Drug Abuse as a Social Problem - Term Paper Example

 Abstract This paper outlines the main social problem that has inflicted all societies at large, which is the problem of drug abuse and addiction. While many different groups have claimed to attempt to solve the problem and claim to be adversely affected by the problem, the results are less than satisfactory which pose a threat to the proper functioning of society. The paper discusses the social problem caused by drug abuse and its implications and also introduces the many bodies who have a claim against drug abuse and their stances about their roles in this respect. Moreover, the paper outlines the influence of the media and institutions such as television, films, and talk shows which have a responsibility to curb this nuisance but are also responsible for increasing it. The policies adopted by different bodies and the help available in the form of awareness programs, rehab centers, legalization, and many others will be discussed as well as the outcomes and results of such efforts. Lastly, the paper concludes by mentioning the current state and statistics of drug abuse in countries such as the USA and what further steps need to be taken to prevent it. Drug Abuse as a Social Problem Introduction Every era holds its social impacts and social concerns that pose a threat to the proper functioning of society. These problems and concerns arise from society itself and the issues pertaining in it. This paper outlines a major problem that society aims to conquer in the present era, which is the problem of drug abuse. Drug abuse is a common problem found all across the globe in people of all ages, especially teenagers and young adults. While it is a serious problem, hampering the progress of many nations and robbing the youth from a healthy and happy lifestyle, it is also wrecking homes and causing early deaths amongst the middle aged groups as well. While many attempts have been made to solve this problem, it still remains a serious issue in all countries (Becker, 2008). Drug Abuse can cause serious damage to the brain and can cause the infliction of many other diseases, besides leaving the person in a desperate and helpless, state which is torturous for the person without the intake of the addictive drug. It is also an extreme expense and a major waste of money on the person and the patient’s family, besides being a worrisome situation. Hence, drug abuse should be prevented and stopped straight away. This paper outlines the causes, reactions, and policies related to the social problem of drug abuse and identify the people who are allegedly responsible for it and their claims (Stanton, 1997). Claims and Claims makers The first and utmost important part of drug abuse being a social problem is to identify those people who have a role in either preventing or increasing such activity and are linked to the expanding problem, while we may place many groups responsible for this dilemma, we can safely say that no single group holds full responsibility or so they claim. The first group that has a claim against drug abuse is the government or the authority body of the nation suffering from the problem, while the government alleges that it has made several desperate attempts and laid down several concrete laws to stop such activity, the result does not seem to be as satisfactory as needed. Several lawmaking bodies and customs officials attempt to ensure that such drugs are not imported or smuggled into their country and also set up other law enforcing authorities to ensure that such activity should be stopped abruptly in the country (Mclellan & Woody, 1983). Another group that can be held responsible for drug abuse as a social problem is the educational institutions. Educational institutions may not be providing sufficient education and check and balances on young adults and individuals enrolled in their system, in order to prevent such activity from beginning. Educational institutions also have a responsibility of informing and educating society at a young age about the harmful effects of using such substances. Moreover, they must ensure that they provide their students with a healthy environment and ensure that such activities are strongly prohibited and controlled. Any such cases should be disclosed and taken to proper rehabilitation centers immediately (Stanton, 2008). Another claim maker towards this social problem are the local authorities in the small towns and cities of a country, which are responsible for ensuring that their area has enough leisurely, educational, and productive activities for its individuals to enable them to remain on a straight path and to stay away from using harmful drugs (Stanton, 2008). While local authorities claim that they have created such productive environments, the problem still seems to persist. Doctors and medical institutions also play a role in preventing such activity. Doctors must provide and report such cases immediately to rehabilitation centres and patients must not be freed from such centres until and unless they are cured from such habits. Moreover, psychologists should ensure that they look into the psychological pressures that cause people to start relying on such substances. Such people should be provided with some psychological advice and guidance in order to enable them to come back onto a productive path (Stanton, 2008). Other groups that play a very important role in this fight against drug abuse include the media, which must ensure that it sets an example for others to follow and controls the type of content that it shows. It must also ensure that they spread awareness and documentaries on education the public about ways to detect and prevent drug abuse. The media’s efforts seem to be unproductive and without sufficient results regarding this topic as yet (Mclellan & Woody, 1983). Media and Experts One of the biggest problems in society today is the role of media in most social problems. While the media is also a means of spreading awareness and reducing social problems, it can also have a bigger impact in first constructing the social problem. In the media, there are several institutions that are responsible for creating an exciting and adventurous image of drugs. These institutions include television commercials, television programs, and films. Films depict men taking drugs or teenagers taking drugs as exciting, manly, or adventurous people and also depict that or suggest that drugs may be a means of release from your problems (Botvian, 2000). Showing superstars or public icons using such substances causes society to develop a positive image about using such things. Films concerning the Mafia and gangsters who depict that indulging in such activities as smuggling, drugs, and other violent acts is a source of adventure and excitement, pose an image of acceptance for such things in society. Other public figures, such as Lindsay Lohan, Britney Spears, and other icons who get involved in such activities are setting a bad example for the public who idolize and follow these icons. Hence, responsibility should be spread upon their part and they should be aware and conscious of the impact they have on society. The media should exert a positive influence upon society by showing programs that show the negative impact or consequences of being involved in drugs and should use experts such as doctors, physicians, and psychologists to educate the public on how to detect, protect, and prevent drug abuse (Botvian, 2000). Public Reaction and Policymaking Public reaction towards the problem of drug abuse is immense as many institutions are beginning to take notice of this persisting problem. The public has started to begin awareness programs such as the D.A.R.E program to educate youngsters about the problems of drug abuse and resistance against it (Botvian, 2000). Moreover, many NGO’s have begun programs on informing the public and distributing pamphlets on the consequences of drug abuse. They have also begun programs on taking serious cases to rehabilitation programs and helping their families prepare to help the inflicted person recover. Several groups have been formed through the public as distress about this problem increases and begins to bother more households. Such groups are the Say No to Drugs groups and donation agencies, which have spent their money on building rehabilitation centers. Moreover, the government has adopted many other policies to prevent such problems, which include higher custom controls, making such drugs illegal, frequent drug tests facilities, and some other interesting policies. Governments such as the USA have attempted to control this problem by punishing offenders and offenders who are under age are sent to probation centers. Superstars such as Lindsay Lohan are not let off on such circumstances but are tried in court and punished accordingly (Stanton, 2008). Countries such as India have adopted a responsible attitude by prohibiting stars from smoking or indulging in such activities in public and control the sort of content shown in their movies. Some governments have adopted the policy of legalizing drugs as they believe that this will reduce their intake. Governments such as that of the Netherlands believe that things that are prohibited are more attractive; hence, they have legalized light drugs such as marijuana on the basis that once these drugs are legalized, people will not be as attracted to them anymore. The media is also spreading further awareness about the causes and implications of drug abuse and the ways to prevent it. Social Problems and Policy Outcomes While all groups have made their attempts at curbing and solving the problem, it is important to calculate the results to see whether an improvement has been made. Although many attempts have been made and many socially desirable outcomes have resulted from them, preventing at least a few people from dying a drug abused death, however, statistics of drug abuse still remain high. It is found that about 25% of people in the USA die because of drug abuse, which is an alarmingly high number. Moreover, 65% of people get access to alcohol and other drugs through family members, a very upsetting statistic (Drug Abuse Help, 2009). It should come under notice that it is very expensive to cure a drug addict and sometimes it can lead to death of the person if the person’s blood relies on the drug largely. Policies in informing teenagers and young adults about drug abuse seem to be having little affect but do help in preventing or reducing some cases. However, American households still suffer from 10,000 deaths a year and this is most commonly found amongst 18-29 year olds (Drug Abuse Statistics). Family support and struggle is very important as it shows that 1 of every 4 teens discusses the problems of drug abuse with their parents once in a week, and those that are frequent in this activity are less likely to become involved in the intake of drugs (Drug Abuse Help, 2009). Government roles to provide employment to underrepresented groups such as Africans and Hispanics has also posed a better situation as these two groups are usually the most prone to drug intake in the USA. This can be because of several reasons such as poor economical backgrounds, less opportunities, and upsetting circumstances. NGO’s who have started work against domestic violence have also helped in reducing the social problem as 75% of domestic violence is caused because of drug addiction. Hence, work against domestic violence is also helping in reducing drug abuse (Drug Abuse Help, 2009). Conclusion Drug abuse remains a large problem today as statistics show how far and wide this nuisance has spread. Despite the efforts of many groups, people still indulge in such harmful activities, which lead to the destruction of society. Statistics show that most students in the 8th grade in the USA have smoked, tasted alcohol, or taken weed when offered. Moreover, 50% of Americans have a close relative or friend who is suffering from such circumstances (Drug Abuse Help, 2009). One should notice that drug abuse does not only harm the person him/herself but leads to a lot of other problems for the rest of society and their family members. Intake of alcohol can lead to birth abnormalities and children who come from a household suffering from drug abuse are likely to suffer from several problems such as asthma, ear infections, and poor educational performance. Moreover, drug addiction leads to further economic problems as it poses a huge burden on the pocket of the individual while taking drugs and even twice the amount of medication needed for a normal patient when they are trying to recover (Johnston & O’Malley, 2008). Such information should be dispatched to people involved in such activities and families and parents should pay close attention to the needs, whims, and worries of their children during their teenage years. Attention from the family can go a long way in prevention of drug abuse. Some things that people in the general public can do include first and foremost vowing to never even try a drug once if offered and should offer help and guidance to those that they see involved in such things. All efforts should be made to motivate the person to get help from social groups and moral support should be provided in all circumstances. Laughing at or scolding an inflicted person can backfire. Hence, such attitudes should be avoided. References Becker, J. B. (2008). “Sex Differences in Drug Abuse.” Frontiers in Neuroendriocology. Botvian, G. J. (2000). “Preventing Drug Abuse in Schools: Social and Competent Enhancement Approaches Targeting Individual level Etiologic Factors” Addictive Behaviors. Volume 25, Issue 6, pp. 887-897. Drug Abuse Help. (2009). Drug Abuse Facts and Statistics. Retrieved on August 04, 2011: www.drugabusehelp.com/statistics/ Johnston, L. & O’Malley P. (2008). “Monitoring the Future: National Results on Adolescent Drug Use.” Institute on Drug Abuse. IDA. McLellan, T. and Woody, G. (1983). “Predicting response to Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatments” Archives of General Psychiatry. Volume 40, Issue 6, pp. 620-625. Stanton, M. D. (1997). “Outcome, attrition, and family couple’s treatment of Drug abuse”. Psychological Bulletin. Volume 122, Issue 2, pp. 170-191. Read More