Substance abuse course - Essay Example

SUBSTANCE ABUSE Substance abuse remains a contentious issue in the society. Critical analysis of the substance abuse debate shows that it has go ne deep in the society. The sensitivity of the matter has seen movies acted to emphasize the overriding negative effects of substance abuse. Close assessment of the movie Leaving Las Vegas proves the overwhelming health related risks and social challenges associated with substance abuse. In the movie, Ben is the main actor who stands in place of the substance abuse victims in the society.

Drinking is one of the widely talked about problem especially where rate and level of alcohol consumption is excessive. Many lives and families have been ruined due to alcoholism like in the case of Ben in the film under consideration. It is a common responsibility for each member of the society to face the menace of alcoholism as it translates to high cost in terms of loss of life and ill-health. The ensuing frustration from wasted life and loss of job sinks victims even deeper. This is evident in the movie which portrays Ben as having been abandoned by the wife and children, isolated by friends and eventually relocates to Las Vegas to drink to death.

Finding a solution to this problem requires in-depth knowledge of the stages of its development. Understanding the source of the drinking habit can be attributed to genetic and social environment factors. However, there are appropriate measures that can help in prevention of the problem in respect of each cause. Initiation stage is critical in averting the possibility of addiction. Recovery also tends to be delicate since there are high chances of relapse. It is therefore important for the society to sustain the campaign against substance abuse.

This calls for public-private partnership to consistently create awareness in attempts to mitigate the consequences of substance abuse in the society.