Premium Essay

Alcohol And Substance Abuse

Submitted By
Words 826
Pages 4
Alcohol and Substance Abuse Disorder Substance abuse is the continued use of any medication, non-medically indicated drug, or toxins such as but not limited to opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives, stimulants, cannabinoid drugs, cocaine-based drugs, hallucinogens, inhalants, and alcohol. Those with substance abuse often fail to meet social and professional obligations, and they are subjected to interpersonal conflicts as well as legal problems. Substance abuse is more frequently diagnosed among those who are just beginning to take drugs. Substance abuse is often an early symptom of substance dependence, however while substance abuse could eventually evolve into substance dependence or addiction, substance abuse can linger for extended periods …show more content…
In addition to the general symptoms of substance abuse there are drug specific symptoms, for example someone that abused alcohol would show signs of intoxication such as slurred speech, lack of coordination, unsteady walking, memory impairment, as well as behavioral changes including aggressive behavior, volatile moods, and impaired functioning. There are three goals for the treatment of people with substance abuse disorders, the first is that the patient refuses to or reduces the use of the substance, second is the patient reduces the frequency and severity of relapses, finally the patient must develop the psychological and emotional skills necessary for integration back into society. However before treatment can begin patients usually undergo detoxification, the process of weaning a patient from his or her substance use, this can be done by immediately stopping all substance use, or by slowly curtailing the patients …show more content…
Untreated alcohol abuse for example can damage the brain as well as the liver. Heavy consumption of alcohol can have extensive effects on the brain ranging from memory loss to total blackouts. Heavy drinkers can develop serious and persistent changes in the brain. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism 80 percent of alcoholics have a thiamine deficiency and they can eventually develop brain disorders such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (WKS). WKS consists of two separate syndromes, Wernicke’s encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s psychosis. The symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy are paralysis of the nerves that move the eyes, difficulty with muscle coordination, and mental confusion. Korsakoff’s psychosis patients are forgetful and have difficulty with walking as well as coordination. Heavy drinking can damage the liver, the liver breaks down alcohol and harmlessly clears for the body. Liver dysfunction is left unattended can also harm the brain, leading to a serious disorders such as hepatic encephalopathy which causes changes in sleep patterns, mood, and personality; depression; shortened attention spans; and problems with

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

The Four Stages Of Substance Abuse

...How likely is someone going to get addicted to a substance? Around the world there are those who consume addictive substances because of peer pressure, enjoyment, or relaxation. Whatever the reason, there is a call for concern when harmless recreation becomes dangerous abuse. There are many causes for substance abuse disorders but what is crucial to determine is what the root cause is. What is the initiating cause of a casual chain of events that leads to a certain outcome? In other words, what is the very first thing that inhibits the substance abuse to develop? Substance abuse can be defined as the condition in which one or more substances leads to a clinically significant impairment or distress. However, who’s to say that that kind of distress...

Words: 2428 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Drug Abuse

...Problem Statement An investigation into the effects of substance abuse as a cultural habit on the health of students at Manchester High School within the age group 14- 20. Research Questions * What are the types of substances mainly abused? * How has substance abuse become a cultural habit? * What are the most devastating health effects of substance abuse? * What are the possible solutions to reduce the number of students who indulge in substance abuse? Rationale Substance abuse is a growing trend amongst teenagers including those at Manchester High and being within that age group, the researcher’s interest was generated to uncover how substance abuse as a cultural habit affects one’s health. The researcher’s aim is to educate the readers about these habits and highlight the reasons youths are involved thus identifying ways to solve the problems. The researcher also aims to fulfill the outlined requirements of the CAPE Caribbean Studies course. Delimitations The research is delimited to the effects of substances abuse from the perspectives of fourth to sixth form students at Manchester High School, located at 4 Perth Road, Mandeville Manchester. The sample size chosen was twenty (20) participants between the ages of 14-20 of both genders, which are essentially fourth to sixth form students. This group was ideal as they are the most likely group who would be aware of substance abuse. The sample size was selected as it was an easy range of...

Words: 3430 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Adolescent Substance Abuse

...Running Header: Substance Abuse Adolescent Substance Abuse Dana Sweitzer Liberty University Abstract Adolescent substance abuse is a major problem in society. There are many risk factors that can contribute to adolescent substance abuse. One of the main risk factors is peer pressure. When adolescents start at a young age there is an increase in health problems, addiction, and over all poor social outcomes. Parental influence has substantial effect on adolescents because the adolescent sees their parents and they learn by their example. Media plays a role in the use of drug and alcohol use among young people. Many school systems have implemented programs that teach adolescents about the problems of substance abuse that is funded by the government. The community health nurse helps provide education in the community. The cost for substance abuse can be astronomic. Emergency room visits, treatment programs and even court costs lead to billions of dollars annually. The key to prevention is education. Adolescent Substance Abuse In society today adolescent substance abuse is a growing problem. There are many risk factors that can lead to substance abuse. It is important to understand the reasons behind why the adolescent begins the experimentation of drugs and alcohol. Media plays a role in adolescent substance abuse. Many times advertisement and movies betray alcohol or drug use as fun and not addictive. Many times the people are happy and having a good time. This gives...

Words: 1655 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Gender Abuse and Addiction Proposal and Annotated Bibliography

...Gender abuse and addiction proposal Name Institution Course Tutor Date Gender abuse and addiction proposal Before, drinking of alcohol and abuse of other drugs was related to boys. Nowadays, girls are also caught in the statistics of drug abuse and alcoholism. The major problem is that the behaviour starts during the most sensitive stages of individual development and should be given a serious look. There are very many factors that influence alcoholism and drug abuse in both boys and girls. The factors include overall stress, peer influence, less supervision from the parents and even access to more spending money than usual and previous generations. However, the most crucial objective is to tackle the rapidly increasing rate of consumption and abuse. The best way to reduce such issues starts with self-awareness. This is because most people voluntarily start the behaviour and so they can voluntarily stop. If the appropriate approaches are implemented, it is possible to end gender abuse and addictions to drugs and alcohol (Green, 2006). Methodology The best way to tackle the challenge is to convince the victims to self-control and addition of several back up factors to ensure effectiveness. For boys and girls, the family has a great impact on substance use. Through supervision and parental attitudes, both genders find a link to drug abuse. Hence, the family plays a major role and should play a big role in monitoring the life of their children. This shows why there are fewer girls...

Words: 2045 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Substance Abuse

...Substance abuse is the destructive pattern of use of any substance for mood altering purposes, which leads to addiction and many other potentially serious problems (NCDHHS). Substance abuse is not limited to the abuse of drugs; it also includes inhalants, alcohol and solvents. In reality, nearly any substance can be abused (NCDHHS). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), the abuse of illicit drugs and psychotherapeutics has increased; with 9.2 % of the population over the age twelve having abused some substance. Not surprisingly, there has been a rapid increase, (due to its easy access) in the use of marijuana (National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014). Whilst there is no definitive cause of substance abuse, there are a myriad of factors that can trigger it. Socioeconomic status, family history, child abuse, depression, low self-esteem, stress; these are but a few reasons that can trigger substance abuse in an individual. Having relationships with people who use abuse substances, or accept their use as normal can also lead a person to develop substance abuse issues (Robinson, Smith &Saisan, 2014). There is no precise way to determine if someone will or does abuse substances, but there are some things one can look for and identify as indicators of substance abuse. Lack of interest in activities, depression, taking unnecessary risks, becoming drunk or high regularly, preplanning substance abuse, needing more and more substances to get drunk or high and blacking...

Words: 1967 - Pages: 8

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

Substance Abuse

...Substance Abuse Just like many disease or mental illness, substance abuse does not discriminate. Substance abuse can result from sociocultural, due to stress of environmental factors, social economics and unemployment’s. The use of substance abuse whether it is alcohol, prescription drugs, or other method it is a stress reliever for the abuser, helping them escape. The addiction to substance abuse makes it hard to function and work in the real world because the abuser becomes dependent and develop higher tolerance. Those suffering from substance abuse may have genetic been given through it through an addict mother, or suffering through a life crises of depression, stress and anxiety. Psychological Factors There is several reason one would try drugs that may turn into substance abuse, it could be the mere fact of stress and unemployment, abusing alcohol or substance abuse allows the person to be able to relieve the stress and feel at peace. Substance abuse can result from social economics and surrounds, whether it is something we see on television or dealing with peer pressures of friends, family and coworkers. The void drugs fill in your life will take part of you life making it hard to accomplish any tasks. Effects The effect of substance abuse can result in changes in the brain interfering with the ability to think clearly, exercise good judgment, controlling our behavior, and this results in poor work performance. You frequently call out of work, running late, struggles...

Words: 594 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Substance Abuse

...Substance abuse The 5th edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) combines substance abuse and substance dependence to mean the same thing (American Psychiatric association, 2013). Substance abuse refers to the habitual non-medical substance seeking, and the substance taking behavior which is suppression or resistance through its pharmacological consequences. Substance abuse may therefore include the use of alcohol, abuse of cigarettes, food, sniffing of solvents or even the abuse of nicotine and caffeine (Nordegren, 2002). Substance abuse has been taken to generally refer to the use of hard drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. Every year, United States spends billions of dollars on increased health care cost, low productivity and increase in crimes. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, substance abuse costs United States 524 billion dollars a year of which 181 billion dollars is as a result of illicit drugs. Given the huge expense, there is therefore a need to understand the physical, social and psychological effects that substance abuse presents, analyze the factors contributing to substance abuse, examine the range of interventions used, and examine how managing substance abuse is influenced by cultural, legal, as well as political issues. Though at times substance abuse is completely something that an individual may pick from nowhere, there are some risk factors which may play a significant role in an individual’s substance abuse...

Words: 3417 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Corporate War on Drug Abuse

...The Corporate War on Drug Abuse Presented to Wendy Keller Concordia University John Molson School of Business Comm 212 Section E Prepared by Bilal Sirhan Human Resource Specialist 6355099 November 24th, 2014 MEMORANDUM To: Human resources manager From: Bilal Sirhan, Human resource specialist Subject: Analysis of different policies for alcohol and drug abuse in the workplace Date: November 24th 2014 Here is the report, which was to be completed by November 24th 2014, concerning leading companies’ exemplary policies on substance abuse within the workplace. The study involved analyzing the different substances used by workers and evaluating different approaches that companies across North America take to help these individuals. Although the results presented show that a small percentage of people are actually considered as substance abusers in the workforce, there is evidence that the corporations succumbing to employees abusing drugs and alcohol suffer heavy losses. This even directly affects the economy as a whole in significant numbers. Therefore, we must establish a strong policy and different programs to help these workers overcome this issue. It is my hope that this report will allow our company to have the necessary information to establish the right strategies and support groups to anyone suffering from substance abuse. Please let me know if there are any further questions...

Words: 2997 - Pages: 12

Premium Essay

Ladlord Assignment 01

...LIFE ORIENTATION LESSON 1 General information Teacher: B Stemele Topic: Substance abuse Duration: 1 hour School: St Andrews School for Girls Grade: 8 Date: 6 March 2015 2 Specific aim(s) for Life Orientation * Guide learners to achieve their full physical, intellectual, personal, emotional and social potential; * Develop learners’ skills to respond to challenges and play an active and responsible role in the economy and society; * Teach learners to exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities and to respect the rights of others; * Guide learners to make informed and responsible decisions about their health, environment, subject choices, further studies and careers; and * Provide opportunities for learners to demonstrate an understanding of, and participate in activities that promote movement and physical development. 3 Lesson aims: (Knowledge, skills, values and attitudes) Knowledge | Skills | Values and attitudes | TerminologyWhat is substance abuse, illegal and legal substances? What makes teenagers to start abusing these substances? * General knowledge about drugs * Signs and symptoms of substance abuse * Investigate factors contributing to substance abuse * Health risks for teens (Effects – physical, mental & social) * Effective Treatment Approaches * Where to go for help? | * Research * Analyse * Compare * Summarize * Apply * Decision making | * Responsibility...

Words: 3637 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Substance Abuse And Domestic Violence Essay

...Substance abuse is interconnected with domestic violence mainly alcohol which plays a role in the domestic abuse. According to research, alcohol abuse correlates with violence, and this isn’t a myth but a mere fact. However, in many cases, violence perpetrators do not drink heavily they use the small amount they have drunk to commit violence against their victims in the name of drunkenness. In reality, alcohol does not cause violence though it makes the situation to escalate. The substance abuse is just a scapegoat to justify violence. According to research abusers are more likely to commit the crime of domestic violence by behaving so violently under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, but this is usually an excuse for acting in...

Words: 563 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Alcohol Abuse

...Running Head: Alcohol and Substance Abuse 1 Alcohol and Substance Abuse Special Populations Lynne Trevisan September 14, 2013 Alcohol and Substance Abuse 2 Alcohol and Substance Abuse Alcohol and substance abuse is a very big problem in the United States. Many times it is the root cause of other problems exists in our lives. It not only affects the individuals’ physical and mental abilities, but it also affects the lives of family members. Therapy starts with the individual wanting to get better, and also with the members of the community taking notice of the vulnerable population in their neighborhoods, and surrounding communities. In this presentation, we will identify the people who are, or maybe most vulnerable to alcohol and substances, for whatever the reason might be, and identify the causes that make them vulnerable. We will look to implement a program into the community that will focus on prevention, and treatment in long term continuum program of therapy. These population groups, those who suffer from alcohol and drug use are most vulnerable because, there are limited jobs, leaders, and community cohesiveness. With limited jobs coming into the community, many people suffer from depression, and many times this is what starts the drinking or drug use. It might be a reaction to a problem that was already under the surface, lying dormant in a person’s sole, but the truth is, this problem only become worse once depression...

Words: 2314 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Join

...Substance Abuse Amy L. Teoli HCA/250 December 21, 2014 George Decker Substance Abuse Addiction is a complicated disease that affects the behavior and functions of the brain. It occurs when a person becomes dependent on a drug or medication. This could include legal and illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and alcohol. Substance abuse not only affects individuals, it also affects their friends, family, and other people around them. In 2012, there was an estimated 23.1 million Americans aged 12 and older who needed treatment for substance abuse (SAMHSA, 2014). Educating ourselves and others on preventing and treating substance abuse disorders is important because it can affect a person’s physical and mental health. Substance abuse can affect anyone. Some people can be functioning addicts, meaning one would never knew they had a problem. Others have trouble keeping a job, forming romantic relationships, they become needy, and withdrawal from their family and friends. Physical dependence is when the body becomes adjusted to a substance, and needs that substance to function normally. Psychological dependence is when a person uses a substance to feel the effect it produces, but their body is not dependent on it. An individual may have biological and psychological characteristics that make them vulnerable to substance abuse. Biological characteristics include genes, gender, and ethnicity. Scientists estimate that genetic factors account for about 40-60...

Words: 1734 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Lesson 11 Quiz

...targeted intervention to support students who are not responding to the primary prevention efforts of youth violence that has not yet become symptomatic. Secondary prevention would be more intensive because there are a smaller number of teen students that would require services. 2. Discuss the impact of substance abuse on mental health, child abuse, elder abuse, and homelessness. When a person has a dual diagnosis which is a substance abuse problem along with a mental health issue. A person with a dual diagnosis can decrease the ability a person had to function in their daily lives. If a person has any genetic markers for a mental health illness any use of drugs or alcohol may be enough to start symptoms or even...

Words: 776 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Group Intervention

...REVIEW OF LITERATURE 1. Kaminer, (20013), Challenges and opportunities of group therapy for adolescent substance abuse. This article focusses on group intervention used as an intervention technique for young adults involved in substance abuse. The main aim of this research is to address the challenge and opportunities regarding group treatment of adolescent involved in substance abuse. Evidence has been accumulating in support for the efficacy of diverse forms of group therapy that have been utilized with adolescents. It has been argued however, that aggregation of youths who display problem behavior into group interventions may, under some conditions, produce iatrogenic effects on all participants. This assertion known also as “deviancy training”...

Words: 1575 - Pages: 7