Drug Abuse
Research:
A drug is a substance that people take that changes the way their body and mind work. Injection, inhalation, and ingestion are ways that drugs can enter the body and affect the brain.There are thousands of drugs, some are legal drugs that adults use like alcohol or tobacco. Other some people use illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Some of the reasons why people start taking drugs is because it makes them feel good, ease a problem, or out of curiosity. After consuming the drug, people can get addicted to it because some drugs flood the brain with a chemical called dopamine which triggers the feeling of pleasure. Drug abuse is a major problem in today's society. Without proper treatment, it can lead to permanent impacts in a person's life such as mental/physical health and overall happiness.The brain likes the feeling and wants it to be repeated again. Drug abuse leads to changes in the structure of the brain and causes the feeling to seek and use the drug again. The changes in the brain can cause impaired judgement, different behavior, and ability to think clearly. One of the major factors why people tend to abuse or get addicted to drugs is because of stress. Researchers have found that people who experience stress are at an increase risk of drug abuse.
Drug Abuse Statistics:
- According to Addiction Center, In 2011 over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have addiction (excluding tobacco)
- Over 100 people die every day relating to drug overdoses. (rate has tripled over last 20 years).
- Drug use highest in ages 18 to 25.
Physical Symptoms:- Dilated pupils
- Bruises or infections where drug entered the body
- Bloodshot eyes
- Abrupt weight changes
Behavior Symptom:
- Increase aggression
- Different personality
- Depression
- Bad financial problems
- Criminal activity
- Changes in priorities
Personal:
Personally, I had a friend that lived around my neighborhood. He was a college student who was good at basketball and had a nice car. Also, his younger brother even looked up to him because he was doing good towards his future. After, he started hanging out with the wrong type of people and got into taking illegal drugs. His life completely changed and he basically lost everything. He would fight with his parents so he got kicked out the house, and kept buying drugs to ease the problems which led to no money to pay the car so it was repossessed. I would try to help him out by giving him some money and rides to his other job but it wasn't enough. It was sad to see him like that and how his life completely changed because of drugs.
I care about this issue because I have a couple of friends who got addicted and ruined their lives. Drug abuse is dangerous and can take the lives of many people if you do not take the right precautions. We need to teach young people the negative and long-term effects of drug use so that they are able to live a healthy life. After doing this project I was able to learn about the different stories of people in my community, neighbors, and friends who are also affected by this issue. Drug abuse should not be taken for granted and there is always hope for everyone.
References
"Drugs That People Abuse." Easy to Read Drug Facts. National Institute on Drug Abuse, 04 Nov. 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.
Robinson, Lawrence, Melinda M.A Smith, Joanna Saisan, and Jennifer Shubin. "Drug Abuse and Addiction Causes, Symptoms, and Prevention Facts." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.
Smith, Kayla. "Addiction Statistics - Facts on Drug and Alcohol Addiction." Addiction Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.
"Symptoms and Signs of Drug Abuse." DrugAbuse.com. N.p., 01 Nov. 2016. Web. 28 Nov. 2016
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