Special Issues Relating to Drug Use by Children - Essay Example

Special Issues Relating to Drug Use by Adolescents and/or Children Name Course Name and Code Instructor’s Name Date Introduction Drug abuse refers to the use of both licit and illicit substances both natural and synthetic to alter the thoughts, behavior and feelings of an individual (UNDCP, 1997). Globally, drug and substance abuse started thousands of years ago with marijuana, alcohol, heroin, cocaine and tobacco being the commonly used substances. People of all ages ranging from children to adolescents to adults find themselves entangled in this dangerous web of drug and substance abuse. It is not only the fore mentioned illicit substances that are used but also licit drugs such as pharmaceutical products are used in excess to give similar effects as those of using the illicit drugs. A world report by UNDCP in 1997 on the use of drugs classifies drugs of abuse into three categories namely: depressants such as heroin and barbiturates; stimulants such as cocaine, crack and amphetamines; and hallucinogens such as marijuana and ecstasy. Depressants are sedatives which act on the nervous system whereas stimulants are substances that activate, enhance or increase neural activity hallucinogens are chemicals that produce profound mental changes such as euphoria, sensory distortion, anxiety, delusion, vivid hallucination, paranoia and depression. The use of illicit drugs in Australia became widespread in the 1960s during the Vietnam War when United States soldiers came for recreational leave in Australia (Penington, 1999, p. 1). The top two commonly used drugs at that time were cannabis and heroin with cannabis use rising to almost 1000 percent in New South Wales and spreading to other parts of Australia by early 1970s (Penington 1999, p.1). Penington (1999) further indicates that heroin accounts for 10 percent of mortalities among young Australians aged between 25 and 34 years. The teenage group which encompasses young people aged between 12 and 19 years is one of the most vulnerable groups to abuse of drugs and its related harms. This is a very sensitive stage in the growth of a child since it is at this age that young people are trying to establish an identity for themselves both psychologically and socially. In pursuit of establishing ones identity the youth are ready to experiment in almost all aspects of life. During this transitional period for young people, the use of adult drugs and substances such as alcohol and tobacco is common especially due to peer pressure. According to a 1997 world drug report by UNDCP, abuse of drugs among the youth worldwide has increased with the use being three to four times higher than that of the general population. The widely abused substance is marijuana/cannabis The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) (2005) gives a clear outline of the consumption patterns of both illicit and licit substances in Australia with reference to statistics by the 2004 National Drug Strategy Household Survey (NDSHS). This survey found out that 17% of the Australian population of age 14 years and above were daily smokers; around 84% of the population aged 14 years and above had consumed one full serve of alcohol in the last 12 months; 38 % of age 14 years and above had used illicit drugs at least once in their lifetime whereas 15% of this age group had used any illicit drug at least once in the last 12 months with marijuana being the most commonly used drug; and 13% of Australians in the age bracket of 14 years and above had ever abused pharmaceutical products. In the age bracket of 12-19 years, the 2004 NDSHS statistics indicate that smoking increased rapidly with age with approximately 17% of teenagers smoking on a daily basis whereas the use of illicit drugs in 2004 by this age group was also evident. The use of drugs and other illicit substances among adolescents can be attributed to several interrelated factors. Peer pressure is one of the factors that influence the use of drugs among the teenage group. In trying to establish an identity for themselves, adolescents are willing to adopt risk-taking behaviors such as drug use so as to fit in a certain group. Most of the youth join peer groups that use drugs for recreational purposes. Another reason why young people abuse substances is to alleviate the effects of child abuse which may be in form of sexual, emotional, physical or parental rejection. Young people who have been abused tend to turn to drugs for comfort so as to forget the mental, emotional and physical pain they are undergoing as well as to alleviate the fear harbored in them (Taylor, Moore, Pezzullo, Tucci, Goddard, and De Bortoli 2008). The increased availability of illicit drugs has also contributed to the increase in drug abuse among young Australians. According to Holt (2005), the 2004 NDSHS report tabled results that indicated that almost a quarter of young people of age 14 years and over had been offered or had the opportunity of using cannabis between 1998 and 2001. Other drugs such as amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy and heroin are also easily accessible by the Australian youth. The proximity of Australia to South East and South Asia, the origin of opium, makes it vulnerable to drug trafficking which has been made possible by globalization since it is easy for drug syndicates to penetrate the borders of countries. Use of illicit substances as well as abuse of licit substances such as alcohol and tobacco and pharmaceutical products has severe short term and long term consequences to users and communities. Firstly, drug abuse causes mortalities among young Australians with an estimate of 10% deaths among the youth being caused by drug abuse related complications (Penington, 1999). Mortalities may occur when teenagers drive under the influence of drugs and end up causing fatal accidents. Overdose of these drugs may also cause hypertension, respiratory depression and increased heart rate that may cause death. The effect of these drugs on perception, reaction and coordination of movements causes accidents such as motor accidents or falls that are fatal. Secondly, drug use causes mental health disorders/psychological problems such as anxiety disorders, depression, mood swings and stress. According to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare(2005), ‘persons who consumed alcohol at risky levels for a long time were more likely to be diagnosed and treated for mental health disorders as compared to non-drinkers’. Depression occurs when one withdraws from the use of drugs or after long term use of drugs that affects mental wellbeing. Mental disorders among the youth who are the most energetic group lead to a major loss in the labor market consequently affecting the economy negatively. For instance, those in the job market and are abusing drugs tend to have decreased productivity at work that can lead to job loss. Copeland, Frewen and Elkins (200, p.4) state that ‘the use of cannabis among adolescents may result to poor school performance and outcomes, lower levels of life satisfaction, running away from home as well as early sexual activity and teenage pregnancies’. An indirect cause of mental illness among children is the abuse of drugs by expectant mothers who later give birth to children with abnormalities. Thirdly, drug use among adolescents leads to indulgence in risky sexual behaviors since drugs alter ones perception and judgment. Risky sexual behaviors include engaging in unprotected sex as well as having multiple sexual partners which can lead to contraction of sexually transmitted infections or even worse the incurable HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS can also be contracted through sharing of injecting equipment among drug injecting users. Other diseases such as Hepatitis B and C can also be contracted through sharing of drug injecting equipment. Moreover, the drug abuse causes severe health damages in the long run. For example, long term use of alcohol leads to liver cirrhosis whereas smoking of tobacco is related with cancers such as throat and lung cancer. Inhalants such as glue, paint and gasoline are toxic substances that cause liver, kidney or heart damage as well as brain degeneration (UNDCP, 1997). The use of ecstasy and cannabis has the long term effects of permanently altering brain functions and damaging of vital body organs like the liver. These health issues in the end lead to mortalities since damage of vital body organs is fatal. Furthermore, there is a close relation between drug use and crime. Drug trafficking has become widespread especially due to globalization which has opened up borders between countries (UNDCP, 1997). More so, Australia is very vulnerable to drug trafficking by drug syndicates from South East and South Asia which are home of opium. Drug addicts also turn to crime in order to get money for purchasing illicit drugs which are expensive. The use of drugs causes mood swings which may consequently lead to violent/aggressive behavior. Drug abusers are usually on the edge and may result to violence/assault which according to the law is an offence. Crime is a social problem that affects the society at large. However, all hope is not lost in the efforts to save the Australian youth from the drug abuse crisis. There are several strategies that can be adopted to prevent and reduce the use of drugs among Australian youth and the general population. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2004, p.12), drug abuse prevention has three main components namely: demand reduction strategies that aim at reducing the desire to obtain and use drugs which include abstinence-oriented strategies; supply reduction strategies which aim at disrupting the supply of illegal drugs, as well as limit the access and availability of licit drugs in certain contexts; and strategies to mitigate the negative health and social consequences also known as harm reduction strategies that aim at reducing the effects of drug use and drug related activities on individuals and communities. First of all, drug abuse education has been integrated in the school curriculum where young adults are educated on the dangers of using drugs. They are also taught on ways of handling cases of negative peer pressure especially in cases where peers influence one another to use drugs, alcohol and tobacco as well as engage in other risky activities (Foster, Brennan, Bighan, Wang and Saud n.d). According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2004), a school based education for drug abuse prevention can be adopted to check the abuse of drugs among teenagers. This school based education for drug abuse approach ‘encompasses educational programmes, policies, procedures and other experiences that contribute to the achievement of broader health goals of preventing drug use and abuse’( United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime 2004, p.13). Another strategy of reducing the use of drugs among Australian youth, the general Australian population as well as worldwide populations is by proper care and treatment of drug users through psychological and pharmacological interventions as well as self/help programmes that include mutual support groups (Copeland, Frewen and Elkins, 2009). Budney et al. (2007) in Copeland, Frewen and Elkins (2004) further explains that ‘psychological interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which encompasses cognitive skills to deal with risk factors such as drug refusal, coping with craving, managing mood, avoiding high risk drug use environments and finding alternative activities’. On the other hand, self-help/mutual support groups are formed by people with a common problem who meet and discuss issues affecting them and the way to move forward. These groups use cognitive behavioral therapy principles to teach members on how to cope with urges, enhance and maintain motivation to abstain and problem solving skills. To curb the supply of illegal drugs in Australia, laws and policies on drug trafficking have been implemented. Arrests have been made on drug related crimes with the most serious crimes being drug trafficking. Due to is widespread use, marijuana/cannabis recorded the highest number of drug related arrests whereby 72% arrests were done in 2003-2004 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2005, p.76). an example of a policy for curbing us of illicit substances in Australia is the cannabis policy which is guided by the National Cannabis Strategy of 2004-2009 and encompasses supply reduction strategies, demand reduction strategies as well as harm reduction strategies (Commonwealth of Australia 2006 in Copeland, Frewen and Elkins 2004). Conclusion and recommendations From the above discussion, it is clear that drug abuse is rampant among Australian youth due to factors such as peer pressure, child abuse as well as the availability of illegal substances. Statistics indicate that the most abused substance worldwide is cannabis with most Australian youth attesting that they had easy access to marijuana and had used it in their lifetime. Further, the use of illegal substances and abuse of licit drugs such as pharmaceutical prescriptions, tobacco and alcohol has far reaching implications on individuals and communities. Death, health complications, mental disorders as well as social problems such as crime and violence are the most common impacts of drug abuse. Despite the widespread abuse of drugs and other substances among Australian youth and the general population, several efforts are being geared towards fighting this national crisis. Interventions such as harm reduction strategies, supply reduction and disruption strategies and demand reduction strategies have been adopted in learning and health institutions as well as at the community level in the families and other community congregations like churches. Schools have also integrated drug education in their curricula so as to educate teenagers on the use of drugs and their dangers. Equipping teenagers with knowledge on drug abuse helps them in making informed choices about their life such as avoiding negative peer pressure. It is highly recommended that the Australian government tightens the laws on drug related crimes so as to curb both the supply and use of illegal substances. The legal punishment of drug trafficking should be harsh so as to chase away drug dealers in Australia since they will be afraid of the consequences. In addition, improvements should be made on the rehabilitation and treatment services of drug related complications especially for young people. These services should be made youth-friendly so as to encourage the youth to seek such services. Moreover, education for primary prevention of illegal substances use as well as reduction in consumption of licit substances such as tobacco and alcohol should form part of the education system of Australia. This education not only needs to be taught in learning institutions but also in other institutions such as health facilities and correctional centers like prisons. Counseling services especially for youth who have faced any form of abuse whether sexual or physical assault should also be improved and made youth-friendly in an effort to prevent primary consumption o drugs. Furthermore, parents should be counseled on how to handle their teenage daughters and sons especially when they show signs of indulging in risky behaviors such as drug abuse and early sexual activity. Finally, the government should put in place measures of detecting drug smuggling into Australia. Imported goods such as medical supplies as well as other containers are in most cases used by drug traffickers to smuggle illegal drugs into the country. The government should therefore lace drug detection devices and personnel in all importation routes such as the sea ports and the airports. References Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. 2005. Statistics on drug use in Australia 2004, drug statistics series No.15. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Bobic, N. 2011. Australian domestic and family violence clearinghouse topic paper: adolescent violence towards their parents. Retrieved from www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au/PDF Copeland J., Frewen A. & Elkins K 2009, management of cannabis use disorder and related issues: clinician’s guide, National Cannabis Prevention and Prevention Information Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney. Foster S.L, Brennan P., Biglan A., Wang L. and Saud al-Ghalth. 2011. Preventing behavior problems: what works. Retrieved from http://www.curtin.edu.au/curtin/dept/smec/iae Graycar, A., Nelson, D., & Palmer, M. 1999. Law enforcement and illicit drug control. Canberra: Australian Institute of Criminology. Holt, M. 2005. Young people and illicit drug use in Australia, social research issues paper number 3. New South Wales: University of New South Wales. Jiggens, J. 2005. The cost of drug prohibition in Australia. Retrieved from www.eprints.qut.edu.au/3442/1/3442.pdf Penington, D. 1999. An overview of drug use and drug policy in Australia. Retrieved from http://www.mov.vic.gov.au/lectures/ Sawyer et al. 2000. The mental health of young people in Australia, Mental Health and Special Programs Branch. Canberra: Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. Sawyer. 2000. Evidence-based health promotion: resources for planning, No.2. Adolescent health, department of human services, public health division. Retrieved from www.dhs.vic.gov.au/phd/0003097 Taylor, P., Moore, P., Pezzullo, L., Tucci, J., Goddard, C. and De Bortoli, L. 2008. The cost child abuse in Australia. Melbourne: Australian Childhood Foundation and Child Abuse Prevention Research Australia. U.S Department of Health and Human Services. 2003. Preventing drug use among children and adolescents: a research-based guide for parents, educators and community leaders. Maryland: National Institute of Health. UNDCP. 1997. Facing the challenge: World Drug Report. Oxford: Oxford University Press. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. 2004. Schools: school-based education for drug abuse prevention. New York: United Nations. World Health Organization. 2003. Investing in mental health. Geneva: WHO. Read More