abuse. Although use of some drugs such as cocaine has declined, use of other drugs such as heroin and "club drugs" has increased. A drug is any substance that crosses from the bloodstream into the brain and that somehow changes the way the brain is functioning. By this definition, some common substances such as alcohol, nicotine, and even caffeine are considered “drugs.” Drug abuse implies “willful, improper use due to an underlying disorder or quest for hedonistic or immoral please” (N. Miller, 1995). Substance abuse is “harmful use of one or more psychoactive substance” (Abadinsky, 2008). The term substance abuse describes abusive or harmful use of any substance; it also known as a chemical or drug abuse. Drugs can have the wrong effects on people especially when used improperly. Not only does drug abuse harm you but it also breaks up families. Statement of the Problem According to www.medicinenet.com, the term substance abuse describes abusive or harmful use in excess of any substances. A drug is any substance that crosses from the bloodstream into the brain and that somehow changes the way the brain...

Words: 858 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Is the Future of America's Youth in Jeopardy?

...We’ve all heard it before. An elderly person rants on and on about how “corrupt” the youth of today is. Yes, we’ve seen examples of youth disregarding the idea of being law-abiding citizens, but do youth really deserve all of the blame? Not necessarily so. Today’s youth, like youth throughout time, are being influenced. The problem is just that the influences of today’s world such as, the media, education, drugs, and alcohol are growing steadily negative and poorer in quality. Social networking, the media, music, education, various drugs, and alcohol affect today’s youth in negative ways. Youth and the Media Some of the most influential vectors affecting teenagers are social networks, the media, and music. Social networking sites dominate the time of many teenagers. Paired with the entertainment industry, and things being said on television or the radio, social media can definitely change people's mindsets and emotions. Think about it. Very often, you see children posting statuses on Facebook or tweeting on twitter. And when these kids are watching television, listening to the radio, or reading magazines, often times the wrong messages are being projected to the ears of teens. The result is a changed teenager. The result is a teenager whose mind is being corrupted by the face of a few people. Nowadays, many teens have a Facebook account. The website is simple. You upload some statuses, you like somebody's pictures, you see what your friends like and update. Even though...

Words: 3076 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Drug Addiction

...Kathryn Rapp Composition II 11/12/2012 Drug Addiction Everyone knows at least one person that has been or is addicted to drugs in some way, whether it be cigarettes, alcohol, or illegal drugs. Although, not many of those people ever look past the addiction and wonder why. I’m going to lean more towards the alcohol and illegal drugs that people are addicted to and try to get past the actual problem and try to explain the reasons behind it. It has been proven that most addicts are addicted because of childhood issues and traumatic experiences they never got past. One of the most known drug addictions is alcoholism. Alcoholism is when people become dependent on alcohol and their body and mind does not know when to stop drinking. They start to feel they have to have alcohol to survive or function. Recent data from the National Institutes of Health reports that 15% of the people living in the United States are considered “problem drinkers.” Of this 15%, 5%-10% of the males and 3%-5% of the females could be labeled as alcoholics. Another study found that approximately 30% of people in the U.S. report experiencing an alcohol disorder at one point in their lifetime. Researchers from the University of California in San Diego have found that the lifetime risk of alcohol-use disorders for men is greater than 20%. They share that there is a risk of around 15% for alcohol abuse and 10% risk for alcohol dependence. (http://www.alcoholaddiction.info/alcoholism-statistics.htm) Alcoholism...

Words: 934 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Herion Abuse vs Alcoholism

...October 13th, 2015 Introduction to Independent Learning Teachers name Herion Abuse VS Alcoholism My goal in this paper is to compare and contrast the difference of Heroin abuse and Alcohol abuse. To achieve this goal, I will explain the differences and the similarities. Heroin is a very popular drug affecting all ages. It is a drug that is severely abused by mental dependency. According to narconon.org, Opium was “developed as a pain killer in approximately 1810. It was considered a wonder drug because it eliminated severe pain associated with medical operation or traumatic injuries.” This drug was used in the Civil war treating thousands of soldiers. Resulting in, becoming addicted to Heroin. At one point in the 1920’s, in the United States Heroin was sold legally. Quickly, congress realized the danger of this drug and created the Dangerous Drug Act. This act prohibited people to purchase, export, and transit Heroin. In 2011, according to drugabuse.gov Heroin has effected 4.2 million American aged 12 or order. This means, they’ve sniffed, injected in veins, or smoked this evil drug. Many documentaries have been filmed about Herion addiction. Including, Drugs, Inc, National Geographic, and Monroe news. All these documentaries have been aired on Television. Heroin has become a public focus. According to think process.org, the Obama administration “unveiled a new strategy to combat heroin abuse.” $2.5 million was funded to “give treatment rather then focusing on putting...

Words: 585 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Alcoholism

...Alcohol and Teenagers By Jonte Johnson Professor Kinnaird English 101 06 December 2011 Jonte Johnson Professor Kinnaird English 101, Section 5 06 December 2011 Alcohol and Teenagers Introduction: Alcohol abuse is described in many medical journals and books as a psychiatric diagnosis, “The Character disorder from chronic alcoholism shows itself in intellectual impairment, judgment defects, loss of mental efficiency, with general progressive deterioration in global functioning ability” (Bennett 2), describing the use of alcoholic beverages despite negative consequences. This means that an individual has no self control and does not care for the consequences that will arise if he or she continues to take massive intakes of alcohol without any regard for the safety and well being of his own and his fellow men. Alcohol abuse amongst teenagers is a growing concern for many parents and governments all over the world, “Seventeen million people suffer from alcoholism; 25% of these people are teenagers. The average victim is in his or her forties with a family and a job” (Ludwig 13). The consequences of teenage alcohol abuse has been widely reported and known yet very little has been done to stop alcohol abuse in the United States and other nations where ill-legal liquor houses and unlicensed production of alcohol is wide spread. Why Teenagers turn to alcohol: Teens use alcohol and other drugs for many reasons. They may do it because they want to fit in with friends...

Words: 1947 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Substance Abuse

... | |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”)...

Words: 2860 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Alcoholism

...PORTER 29 Jun 2014 The abuse of alcohol is a problem in our society; a social disorder that causes physical and emotional injuries to people and family life. Alcohol is the oldest drug around. It is also the most widely-used and almost 50 percent of people aged 12 and over have consumed alcohol in the United States. Most people are able to consume alcohol responsibly. However, for one reason or another, some people abuse alcohol and develop addictions.  Alcohol can destroy persons who depend on its effects to solve their problems. Not only does the use of alcohol create serious health disorders for those who drink heavily during their lifetime, but also causes serious health disorders in children whose mothers drank while pregnant. Individuals who drink alcohol are often responsible for injuring other innocent people. Each year in the United States, nearly 85,000 people die from alcohol-related causes, making it the third leading preventable cause of death in our country. (NIAAA) Many automobile accidents involve drunk drivers. People who drink endanger themselves and everyone around them. In addition, business and industry suffer financial loss because their employees drink. What might begin as casual drinking can become heavy drinking and alcoholism. Because the abuse of alcohol has a negative effect on men, women, and children, that same abuse on alcohol is a threat in our society. Although society cannot force people to stop abusing alcohol, society does try to...

Words: 2160 - Pages: 9