Drug and Substance Abuse - Dissertation Example

Drug and Substance Abuse Proposal Drugs affect the lives of people once they are abused or used in appropriately. In essence drug and substance abuse interferes with the ability to think clearly and exercise good judgment (Charles 2004). Until an alternative measure is put in place to escape this urge of using drugs, then the state will continually be present. However, most drug expert partially agrees that, drug addiction is a brain disease although that does not mean that when one is an addict they are helpless because remedy is present towards (Goldberg 2010). The purpose of this paper is to analyze how drugs are abused in different ways all over the world. Moreover, it intends to investigate remedy to those affected by this predicament. Additionally, it will investigate the different measures that have been put in place to curb drug trafficking globally, the myths revolving around drug and substance abuse, as well as, how to handle cases of drug abuse. Some people have argued that drug addicts should never be forced into treatment rather it should be voluntarily. Seemingly, both parties who have been forced to go for rehabilitation or gone there voluntarily would still benefit in the long run. The paper proposes that, parents should talk to their children to shed light on the consequences of drug abuse, even monitor their children in order to understand any new developments that come form them. In addition, studies have documented that blocking the supply of drug and substance use to ensure that clients do not access the products is a crucial way of dealing with drugs (Levinthal 1999). This, in turn, would mean that, the traffickers would have no business in the field. The USA alone has addressed these issues and has put in place measures to fight this, one of this measures is by creating agencies and organizations that investigate, educate and combat drug trafficking, these has been one of its national strategy spearheaded by the current USA president. The USA congress has expressed its concern over this issue pushing it to provide funds and gather information that can assist to quell drug and substance trafficking. Drug and substance abuse A drug is a composition of chemical that adjusts, block or mimic chemical reactions in the brain; this, in turn, causes alteration of the body (Lowinson, Ruiz, and Millman 2005). Alcoholism and other drug problems are common issues, which are none the less very expensive. Drug and substance abuse effects are so adverse, and can cause medical problems, as well as, destroy families. Additionally, the effects of such drugs depend mostly on the person’s health body and age. Recent researches have indicated that, individual who use drugs and take alcohol at an early age, undergo health disorders, with 90% of them suffering from various disorders that are associated with drug and substance such as liver cirrhosis, high blood pressure among other diseases (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Seemingly children, who smoke marijuana even at a tender age of fourteen, are more than five times likely to abuse it when they are adults as compared to those who use it when they are eighteen years and above. In most cases, children from families with alcoholic parents are highly likely prone to problems with alcohol as compared to those families that are free from alcoholism, while 60- 80% of adolescents with substance use disorders have core occurring mental illness. The problems brought about by alcohol are a leading preventable cause of death in the USA, these accounts to 75,000 deaths each year. As if this is not enough, the annual cost of alcohol abuse is approximately 191.6 billion dollars. Surprisingly, teens are the highest number of users in the United States (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Due to this, the states have used over 89.5 billion dollars annually in trying to curb the vice. It is among the youth that alcohol and other drugs have been linked to an unintentional injury, physical fights, academic and occupational problems not to mention illegal behaviors. It is unfortunate that every year 5000 young people die as a result of underage drinking, while 25% of 18 to 24 years old are reported having unprotected sex especially after taking alcohol. This in itself is a health risk in terms of their education and their health life. Statistics have shown that young people attending high schools take alcohol and abuse other drugs, an issue that has continually led to adverse school dropouts. Reasons for drug and substance abuse The possibility of different opinions in relation to the issue of drug and substance abuse has been misleading especially to most of the users. For instance, certain people might encourage one to keep away from drugs. However, some adverts are used to depict how great drugs can make one feel. Some people also use drugs to experiment, and try something new especially when they are stressed and /or idle (Warner 2010). Some end up abusing drugs with a notion that the drugs are in a position can solve various life problems that they are undergoing (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Needless to mention, various research firms have shown that most people abuse drugs either to feel good of become self medicates. Individuals mostly indulge in drugs and substance abuse, in an attempt, to cope with their current situations such as stress, trauma and other symptoms of mental disorders. The number of young people abusing drugs has significantly increased over the years from 7% in 1992 to over 22% in 2002. Much of the increase is due to recreational abuse of prescription pain medication such as oxycontin and vicodin. However, college students have turned the drugs into substances that can be used at will while asserting the view that drugs such as oxycontin and vicodin are for intentional disorder like aderal. Perhaps that is why most of them argue that they do so in an attempt to increase their concentration ability in class. The report by the society for prevention research (SPR) during their meeting in Washington DC in the recent past indicated that 48% of the seventh to twelfth grade in ones study has been described as pain medication, those influenced 20% sold to them as a diversion of scheduled medication. Additionally, 8% of the students used prescription pain medication, which is an illegal act. Other studies at the meeting showed that college students attitude on the acceptability, and the safety of the prescription of such drugs have always influenced their decision while the higher percentage use the drugs due to academic pressure. Continuously, young people are influenced to drug abuse due to curiosity peer influence, risk taking, and rebellion especially in cases involving their parents. Such problems should be addressed amicably (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Understanding drug use, drug addiction and abuse Drug abuse and addiction is basically about the amount of substance consumed, it is more of consequences no matter how, and often you are consuming (Lowinson, Ruiz, and Millman 2005). Many drug users become addicted while others don’t mainly because addictions differ from one person to another. General environmental factors also play a big role in addiction. Risk factors that might increase vulnerability can be as a result of family history, which are basically babies being born from drug addict parents. Some individuals who are neglected by family members, and friends or those who have had traumatic experiences such as rape cases are in a higher position of abusing drugs. Methods of administration can also be a cause of drug addiction, for instance injecting drugs into the blood stream also leads to addiction. Drug addiction and the brain Talking of addiction it simply means that one is suffering from a complex behavior characterized by regular use. It is thereby noted that each drug produces physical effects. Most drugs such as bhang when repeatedly used can alter the brain and its function too. When taking a drug for recreational purpose it interferes with the dopamine in the brain thereby triggering feelings and making the body crave for more. When a person is addicted the substance in the body takes on the same ratio of survival as other normal behavior of survival, for example, drinking, eating among others. Furthermore, the addiction also interferes with the ability to think clearly and exercise good judgment (Lowinson, Ruiz, and Millman 2005). For stronger drugs such as cocaine, bhang the urge to use becomes so strong that one’s mind finds it hard to deny. An addict might under estimate the amount of substance they are taking and the level of its impact. Development of drug and substance addiction Most people who start abusing drugs believe that it is only an experiment especially when they continue using then because the substance excites or even alters how they feel. However, there is a thin line between frequent users of drugs, and those who take them in small quantities. As one uses drugs the amount of the drug being used gradually increases with this then leads to one gradually having the urge to use more and more drugs (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Once individuals are satisfied by drugs then they might be easily swayed into increasing the level of dependency on them. For instance, one might take drugs that make them more active when they are stressed or even more confident in front of others. Until an alternative measure is put in place to escape this urge of using drugs, then the state will continually be present (Levinthal 1999). Means of overcoming drug and substance abuse Some have always argued that overcoming drug and substance abuse is only a matter of making a choice. However, the prolonged use of drugs means the brains has undergone extreme changes thus making it difficult to stop the urge. Hence, addiction is a disease that cannot be easily brought to the hault. However, most drug expert might partially agree that drug addiction is a brain disease although that does not mean that when one is an addict they are helpless. There is a remedy towards this and that is a medical therapy and even exercise. One might be easily convinced that an addict must first hit the rock bottom before they can get any better, but hardly do they know that recovering can come at any stage of the addiction although the longer time one has engaged in the drug abuse basically means that they need more time to recover (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Addicts should never be forced into treatment they have to do it voluntarily. Seemingly, both parties who have been forced to go for rehabilitation or gone there voluntarily would still benefit in the long run. Sometimes people might think that when an addict fails to recover from the rehabilitation process the treatment has automatically failed (Lowinson, Ruiz, and Millman 2005). This is not the case but rehabilitation differs with individuals and might require extra time for some to work. Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse When one notices that they are neglecting their responsibility, for example, in work place or even at home, or perhaps because of a particular environment. When using drugs even under risky conditions is a sign that one might be suffering from drug addictions. Some use drugs, and even end up on the wrong arm of the law, for instance, some alcoholics end up fighting among others. Building up a drug tolerance environment simply means that, there is need to use the drug to experience the effects that are associated with their use. Drug addicts can also discover that they are addicted when they have no control over the usage, for instance, one might feel the need to have more and more cigarettes. Steps a parent should take when a child has drug problems When a parent discovers that their child is abusing drugs, the only thing they should remain calm even as they control the victims instead of insulting and beating them up. The calm approach makes it clear to their children that their parents’ love and care for them (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Parents should also talk to their children to shed light on the consequences of drug abuse, even after talking to a child a parent should keenly monitor their child in order to ensure any new developments. If the problem is adverse, they need to seek further assistance from professionals, such as therapists, counselors, etc. this will ensure that their children’s cases are handled in a more professional manner (Lowinson, Ruiz, and Millman 2005). Risks associated to drug and substance abuse. Hardly do most young people who experiment with alcohol and other drugs experience major issues. However, it is still dangerous because many of these drugs have their risks, which affect them both directly and indirectly. The short term risks of alcohol, and other drugs might lead to injuries; relationship problems and eventual double crossing the law (Goldberg 2010). Furthermore, such drugs have long-term effects, which can affect human development; chronic health problems. Risks associated with alcoholism can be far much greater for young people than the adults. This is mainly because they continually grow both emotionally and physically. Furthermore, heavy drinking can also affect the brain development hence leading to difficulty in learning and memory loss. War on drugs War on drugs is a campaign spearheaded by the USA government in conjunction with other countries to curb the trading of illegal drugs. The campaign was initiated by President Nixon through him the drug enforcement administration (AFDEA) was formed. Its main objective was to fight illegal distribution of drugs. The campaign has really drained the USA government for about 40 years down the line it has spent trillions of dollars. However, drug users such as marijuana has really increased in recent years. Mexico is the notorious gateway for drugs into the USA. A statement from the United States international narcotic strategy, 90% get into the USA through the Mexican border. Colombia is also a contributing factor in the increase of the number of illegal drugs in USA. Through combined effort to curb drug trafficking by both governments many drug peddlers have been arrested but this has not hindered them in any way to continue with their illegal act (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Coincidentally, the prison department has been affected by the number of increased prisoners most who come in due to drug trafficking. It is estimated that 60% of prisoners in the USA are affiliated to drug peddling meaning prison is now the home of drug traffickers. Cases for reducing drug trafficking Drug trafficking being a major problem in the USA the government has tried to control the situation, though it is now out of their hands. This problem has affected the civilians leaving the vulnerable. However, the government should divert all its attention to the in order to take care of this issue. Having raised an alarm, the current government has already shown the interest to quell this vice. In spite of this, it must be categorically noted that the process can not be a one day project; it needs time, resources and clear strategic plans in order to approach this issue (Goldberg 2010). Blocking the supply of these drugs could be the best idea because customers would not access the product; this in turn would mean that the traffickers would have no business in the field. This, therefore, requires a more sufficient method in order to stop the illegal business. Indeed coming up with methods such as setting up educative systems that would enlighten people will be one of the best methods so far. Research show that, most youngsters abandoned the act when they are below age 20 would likely not use the drug in future (Charles 2004). Luckily most of the young people are not abusing drugs due to the strict warning and good guidance from the parents, teachers and even the elders too (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Heroin being one of the most abused drugs in the USA with its increased purification is one of the reasons why people prefer it. Furthermore, it is no longer required to use an injection. This has encouraged those who feared injection to use it even more. Other means have been introduced. Heroine has now become easily available; this has been enhanced by traffickers from Columbia who have sorted to be farmers of the drug hence importing it to the USA on large scale. Similar to heroine farmers, those who traffic cocaine also engage it due to its rising demand. To reduce the supply of this drug, it requires the international initiative because it’s a global problem. The USA alone has addressed these issues and has put in place measures to fight this, one of this measures is by creating agencies and organizations that investigate, educate and combat drug trafficking, these has been one of its national strategy spearheaded by the current USA president whose government has championed for the formation of new laws in the wake of prevailing illegal drugs from gaining access into the country. Besides, the prison department has ensured that all prisoners are inspected regularly (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). Rehabilitation centers have also been put in place with a combined effort; the organizations investigating money laundering have been created. According to Gonzalez and Tienda 2004, the USA authorities and other governments are trying to fight drug peddling, it is believed that the less amount of drugs getting into the border the lower the possibility of people gaining access. Due to such measures all the race for drug peddling has made drug traffickers to find it very hard when moving around with the drugs (Charles 2004). But surprisingly, they have well organized networks that enable them to transport drugs easily due to their advance technology and equipments this means that authorities to be smart in order to match them (Goldberg 2010). The elusiveness of the drug peddlers has also stimulated the creation of operation alliance that tries to keep the borders in check especially the national borders. Drugs from Colombia and USA take a long distance before they reach the border. In 1998, one tone of cocaine was captured. However, even as the traffickers resolved to use speed boats, which are very fast arriving at their destination before sunrise, it was very difficult to capture them. The drug traffickers have now sought to use every opportunity to ensure they control both the air and water space. It has been realized that putting an end to this is a great risk which requires more than just capturing and ensuring the water bodies are patrolled. The international coordination has really played a vital role in patrolling such zones. The USA government, which is on the forefront campaigning against drug trafficking has ensured that it gives help to other neighboring states who face similar challenges (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). The only way to control cocaine trafficking is to do away with coca plant, which is the raw material for cocaine. However, Colombia, on the other hand, was affected by the increasing number of cocaine production with respect that it is widely grown in rural areas, which are not even monitored by government officials. This in itself has contributed to cocaine production in large numbers. Heroin has also been controlled in the region where they are widely grown. Even though Afghanistan is the world largest heroin producing country, USA through its influential abilities has failed to suppress that perhaps because of its 3% need for heroin. This might lead to diversion of heroin supplies to other countries (Gonzalez and Tienda 2004). The control of this drug is to cut the supply from the main source. Bhang is also an illegal drug in USA. The USA congress has expressed its concern over this issue pushing it to provide funds and gather information that can assist to quell drug trafficking. Conclusion Drug abuse has become one of the key threats among human’s beings globally. As much as one might ignore its effects to the body of human beings, it has become one of the alarming killer factors apart from diseases. It has come to our concern that drugs and substance abuse is a disease of its own and it needs keen attention and joint forces to fight against drug trafficking and not to mention drug abuse as well. Bibliography: Charles, B., 2004. Why Drug Legalization Should Be Opposed. Criminal Justice Ethics, 17 (1): 7-12. Goldberg, R., 2010. Drugs across the Spectrum. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Gonzalez, G. and Tienda, M., 2004. Drug Connection in U.S.-Mexican Relations. San Diego: Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies. Levinthal, C., 1999. Drugs, Behavior, and Modern Society. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, Lowinson, J. H, Ruiz, P and Millman, R. B., 2005. Substance abuse: a comprehensive textbook. Philadelphia. Lippicott Williams & Wilkins. Warner, J., 2010. U.S. Border Security: A Reference Handbook. Santa Barbra, CA: ABC- CLIO, LLC Read More